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1 Timothy — Capítulo 3

During the final phase of Paul’s apostolic career, a serious disruption was troubling the long-established Christian church in Ephesus: Some church leaders had become false teachers. Paul had warned that this would happen (Acts 20:29-31), and now their impact was threatening the life and well-being of the community. A skillful person was needed to restore order to God’s household. Paul gave thi…

Versión

Texto — Reina-Valera 1960

1Palabra fiel: Si alguno anhela obispado, buena obra desea.

2Pero es necesario que el obispo sea irreprensible, marido de una sola mujer, sobrio, prudente, decoroso, hospedador, apto para enseñar;

3no dado al vino, no pendenciero, no codicioso de ganancias deshonestas, sino amable, apacible, no avaro;

4que gobierne bien su casa, que tenga a sus hijos en sujeción con toda honestidad

5(pues el que no sabe gobernar su propia casa, ¿cómo cuidará de la iglesia de Dios?);

6no un neófito, no sea que envaneciéndose caiga en la condenación del diablo.

7También es necesario que tenga buen testimonio de los de afuera, para que no caiga en descrédito y en lazo del diablo.

8Los diáconos asimismo deben ser honestos, sin doblez, no dados a mucho vino, no codiciosos de ganancias deshonestas;

9que guarden el misterio de la fe con limpia conciencia.

10Y estos también sean sometidos a prueba primero, y entonces ejerzan el diaconado, si son irreprensibles.

11Las mujeres asimismo sean honestas, no calumniadoras, sino sobrias, fieles en todo.

12Los diáconos sean maridos de una sola mujer, y que gobiernen bien sus hijos y sus casas.

13Porque los que ejerzan bien el diaconado, ganan para sí un grado honroso, y mucha confianza en la fe que es en Cristo Jesús.

14Esto te escribo, aunque tengo la esperanza de ir pronto a verte,

15para que si tardo, sepas cómo debes conducirte en la casa de Dios, que es la iglesia del Dios viviente, columna y baluarte de la verdad.

16E indiscutiblemente, grande es el misterio de la piedad: Dios fue manifestado en carne, Justificado en el Espíritu, Visto de los ángeles, Predicado a los gentiles, Creído en el mundo, Recibido arriba en gloria.

TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES

Versículo 1

I. 3:1-13 The topic shifts to church leadership by elders (3:1-7) and deacons (3:8-13). Timothy’s ro…

3:1-13 The topic shifts to church leadership by elders (3:1-7) and deacons (3:8-13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less clear than that of Titus (see 5:17-22; Titus 1:5), possibly because the church in Ephesus was more mature and thus better able to manage the process (cp. Acts 6:2-6). The criteria listed here pertain to character rather than function and are partly a response to the local heretics. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and demonstrate the unfitness of the heretics for leadership. 3:1 trustworthy saying: See study note on 1:15. • a church leader: The translation assumes that “overseer” and “church leader” (see study note on 5:17-18) are the same office (see Titus 1:5-7). In the Greco-Roman world, an overseer was a religious, civic, or military supervisor.

Versículo 2

II. 3:2 whose life is above reproach: This is the most general prerequisite for a community leader an…

3:2 whose life is above reproach: This is the most general prerequisite for a community leader and public representative (see 3:7, 10; 5:7; 6:14; Titus 1:6-7; 2:8). • must be faithful to his wife (or must have only one wife, or must be married only once; literally must be the husband of one wife; also in 1 Tim 3:12): This assumes but does not require a married male. It mainly addresses purity and faithfulness in the marriage relationship, something that could not be taken for granted in the surrounding culture; it probably does not prohibit remarriage after the death of a spouse (see 5:9), nor does it address the issue of polygamy. See also 3:12; Titus 1:6; cp. 1 Tim 5:9. • enjoy having guests in his home (literally be hospitable): Hospitality was an important duty and a respected virtue in the ancient world. Any traveling Christian would seek out and probably stay with fellow believers (see 2 Jn 1:10-11; 3 John). In addition, first-century churches often met in private homes (see Col 4:15; Phlm 1:2).

Versículo 4

III. 3:4-5 The church as a household (3:15) overlapped with the family household. An overseer’s capaci…

3:4-5 The church as a household (3:15) overlapped with the family household. An overseer’s capacity to manage in one sphere reflected his capability in the other (see also 3:12; 5:17; Rom 12:8; 1 Thes 5:12). • The Greco-Roman household was united by familial bonds characterized by mutual responsibilities, roles, and stewardship. The household included the blood relatives living together along with other dependents, such as household servants.

Versículo 7

IV. 3:7 Paul expected Christians to live in a way that could be respected by people outside the churc…

3:7 Paul expected Christians to live in a way that could be respected by people outside the church (see also 6:1; Titus 2:5-10). • The trap might pertain to the false teachers (see 1 Tim 1:20; 5:14-15; 6:9; 2 Tim 2:26).

Versículo 8

V. 3:8-13 The Greek word translated deacon (“servant, assistant, courier, agent”) and its cognates (…

3:8-13 The Greek word translated deacon (“servant, assistant, courier, agent”) and its cognates (“service, to serve”) are commonly used for service of any kind (e.g., 4:6; Matt 22:13; John 2:5; 12:26; Rom 13:4; 1 Cor 3:5). As designating an office in the church, it occurs only in 1 Tim 3:8-13; Phil 1:1; and (maybe) Rom 16:1. This passage concentrates on character rather than activities. See also study note on Acts 6:2-6. 3:8 must not be . . . dishonest with money (3:3): Greed is disreputable and improper (6:6-10, 17-19; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5), especially for those who lead in the church (1 Tim 3:9; see Titus 1:7).

Versículo 11

VI. 3:11 their wives (or the women deacons): The Greek word can be translated women or wives. In favo…

3:11 their wives (or the women deacons): The Greek word can be translated women or wives. In favor of their wives, 3:8-13 is a discussion of male deacons; switching to “women deacons” would disrupt the flow of thought. However, there might have been women deacons in the early church (see Rom 16:1). In that case, this verse might parallel 1 Tim 3:8.

Versículo 14

VII. 3:14–4:16 This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14-15; 4…

3:14–4:16 This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14-15; 4:13).

Versículo 15

VIII. 3:15 household of God: The earliest churches were house churches (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15…

3:15 household of God: The earliest churches were house churches (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phlm 1:2) that reflected the codes of conduct of Greco-Roman households (see study note on 1 Tim 3:4-5). Violating these norms brought disrepute, disgrace, and shame on the entire household and its head. The same is true for the church (cp. Eph 2:19-22; Heb 3:6; 10:21; 1 Pet 4:17). • the church . . . is the pillar and foundation of the truth: This idea may anticipate the transition from the time of the apostles to the period after their deaths (cp. Gal 2:9; Rev 3:12). The church must be active rather than defensive in upholding the truth in the world (cp. 2 Cor 10:3-6).

Versículo 16

IX. 3:16 The short hymn or creed in this verse shows the theological richness of early Christian wors…

3:16 The short hymn or creed in this verse shows the theological richness of early Christian worship. • Jesus Christ is the only source of godliness. • vindicated by the Spirit: Christ’s resurrection (Rom 1:4) answers the apparent weakness of his life and death as a human, and affirms his teaching. • seen by angels: This emphasizes Jesus’ sovereign rule in the heavenly realm (see also Eph 1:21; Phil 2:9-11; Heb 1:3-4; 1 Pet 3:22; Rev 5:8-14). • announced to the nations: Christ’s provision of salvation and sovereign rule must be proclaimed and accepted in the earthly realm as well (cp. 1 Tim 2:1-7). • believed in throughout the world: The mission to the nations is successful, but it does not guarantee universal acceptance. • Christ was taken to heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 11, 22) and was exalted in glory (cp. Acts 7:55-56). Christ’s saving work is crowned with success in the world and with glory in heaven.

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1 Timothy — Capítulo 3