No brawler for not given to wine , A.V.; the R.T. omits the clause μὴ αἰσξρερδη ; gentle for patient , A.V.; contentious for a brawler , A.V.; no lover of money , for not covetous , A.V. No brawler ( μὴ πάροινον ); only here and Titus 1:7 ; but, as well as παροίνιος , common in classical Greek, in the sense of "quarrelsome over wine." In Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34 "wine-bibber" is οἰνοπότης . In 1 Peter 4:3 the word for "excess of wine"... read more
Not given to wine - Margin, “Not ready to quarrel and offer wrong, as one in wine.” The Greek word (πάροινος paroinos) occurs in the New Testament only here and in Titus 1:7. It means, properly, “by wine;” i. e., spoken of what takes place “by” or “over” wine, as revelry, drinking songs, etc. Then it denotes, as it does here, one who sits “by” wine; that is, who is in the habit of drinking it. It cannot be inferred, from the use of the word here, that wine was absolutely and entirely... read more
1 Timothy 3:2-3. A bishop then Or an overseer of the flock of Christ, that he may be capable of such an office; must be blameless In every respect with regard to his moral character, since any thing which might be amiss in that would tend to bring a reproach upon his office, and greatly obstruct his usefulness; the husband of one wife This neither means that a bishop must be married, nor that he may not marry a second wife; which is just as lawful for him to do as to marry a first,... read more
Elders and deacons (3:1-13)Churches of the New Testament era were self-governing bodies that were independent of each other and under the control of local elders. Elders were also known as shepherds, overseers, guardians, leaders and bishops, but these names represent only two words in the original Greek, presbuteroi and episkopoi.These two Greek words refer to the same office and people. For example (in the words of the RSV), in Acts 20:17 Paul sent for the elders (presbuteroi) of the Ephesian... read more
Not. App-105 . given to wine . Greek. paroinos . Here and Titus 1:7 , no striker = not (Greek. me) a striker (Greek. plektes . Here and Titus 1:7 ). not greedy , &c. The texts omit, the idea being expressed at the and of the verse. patient . Greek. epieikes . See Philippians 1:4 , Philippians 1:5 , not a brawler = not contentious. Greek. amachos . Here and Titus 3:2 . not covetous = not loving money. Greek. aphilarguros . Here and Hebrews 13:5 , read more
no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;The best comment on these terms is perhaps the basic definitions of the Greek words from which they have been translated, although the meaning comes through clearly enough in their English derivatives. The following definitions are from Wuest:[21]Brawler: a fighter, a contentious person, one who goes about with a chip on his shoulder. Striker: this noun speaks of a bruiser, one who is ready with a blow, a pugnacious,... read more
1 Timothy 3:3. No striker, &c.— Instead of no striker, Dr. Heylin reads, not violent;—not a lover of contention, or one who has so little government of himself, as passionately to fly out against others. read more
3. Not given to wine—The Greek includes besides this, not indulging in the brawling, violent conduct towards others, which proceeds from being given to wine. The opposite of "patient" or (Greek) "forbearing," reasonable to others (see on :-). no striker—with either hand or tongue: not as some teachers pretending a holy zeal ( :-), answering to "not a brawler" or fighter (compare 1 Kings 22:24; Nehemiah 13:25; Isaiah 58:4; Acts 23:2; 2 Timothy 2:24; 2 Timothy 2:25). not covetous—Greek, "not a... read more
1. Qualifications for elders 3:1-7The Ephesian church already had elders long before Paul wrote this letter (Acts 20:17-35)."If our identification of the false teachers as elders is correct, then Paul’s reason for this set of instructions is that Timothy must see to it that elders are living according to their appointment, that is, by these standards. At the same time, of course, the whole church will be listening in and will thus be given the grounds for discipline of erring elders as well as... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:1-16
It was one of the weightiest duties laid upon Timothy, when called to be the spiritual ruler of the Church of Ephesus, to take care that the priests and deacons were men well qualified for their holy office. The condition of a congregation depends so largely upon the spiritual character of those who minister to it, that the choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred ministry of God's Church is a matter of vital importance to the welfare of the people, and demands the utmost wisdom and... read more