The Proven Character of The Proven Character of an Overseeran Overseer

1 Timothy 3:2-1 Timothy 3:2-77

Titus 1:6-9Titus 1:6-9

Traditional Approach to Traditional Approach to EldersElders

Combine the two lists from Timothy Combine the two lists from Timothy and Titus into a single checklistand Titus into a single checklist

““Disqualify” a man for a single case Disqualify” a man for a single case of a violation of a “qualification”of a violation of a “qualification”

Gravitate toward the “quantifiable” Gravitate toward the “quantifiable” qualifications: number of wives and qualifications: number of wives and children immersed in waterchildren immersed in water

Avoid judgments that are “too Avoid judgments that are “too personal” (unless we’re vindictive)personal” (unless we’re vindictive)

Qualities vs. QualificationsQualities vs. Qualifications Emphasizes moral character and Emphasizes moral character and

quality, the spiritual depth of one’s quality, the spiritual depth of one’s total lifetotal life vs. a single instance of quick-temper, vs. a single instance of quick-temper,

for examplefor example

Emphasizes the proven character Emphasizes the proven character necessary to “qualify” him to do necessary to “qualify” him to do his work: supervising spiritual his work: supervising spiritual growthgrowth vs. concern for irrelevant vs. concern for irrelevant

requirementsrequirements

Qualities vs. QualificationsQualities vs. Qualifications Recognizes the possible existence of Recognizes the possible existence of

efforts at reproach, but focuses on the efforts at reproach, but focuses on the man being above such reproachman being above such reproach vs. suspicion of a man over any objection vs. suspicion of a man over any objection

raised by the most unspiritual and weak raised by the most unspiritual and weak member of the congregationmember of the congregation

Recognizes the proper context and Recognizes the proper context and meaning of Timothy and Titusmeaning of Timothy and Titus vs. a man-made legalistic checklist that vs. a man-made legalistic checklist that

exists outside of any biblical contextexists outside of any biblical context

The “Character” of the Lists:The “Character” of the Lists: Paul uses moral, ethical terms more Paul uses moral, ethical terms more

common among pagans than in NTcommon among pagans than in NT corresponds to his concern for one’s corresponds to his concern for one’s

reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)

The terms are conceptual, not The terms are conceptual, not technical or concretetechnical or concrete ideas are important, not specific termsideas are important, not specific terms

The character required is not The character required is not substantially different from other substantially different from other ChristiansChristians

The “Character” of the Lists:The “Character” of the Lists: neither list exhaustive:neither list exhaustive:

what about a dishonest murderer?what about a dishonest murderer?

lists not identical in content:lists not identical in content: 15 character traits in each list15 character traits in each list

55 identicalidentical55 synonymoussynonymous55 differentdifferent

lists are identical in lists are identical in charactercharacter

having good reporthaving good reportnot a new convertnot a new convert

respectablerespectablegentlegentle

uncontentiousuncontentiousabove reproachabove reproach

able to teachable to teachnot a lover of moneynot a lover of money

having children…having children…temperatetemperate

man of one womanman of one womansensiblesensible

hospitablehospitablenot a drunkardnot a drunkard

not a fighternot a fighter

blamelessblamelessable to exhortable to exhortnot materialisticnot materialisticfaithful childrenfaithful childrenself-disciplinedself-disciplinedman of one womanman of one womansensiblesensiblehospitablehospitablenot a drunkardnot a drunkardnot a fighternot a fighternot self-willednot self-willednot quick-not quick-temperedtemperedlover of goodlover of goodjustjustdevoutdevout

Titu

s 1:6-9T

itus 1:6-9

1 T

imot

hy

3:2-

71

Tim

oth

y 3:

2-7

IdenticalIdenticalSimilarSimilar

DifferentDifferent

The “Character” of the Lists:The “Character” of the Lists: The two lists are interchangeableThe two lists are interchangeable

if Timothy had used Titus’s list, he if Timothy had used Titus’s list, he would still have chosen the same manwould still have chosen the same man

if Titus had used Timothy’s list, he if Titus had used Timothy’s list, he would still have chosen the same manwould still have chosen the same man

Each list emphasizes the one and Each list emphasizes the one and only “qualification”: only “qualification”: above reproachabove reproach Emphasized in both Timothy and Titus Emphasized in both Timothy and Titus

by two sentencesby two sentences

A Word of Caution:A Word of Caution: ““above reproach” is a relative term above reproach” is a relative term

that needs further definitionthat needs further definition are we left to define “above are we left to define “above

reproach,” or does God define it for reproach,” or does God define it for us?us?

Many have advocated a “single Many have advocated a “single qualification” concept in order to qualification” concept in order to soften Paul’s directionssoften Paul’s directions a single, childless man, for example, a single, childless man, for example,

might be thought “above reproach” might be thought “above reproach” by someby some

A Word of Caution:A Word of Caution: Paul defines for us what he meansPaul defines for us what he means

the items he specifies are essential the items he specifies are essential components of being “above components of being “above reproach”reproach”

e.g., he affirms that a man who has not e.g., he affirms that a man who has not managed a family managed a family cannotcannot know how to know how to manage the family of God (1 manage the family of God (1 Timothy 3:5)Timothy 3:5)

Paul is not only concerned with Paul is not only concerned with character, but “proven character”character, but “proven character” tested, developed, demonstratedtested, developed, demonstrated

Timothy’s Two Sentences Timothy’s Two Sentences (1 (1 Timothy 3:2-7)Timothy 3:2-7)

2 2 Therefore it is necessary for the overseer to be Therefore it is necessary for the overseer to be above above reproachreproach: a one-woman man, temperate, : a one-woman man, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, teach, 33 not a drunkard, not a fighter, but not a drunkard, not a fighter, but gentle, uncontentious, unmaterialistic, gentle, uncontentious, unmaterialistic, 44 presiding over his own household well - having presiding over his own household well - having his children under control with all dignity his children under control with all dignity 55 (but (but if anyone does not know how to manage his if anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), church of God?), 66 not a new convert, lest he not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil.condemnation of the devil.

77Therefore, it is necessary [for the overseer] to Therefore, it is necessary [for the overseer] to have a good reputation with those outside, lest have a good reputation with those outside, lest he fall into the he fall into the reproachreproach and snare of the devil. and snare of the devil.

Titus’s Two Sentences Titus’s Two Sentences (Titus 1:6-9)(Titus 1:6-9)

6 6 …if anyone is …if anyone is blamelessblameless: a one-woman : a one-woman man, having faithful children who are not man, having faithful children who are not accused of dissipation or rebellion.accused of dissipation or rebellion.

7 7 For it is necessary for the overseer to be For it is necessary for the overseer to be blamelessblameless as God’s household steward: as God’s household steward: not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not a fighter, not greedy, drunkard, not a fighter, not greedy, 88 but but hospitable, loving good, sensible, just, hospitable, loving good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, devout, self-controlled, 99 holding fast the holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.those who contradict.

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context:The “Qualifications”The “Qualifications”

RememberRemember Context and main point of both Context and main point of both

Timothy and Titus: “Timothy and Titus: “above reproachabove reproach”” The two lists emphasize this traitThe two lists emphasize this trait

not exhaustivenot exhaustive

not identical or synonymous in detailnot identical or synonymous in detail

interchangeable; identical in characterinterchangeable; identical in character

The two texts emphasize this trait by The two texts emphasize this trait by means of two sentences in each casemeans of two sentences in each case

RememberRemember Paul explains the essential Paul explains the essential

components for “components for “above reproachabove reproach”” Not left to define it for ourselvesNot left to define it for ourselves Not optional traits for an overseerNot optional traits for an overseer Focuses on proven character that is Focuses on proven character that is

tested, developed, and demonstratedtested, developed, and demonstrated

Provides the context within which Provides the context within which interpretive decisions must be madeinterpretive decisions must be made an objective guideline that helps us to an objective guideline that helps us to

avoid subjective interpretationsavoid subjective interpretations

Two Unavoidable Elder Two Unavoidable Elder Issues: Issues:

““Husband of one wife”?Husband of one wife”? Does the elder have to be married? Does the elder have to be married?

What if his wife dies?What if his wife dies?

Can an elder be remarried?Can an elder be remarried?

““Faithful children”?Faithful children”? As Christians or obedient to parents?As Christians or obedient to parents?

Must each child be a faithful Christian?Must each child be a faithful Christian?

Does this require more than one child?Does this require more than one child?

Two Absolute Guidelines:Two Absolute Guidelines: Each quality must be judged very Each quality must be judged very

personally for “proven character”personally for “proven character”

The “proving ground” The “proving ground” (1 Timothy (1 Timothy 3:10)3:10) for such character is the for such character is the physical homephysical home 1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6-71 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6-7

the “elders” are the fathers in God’s the “elders” are the fathers in God’s spiritual family of the local churchspiritual family of the local church

a man’s children know most truly the a man’s children know most truly the real man that their father isreal man that their father is

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Husband of one wife”Husband of one wife”

Is this intended to require marriage?Is this intended to require marriage? If so, must the marriage be If so, must the marriage be current (i.e., an elder must resign current (i.e., an elder must resign when widowed)?when widowed)?

Is this intended to forbid polygamy?Is this intended to forbid polygamy? Is this intended to forbid adultery? Is this intended to forbid adultery?

or sexual promiscuity?or sexual promiscuity? Does this forbid remarriage after a Does this forbid remarriage after a

spouse’s death or a scriptural spouse’s death or a scriptural divorce?divorce?

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Husband of one wife”Husband of one wife”

lit. “one woman man”; only occurs in lit. “one woman man”; only occurs in NT (and later Christian interpreters)NT (and later Christian interpreters)

four different views presented from four different views presented from ancient times (not mutually ancient times (not mutually exclusive)exclusive)a requirement to be marrieda requirement to be marrieda prohibition against remarriagea prohibition against remarriagea prohibition against polygamya prohibition against polygamya requirement of sexual fidelitya requirement of sexual fidelity

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Husband of one wife”Husband of one wife”

at the least, this phrase does not at the least, this phrase does not require that the overseer be married require that the overseer be married concurrentlyconcurrently during his overseership during his overseership

that is, a widowed elder would not that is, a widowed elder would not necessarily be required to resignnecessarily be required to resign cf. “one-man woman” widow cf. “one-man woman” widow

(1 (1 Timothy 5:9)Timothy 5:9)

why do we not require elders to resign why do we not require elders to resign once their children are no longer under once their children are no longer under their authority their authority (1 Timothy 3:4)(1 Timothy 3:4)

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Husband of one wife”Husband of one wife”

the real test: how does one’s the real test: how does one’s interpretation of this phrase fit into interpretation of this phrase fit into the context of “proven character”?the context of “proven character”? are we to conclude that the elder are we to conclude that the elder becomes a moral degenerate becomes a moral degenerate overnight or incapable of spiritual overnight or incapable of spiritual guidance once his wife dies?guidance once his wife dies?

of course, if resignation is what the of course, if resignation is what the scriptures required we would accept it scriptures required we would accept it as the wisdom of God, but this is the as the wisdom of God, but this is the point to be proved…point to be proved…

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Husband of one wife”: meaning?Husband of one wife”: meaning?

it requires a marriage sufficient to it requires a marriage sufficient to provide the experience required by provide the experience required by

1 Timothy 3:5 1 Timothy 3:5 it forbids polygamy & requires marital it forbids polygamy & requires marital

fidelity in keeping with God’s willfidelity in keeping with God’s will polyandry/polygamy not the problem polyandry/polygamy not the problem (1 Timothy 5:9)(1 Timothy 5:9)

but does it forbid remarriage?but does it forbid remarriage? a judgment call for each local churcha judgment call for each local church if God approves remarriage (1 Cor. 7:39; if God approves remarriage (1 Cor. 7:39; Romans 7:1-3), can it be reproachable?Romans 7:1-3), can it be reproachable?

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Faithful children”Faithful children”

Faithful to the father or faithful to Faithful to the father or faithful to God (i.e., a believer)?God (i.e., a believer)?

A plurality or a single child?A plurality or a single child?

The problem of one child out of The problem of one child out of many who never becomes a many who never becomes a Christian or who apostatizes?Christian or who apostatizes?

If every child must be a Christian, If every child must be a Christian, what of an elder who begets what of an elder who begets another child while an elder?another child while an elder?

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Faithful children”Faithful children”

how does one’s treatment of this how does one’s treatment of this topic fit into the context of “proven topic fit into the context of “proven character”?character”?

How does the number of children How does the number of children affect being “above reproach”?affect being “above reproach”?

How does begetting a child later in How does begetting a child later in life nullify being “above reproach”?life nullify being “above reproach”?

a child’s faithfulness or a child’s faithfulness or unfaithfulness may reflect upon the unfaithfulness may reflect upon the fatherfather

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““FaithfulFaithful children”: context? children”: context?

immediate context “not accused of immediate context “not accused of dissipation or rebellion” (Titus 1:6) dissipation or rebellion” (Titus 1:6) suggests obedience toward one’s suggests obedience toward one’s fatherfather

parallel context “under subjection parallel context “under subjection with all dignity” (1 Timothy 3:4-5) with all dignity” (1 Timothy 3:4-5) suggests obedience toward one’s suggests obedience toward one’s fatherfather

moot point if the father is teaching moot point if the father is teaching them to follow Christ and a sufficient them to follow Christ and a sufficient time for testing has passedtime for testing has passed

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““FaithfulFaithful children”: meaning? children”: meaning?

Word family for “faith” (Word family for “faith” (pi,stijpi,stij pistispistis), ), occurs 562x in NT, overwhelmingly occurs 562x in NT, overwhelmingly refers to faith in Christrefers to faith in Christ

Adj. “faithful” (Adj. “faithful” (pisto,jpisto,j pistospistos), 67x in NT, ), 67x in NT, overwhelmingly means “trustworthy” overwhelmingly means “trustworthy” in the fulfillment of some responsibilityin the fulfillment of some responsibility

Substantive usage of this adjective in Substantive usage of this adjective in every clear case (13x) always means every clear case (13x) always means “believer” in reference to faith in “believer” in reference to faith in ChristChrist

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““FaithfulFaithful children”: a parallel children”: a parallel

Titus 1:6 – “having faithful Titus 1:6 – “having faithful children [obedient]”children [obedient]”

1 Timothy 3:4 – “children in 1 Timothy 3:4 – “children in submission [obedient]”submission [obedient]”

The usage in Titus 1:6 is The usage in Titus 1:6 is apparently substantive (essential apparently substantive (essential – the real nature of the thing) – the real nature of the thing) and, therefore, refers to children and, therefore, refers to children who are “believers”who are “believers”

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““FaithfulFaithful children”: what %? children”: what %?

Must all be Christians?Must all be Christians? Must all “of age” be Christians?Must all “of age” be Christians? Must all “at home” be Christians?Must all “at home” be Christians? What if one never obeys the gospel? What if one never obeys the gospel?

or if one falls away many years later?or if one falls away many years later?

The issue should be closely judged The issue should be closely judged as with each of the other qualities: as with each of the other qualities: not with absolutism, but wisdomnot with absolutism, but wisdom

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: Each case must be decided by Each case must be decided by

each congregation for itself, each congregation for itself, regarding what is reproachableregarding what is reproachable Do not automatically consider a man Do not automatically consider a man

qualified in this regard because all of qualified in this regard because all of his children are faithful Christianshis children are faithful Christians what if his wife were solely responsible?what if his wife were solely responsible?

Do not automatically consider a man Do not automatically consider a man disqualified because one is not disqualified because one is not faithfulfaithful may be extenuating circumstancesmay be extenuating circumstances

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Faithful Faithful childrenchildren”: a plurality?”: a plurality?

Not in keeping with English usageNot in keeping with English usage

““Parents with children entering Parents with children entering first grade must pre-register first grade must pre-register their children by August 1.”their children by August 1.”

““Do you have any children?”Do you have any children?”

““We are unable to have We are unable to have children.”children.”

Elder Issues in Context:Elder Issues in Context: ““Faithful Faithful childrenchildren”: a plurality?”: a plurality?

Not in keeping with Greek usageNot in keeping with Greek usage Rachel bore no children (Genesis 30:1)Rachel bore no children (Genesis 30:1) Teach your children (Deuteronomy Teach your children (Deuteronomy 11:19; Colossians 3:21; cf. Ephesians 11:19; Colossians 3:21; cf. Ephesians 6:4)6:4)

Died without children (Matthew 22:24; Died without children (Matthew 22:24; Luke 20:31; 1 Chronicles 2:30, 32)Luke 20:31; 1 Chronicles 2:30, 32)

Parents for children (2 Corinthians Parents for children (2 Corinthians 12:14)12:14)

A widow with children (1 Timothy 5:4)A widow with children (1 Timothy 5:4)