1 Timothy 3:15-16 - 1599 Geneva Bible

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest yet know, how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
16 And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness, which is, God is manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.


Father, thank you yet again for giving me another day to read and study your word. I ask only that you reveal to me, that which you wish for me to know – Amen

Brethren:


The Apostle herein sayest that God manifested Himself in the form of a man. He was then crucified, yet justified for and by His obedience to the Father. His life and rebirth (via the resurrection) was then preached unto the Gentiles, of which Paul was sent. Herein then is the mystery of the Godhead explained, to wit; Christ was born, Christ suffered and died, Christ rose again. All three sitting in the throne-room of the Living God, and all three are one with God. - R.P. Woitowitz


“The Pastor hath always to think, how that he is occupied in the house of the living God, wherein the treasure of the truth is kept. To wit, in respect of men: for the Church resteth upon that cornerstone, Christ, and is the preserver of the truth, but not the mother. There is nothing more excellent than this truth, whereof the Church is the keeper and preserver here amongst men, the ministry of the word being appointed to that end and purpose: for it teacheth us the greatest matters that may be thought of, to wit, that God is become visible in the person of Christ by taking our nature upon him, whose Majesty notwithstanding in so great weakness was manifested many ways, insomuch that the sight of it pierced the very Angels: and to conclude, he being preached unto the Gentiles was received of them, and is now placed above in glory unspeakable. The power of the Godhead showeth itself so marvelously in that weak flesh of Christ, that though he were a weak man, yet all the world knoweth he was, and is God” - GNV Study notes

“The church is the house of God; He dwells therein. Christ as a pillar holds forth a proclamation. The mystery of godliness is Christ. He is God, who was made flesh, and was manifest in the flesh. God was pleased to manifest himself to man by his own Son taking the nature of man. Though reproached as a sinner, and put to death as a malefactor: Christ was raised again by the spirit and so was justified with which he was loaded. God was manifest in the flesh, to take away our sins, to redeem us [to Himself] from all iniquity and to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Matthew Henry

1 Timothy 3:8-13 - 1599 Geneva Bible

8 Likewise must Deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given unto much wine, neither to filthy lucre,
9 Having the mystery of the faith in pure conscience.
10 And let them first be proved, then let them minister, if they be found blameless.
11 Likewise their wives must be honest, not evil speakers, but sober, and faithful in all things.
12 Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, and such as can rule their children well, and their own households.
13 For they that have ministered well, get themselves a good decree, and great liberty in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus


Father, thank you for giving me another day. Open my heart to your glorious word – amen

Brethren:


The Apostle now lays out the needed qualities for being a deacon. Basically, the same as bishops (pastors), to wit:
Sobriety, not covetous or greedy for money, (for the public trust was placed in their hands to distributed as needed by the church), speak freely the truth of the Gospel without guile. Husbands of one wife, and can run their households effectively.
R.P. Woitowitz

“The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church and to manage its concerns, yet pastors, and evangelists were among them. The deacons had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are found fit for the business with which they are to be trusted.” Matthew Henry

1 Timothy 3:6-7 - 1599 Geneva Bible

6 He may not be a young scholar, lest he being puffed up fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 He must also be well reported of, even of them which are without, lest he fall into rebuke, and the snare of the devil.


Father, open up my mind and heart to your word today. - Amen

Brethren:

The final two requirements for being a bishop (pastor) in the early Christian church, to wit:
The candidate must not be a young scholar as he might become proud and fall back into the hands of the Devil. Secondly, he must be well beyond any reproach, in particular from the non-believers, who will seek to discredit him at all times. Let no guile be found in him, so that they, the non-believers will be put to shame.
R.P. Woitowitz

“Not a novice or 'one newly come to the faith.' The Greek word, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, means, properly, that which is 'newly planted.' Thus it would mean a plant that was not strong, or not fitted to bear the severity of storms; that had not as yet struck its roots deep, and could not resist the fierceness of a cold blast. Then the word comes to mean a new convert; one who has had little opportunity to test his own faith, or to give evidence to others that he would be faithful to the trust committed to him. The word does not refer so much to one who is young “in years,” as one who is young “in faith.” Still, all the reasons which apply against introducing a very recent convert into the ministry, will apply commonly with equal force against introducing one young in years. We are not to suppose that this is the only reason against introducing a recent convert into the ministry, but it is a sufficient reason. He would be likely to be elated by being entrusted at once with the highest office in the church, and by the commendations and flattery which he might receive. No condition is wholly proof against this; but he is much less likely to be injured who has had much experience of the depravity of his own heart, and whose mind has been deeply imbued with the spirit of the gospel. Condemnation on account of pride. It is here intimated that the cause of the apostasy of Satan was pride; a cause which is as likely to have been the true one as any other. Who can tell but it may have been produced by some new honor which was conferred on him in heaven, and that his virtue was not found sufficient for the untried circumstances in which he was placed?


Who are without the church; that is, of those who are not Christians. This includes, of course, 'all' classes of those who are not Christians - pagans, infidels, Jews, moral people, and scoffers. The idea is, that he must have a fair reputation with them for integrity of character. His life must be in their view upright. He must not be addicted to anything which they regard as inconsistent with good morals. His deportment must be such that they shall regard it as not inconsistent with his profession. He must be true and just and honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, and so live that they cannot say that he has wronged them. He must not give occasion for scandal or reproach in his contact with the other sex, but must be regarded as a man of a pure life and of a holy walk. The 'reason' for this injunction is obvious.

It is his business to endeavor to do such people good, and to persuade them to become Christians. “But no minister of the gospel can possibly do such people good, unless they regard him as an upright and honest man.” No matter how he preaches or prays; no matter how orthodox, learned, or apparently devout he may be, all his efforts will be in vain unless they regard him as a man of incorruptible integrity. If they hate religion themselves, they insist justly that since he has professed it he shall be governed by its principles; or if they feel its importance, they will not be influenced to embrace it by a man that they regard as hypocritical and impure. Go to a man whom you have defrauded, or who regards you as having done or attempted wrong to any other one, and talk to him about the necessity of religion, and he will instinctively say that he does not 'want' a religion which will not make its professor true, honest, and pure. It is impossible, therefore, for a minister to over-estimate the importance of having a fair character in the view of the world, and no man should be introduced into the ministry, or sustained in it, who has not a fair reputation.” - Albert Barnes

1 Timothy 3:1-5 - 1599 Geneva Bible

1 This is a true saying, If any man desire the office of a Bishop, he desireth a worthy work.
2 A Bishop therefore must be unreproveable, the husband of one wife, watching, temperate, modest, harborous, apt to teach,
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre, but gentle, no fighter, not covetous.
4 One that can rule his own house honestly, having children under obedience with all honesty.
5 For if any cannot rule his own house, how shall he care for the Church of God?


Heavenly Father, thank you for this morning and allowing your servant to have yet another day. I am greatfull and come with humble adoration to your throne-room this morning. Help me my Lord to understand your word. Open my mind and my heart. - Amen


Brethren:


The Apostle Paul starts now in this chapter to outline the hierarchy of the church and positions of authority. Thus he writes that a bishop in all things must be beyond reproach or any condemnation. They basically need to be advisers in all aspects to the congregation without spot, blemish or wrinkle. Should the fall into sin, they are to be removed immediately to avoid any form of impropriety. This today is a major flaw in the church. They are now involved in various scandals and are moved along. My friends, this should NOT be so. Can they be redeemed and return as a brother in good standing? Yes, but can no longer hold any position of authority in the church. (Read Titus 2:6)
R.P. Woitowitz


“Let us consider the qualifications of a Christian bishop, and then we shall soon discover who is fit for the office.

First – [the] Christian bishop must be blameless; ανεπιληπτον, a person against whom no evil can be proved; one who is everywhere invulnerable; for the word is a metaphor, taken from the case of an expert and skillful pugilist, who so defends every part of his body that it is impossible for his antagonist to give one hit. So this Christian bishop is one that has so conducted himself, as to put it out of the reach of any person to prove that he is either unsound in a single article of the Christian faith, or deficient in the fulfillment of any duty incumbent on a Christian. He must be irreprehensible; for how can he reprove that in others which they can reprove in him?

Second - must be the husband of one wife. He should be a married man, but he should be no polygamist; and have only one wife, i.e. one at a time. It does not mean that, if he has been married, and his wife die, he should never marry another. Some have most foolishly spiritualized this, and say, that by one wife the Church is intended! This silly quibbling needs no refutation. The apostle's meaning appears to be this: that he should not be a man who has divorced his wife and married another; nor one that has two wives at a time. It does not appear to have been any part of the apostle's design to prohibit second marriages, of which some have made such a serious business. But it is natural for some men to tithe mint and cummin in religion, while they neglect the weightier matters of the law.

Third - must be vigilant; νηφαλεον, from νη, not and πιω, to drink. Watchful; for as one who drinks is apt to sleep, so he who abstains from it is more likely to keep awake, and attend to his work and charge. A bishop has to watch over the Church, and watch for it; and this will require all his care and circumspection. Instead of νηφαλεον, many MSS. read νηφαλιον· this may be the better orthography, but makes no alteration in the sense.

Fourth - must be sober; σωφρονα, prudent or, according to the etymology of the word, from σως, sound, and φρην, mind, a man of a sound mind; having a good understanding, and the complete government of all his passions. A bishop should be a man of learning, of an extensive and well cultivated mind, dispassionate, prudent, and sedate.

Fifth - must be of good behavior; κοσμιον, orderly, decent, grave, and correct in the whole of his appearance, carriage, and conduct. The preceding term, σωφρονα, refers to the mind; this latter, κοσμιον, to the external manners. A clownish, rude, or boorish man should never have the rule of the Church of God; the sour, the sullen, and the boisterous should never be invested with a dignity which they would most infallibly disgrace.” - Adam Clarke

1 Timothy 2:8-10 - 1599 Geneva Bible

8 I will therefore that the men pray, everywhere lifting up pure hands without wrath, or doubting.
9 Likewise also the women, that they array themselves in comely apparel, with shamefastness and modesty, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly apparel,
10 But (as becometh women that profess the fear of God) with good works.



Father God, help me to read your word today. Teach me with your wisdom for I am just a man that sometimes struggles to understand it. - Amen

Brethren:

The Apostle Paul doth list and express the proper means of prayer to wit:
Without anger, without doubt, and with love and charity.
God honors sincere prayer. He also sayest that women do not teach but listen in silence and subjugation to the man. With this, I would like to agree, and for the most part do agree. However, today's world has men abandoning their positions of authority, and have prompted women to take a dominant role in the church. I would wish that men would return to their first love and become more active again in the Christian church and family. Yet, this does not negate that women should neglect their own salvation, and allows them to teach the children so that they might stay on the path. (See Epehesains 5:25; Colossians 3:19)
R.P. Woitowitz

“Under the gospel, prayer is not to be confined to any one particular house of prayer, but men must pray everywhere. We must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our meals, pray when we are on journeys and pray in the solemn assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in charity; without wrath or malice or anger at any person. We must pray in faith, without doubting and without disputing. Good works are the best ornament this are in the site of God, of great price. Good women may and ought to tech their children at home, the principles of true [faith] and religion.”
Matthew Henry

1 Timothy 2:5-6 - 1599 Geneva Bible

5 For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Jesus,
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all men, to be that testimony in due time,

Glorious Savior, help me to understand your word this morning – Amen

Brethren:


Christ is our Mediator, there is no way to the Father, except through Him. He is between, God and mankind. He, God, coming in the form of a man gave of Himself so that we as sinners might be redeemed from the wages of sin; eternal death. He died for us once and for all, for all. This then is His testimony.
R.P Woitowitz

“What the Mediator gave as a ransom for men is "himself", his body and his soul, which were both made an offering for sin; and his life, which is the result of union between soul and body; his whole human nature as in union with his divine person, and so might be truly said to be himself: this he gave into the hands of men, of justice and of death; and that voluntarily, which shows his great love to his people; and also as a "ransom", or a ransom price for them, in their room and stead; to ransom them from the slavery of sin, and damnation by it, from the captivity of Satan, and the bondage of the law, and from the grave, death, hell, ruin, and destruction: and this ransom was given for "all"; not for every individual of mankind, for then all would be delivered, freed, and saved, whereas they are not; or else the ransom price is paid in vain, or God is unjust to receive a sufficient ransom price from Christ, and yet not free the captive, but punish the person for whom he has received satisfaction; neither of which can be said.” John Gill

1 Timothy 2:1-4 - 1599 Geneva Bible

1 I Exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 For Kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness, and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
4 Who will that all men shall be saved, and come unto the acknowledging of the truth.


Father God, this morning, I pray thee that you open my eyes to the words of your glorious gospel – Amen


Brethren:

We are expected, nay appointed, by God to pray for all mankind regardless of rank or stature. From the highest to the lowest, so that we might lead a quiet life without turmoil or strife. This reasoning is two fold, for if we are content in life with no threats we can then, secondly devote more time to God in worship. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, so let us pray likewise for their salvation. Love God, love others, these are the two greatest commands given unto us.
“Live justly, show kindness, walk humbly with your God” - Micah 6:8
R.P. Woitowitz


“Our duty as Christians is summed up in two words; godliness, that is the right [and correct] worshiping of God; and honesty; that is the good conduct towards all men. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour we should abound in.” - Matthew Henry