Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
RULES AS TO BISHOPS (OVERSEERS) AND DEACONS. THE CHURCH, AND THE GOSPEL MYSTERY NOW REVEALED TO IT, ARE THE END OF ALL SUCH RULES. (1Ti. 3:1-16)
Translate as Greek, "Faithful is the saying." A needful preface to what follows: for the office of a bishop or overseer in Paul's day, attended as it was with hardship and often persecution, would not seem to the world generally a desirable and "good work."
desire--literally, "stretch one's self forward to grasp"; "aim at": a distinct Greek verb from that for "desireth." What one does voluntarily is more esteemed than what he does when asked (1 Corinthians 16:15). This is utterly distinct from ambitious desires after office in the Church. (James 3:1).
bishop--overseer: as yet identical with "presbyter" (Acts 20:17, Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5-7).
good work--literally, "honorable work." Not the honor associated with it, but the work, is the prominent thought (Acts 15:38; Philippians 2:30; compare 2 Timothy 4:5). He who aims at the office must remember the high qualifications needed for the due discharge of its functions.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
1 Timothy 4:12
2 Timothy 2:11
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