I Timothy 3:1-13
Dear RTB’ers,
Back on track, with an early-morning post. Only two church officers are mentioned in today’s reading, overseer and deacon. Many scholars ascribe the overseer office to be that of our modern-day bishop, even back then one individual overseeing a number of parishes. Then to find deacons, we go back to Acts 6:1-6 where we see the first “deacons” appointed, but not named as such, …men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom (Acts 6:3b), who were simply asked “…to serve tables” (Acts 6:2b). The requirements for both of these church offices are stringent, with a major focus on one’s own family. It’s interesting to note that overseers must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace… (v. 7) Sadly, we’ve seen too many church leaders fall into disgrace. One wonders how well vetted they were for their positions!
Blessings!
See also: November 5 (2021) / I Timothy 3:1-16