#1 --- "If anyone aspires to oversight" (I Tim. 3:1). Orego = "to stretch out one's hand toward," "to reach out for something," "to work toward," "to aspire to," "to strive for." This word appears only three times in the NT (Heb. 11:16; I Tim. 6:10). "Shepherd the flock of God among you, not under compulsion, but voluntarily" (I Pet. 5:2).
#2 --- He desires an excellent work" (I Tim. 3:1). Epithumeo = "to set the heart upon," "to long for," "to earnestly desire." In the NT it appears 54 times (16 times in verb form; 38 times as a noun). It is most often translated "lust."
ALL-INCLUSIVE QUALIFICATIONS
#3 --- "Above reproach" (I Tim. 3:2). Anepilemptos = "one who cannot be laid hold of," "not open to censure or rebuke," "irreproachable." It appears only three times in the NT (I Tim. 5:7; 6:14).
#4 --- "Blameless" (Titus 1:6). "For the overseer must of necessity be blameless as a steward of God" (Titus 1:7). Anegkletos = "one who cannot be called to account," "uncharged or unaccused," "above reproach." It appears only five times in the NT (I Cor. 1:8; Col. 1:22; I Tim. 3:10).
RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORLD
#5 --- "And he must of necessity also have a good testimony from those outside, so that he might not fall into reproach and a snare of the devil" (I Tim. 3:7). One who has a good reputation, both inside and outside the church.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH
#6 --- "Not a new convert, lest being puffed up he should fall into the sentence (or "judgment") of the devil" (I Tim. 3:6). Neophutos = "newly planted," "a novice," "a new convert." This word appears only this one time in the NT. Our English word "neophyte" comes from it. The danger here is the lack of spiritual maturity, which might lead one to be "puffed up" = tuphoo = "blinded with pride or conceit," "an inflated ego or sense of self-worth." It appears three times in the NT (I Tim. 6:4; II Tim. 3:4).
#7 --- "Able to teach" (I Tim. 3:2). Didaktikos = "skillful in teaching," "a qualified teacher." Our word "didactics" (the art or science of teaching) is derived from this word. Not so much "apt to teach" (KJV), as "apt at teaching." It conveys the idea of ability more than desire. It appears only twice in the NT (II Tim. 2:24).
#8 --- "Firmly holding the faithful Word as respects the teaching" (Titus 1:9). They are to be men who hold fast to the Word of God in their daily lives, and particularly in respect to the divine teachings or doctrines. They must not hold fast to unscriptural doctrines or viewpoints.
#9 --- ".....in order that he might be able both to persuade by the teaching which is sound....." (Titus 1:9). He must be able to utilize sound doctrine to persuade the lost and encourage the faithful.
#10 --- ".....and to refute the ones who speak against it" (Titus 1:9). The elder must also be able to utilize sound doctrine to refute and expose those who speak out against it.
RELATIONSHIP TO HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD
#11 --- "The husband of one wife" (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6). Literally: "A one woman man," or "a man of one woman."
#12 --- "One who is himself managing his own household well" (I Tim. 3:4a). "But if anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" (I Tim. 3:5). Proistemi = "to manage," "to superintend," "to preside over." It appears eight times in the NT (I Tim. 3:12; 5:17; Titus 3:8, 14; Romans 12:8; I Thess. 5:12).
#13 --- "Having his children in subjection (subordination, submissiveness, obedience) with all respectfulness (gravity, seriousness)" (I Tim. 3:4b).
#14 --- "Having children worthy of trust (believing, faithful), not accused of abandoned (wanton, depraved) living or rebelliousness" (Titus 1:6b).
HABITS, QUALITIES, & CHARACTERISTICS
#15 --- "Temperate" (I Tim. 3:2). Nephalios = "sober," "abstaining from wine," "clear-headed," "vigilant." It appears only three times in the NT (I Tim 3:11; Titus 2:2).
#16 --- "Not given to wine" (I Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7). Paroinos = "not addicted to wine," "not quarrelsome over wine," "brawling," "abusive." It literally means: "One who sits long at his wine." It appears only these two times in the NT.
#17 --- "Prudent" (I Tim.3:2; Titus 1:8). Sophron = "of sound mind," "discreet," "sane," "thoughtful." It appears only four times in the NT (Titus 2:2, 5).
#18 --- "Respectable" (I Tim. 3:2). Kosmios = "honorable," "decorous," "one who is well-ordered in all respects." It appears only twice in the NT (I Tim. 2:9).
#19 --- "Disciplined" (Titus 1:8). Egkrates = "master of self," "self-controlled." It is found only here in the entire NT.
#20 --- "Not self-willed" (Titus 1:7). Authades = "self-pleasing," "stubborn," "obstinate," "arrogant." It appears twice in the NT (II Pet. 2:10).
#21 --- "Hospitable" (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8). Philoxenos = "given to hospitality," "kind toward strangers." Literally: The showing of love toward a stranger. It appears only three times in the NT (I Pet. 4:9).
#22 --- "Not a lover of money" (I Tim. 3:3). Aphilarguros = "not covetous, avaricious, or greedy." It appears twice in the NT (Heb. 13:5).
#23 --- "Not eager for dishonest gain" (Titus 1:7; and also in I Tim. 3:3 according to some manuscripts). Aischrokerdes. It appears twice in the NT (I Tim. 3:8).
#24 --- "Not contentious" (I Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7). Plektes = "not a bully," "not quarrelsome or violent," "not one who is always ready to strike a blow." It appears only these two times in the NT.
#25 --- "Not quick-tempered" (Titus 1:7). Orgilos = "not inclined to anger," "not passionate." It appears only this one time in the entire NT.
#26 --- "Peaceable" (I Tim. 3:3). Amachos = "not a brawler or fighter." It appears only twice in the NT (Titus 3:2).
#27 --- "Gentle" (I Tim. 3:3). Epieikes = "equitable," "fair," "mild," "yielding," "a forbearing spirit." It appears five times in the NT (Titus 3:2; I Pet. 2:18; James 3:17; Philp. 4:5).
#28 --- "Just" (Titus 1:8). Dikaios = "righteous," "upright." It appears 80 times in the NT.
#29 --- "Devout" (Titus 1:8). Hosios = "pious," "pure," "holy." It appears eight times in the NT (Acts 2:27; 13:34, 35; I Tim. 2:8; Heb. 7:26; Rev. 15:4; 16:5).
#30 --- "A lover of good" (Titus 1:8). Philagathos. This word appears only this one time in the entire NT.
Elders Files