1 Timothy 3:4 - Exposition

One that ruleth well his own house. The ἐπίσκοπος is one who has to preside over and rule ( προίστασθαι ) the house of God ( 1 Timothy 5:17 ; Romans 12:8 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 ), as the high priest was called "ruler of the house of God" ( 1 Chronicles 9:11 ; Nehemiah 11:11 ). So in Justin Martyr the bishop is called ὁ προεστῶς τῶν ἀδελφῶν ('Apology,' 11) and simply ὁ προεστῶς , and similarly in Hebrews 13:7 the clergy are οἱ ἡγούμενοι ὑμῶν , " they which have the rule over you." How needful, then, is it that he should rule well his own house, and have his own children in subjection! The testimony given in this passage to a married clergy is too clear to need any comment. In subjection ( ἐν ὑποταγῇ ); as above, 1 Timothy 2:11 , where see note. For the sense, comp. Titus 1:6 , which leads us to apply the words, with all gravity ( σεμνότητος ), the contrary to "riot," ἀσωτία ), to the children. The children of the ἐπίσκοπος are to exhibit that seriousness and sobriety of conduct which is in accordance with their father's office, μετά , together with , as in 1 Timothy 1:14 .