1 Timothy 3:12 - Exposition

Deacons for the deacons , A.V.; husbands for the husbands , A.V. Husbands of one wife (see above, 1 Timothy 3:2 , note). Ruling , etc. ( προιδτάμενοι ); literally, being at the head of , presiding over (see 1 Timothy 3:4 , note). In Romans 12:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12 it is applied to the spiritual ruler, the ἐπίσκοπος or πρεσβυτερος of the Church. Elsewhere only in the pastoral Epistles (above, 1 Thessalonians 5:4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:5 ; 1 Timothy 5:17 ; Titus 3:8 , Titus 3:14 ). Their own houses (above, 1 Thessalonians 5:5 ). "Their own " is in contrast to" God ' s house."