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1 Timothy 3

Note: Titus 1:5-7 uses two different words for overseer/elder, one in verse 5, one in verse 7. In the ESV verse 5 says elder, which denotes the dignity of the office, the Greek word implies dignity, wisdom, and age. In verse 7 the word overseer is used which denotes the duties of the office.

  1. Overseer in the New Testament is referring to the position of overseer, bishop, or elder. This would be our pastors and elders. What is the purpose of the office of overseer (hint: look at verse 5)?

  2. List all of the qualifications for being an overseer in 1 Timothy 1:2-7. Was there anything that stood out to you?

  3. Note: Deacon in greek refers to a servant. Elsewhere in the Bible this same word is translated as minister or servant (Eph 6:21, Col 1:7,23,25, Col 4:7, 1Th 3:2, 1Ti 4:6).

  4. List all of the qualifications for deacons in verses 8-13.

  5. Read Acts 6:1-7, there is some debate whether these men, one of which was Stephen, were considered “deacons”. Either way, they were tested and chosen to serve, which is also true of a deacon. We see that the job of a deacon was to assist the overseers or elders of the church. What do these people do in our church today?

  6. What differences can you find between the qualifications for deacons and qualifications for overseers? Why might there be these differences? What do the differences tell us about each office? Are there any similarities that you think are interesting?

  7. Paul states in verses 14-15 his purpose for writing this letter, what is it?

  8. Summarize what Paul is saying about the church in verses 15-16.