The word of the day is “rule.”  In our reading of 1 Timothy 3:1-13, St. Paul continues his directives for good order in the church. Today’s passage was written before the clarification of St. Ignatius (died c. 110 AD) on the distinction three-fold office of bishop, priest, and deacon. But in our reading, we find the elements of the bishop (episcopos) (vs. 1-7), the priest or elder (presbyter) (vs. 5:17), and the deacon (diakonos) (vs. 8-10, 12)  and his wife (vs. 11)  and their qualifications for office. When we review the qualifications for each type of ministry, we find they have one thing in common.  Those who fill these essential roles in the church are to “rule” their households well (vs.…
The word of the day is “love.”  In our reading of 1 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul instructs Timothy, the young Bishop of Ephesus, on the pastoral leadership and care of his flock (OSB “Introduction to 1 Timothy”).  He states the purpose that he wants his teaching to accomplish (Strong’s #5056).  Thus he writes, “Now the purpose of the commandment [my instruction] is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (OSB vs. 5).  Though directed at church leadership, we can apply this same counsel to our calling of ministry in our own relationships. The Purpose of the Directives Paul begins with the “purpose” of the directives of his letter (vs. 5). Note his concern. He doesn’t mention the worldly aspects of…
The word of the day is “love.” In our reading of 1 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul instructs Timothy, the young Bishop of Ephesus, on the pastoral leadership and care of his flock (OSB “Introduction to 1 Timothy”).  He states the purpose that he wants his teaching to accomplish (Strong’s #5056). Thus he writes “Now the purpose of the commandment [my instruction] is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (OSB vs. 5).  Though directed at church leadership, we can apply this same counsel to our calling of ministry in our own relationships. The Purpose of the Directives Paul begins with the “purpose” of the directives of his letter (vs. 5). Note what he is concerned about. He doesn’t mention…
The word of the day is “purpose.” In our reading of 1 Timothy 1:1-7, St. Paul teaches the intent of his instruction about pastoral leadership in the Church. He states, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith (vs. 5). We speak of “commandments” to refer to the Ten Commandments or the entire Law of Moses. But in our reading, Paul speaks of “the commandment.” The word that Paul uses refers to the direction that a superior gives to his or her followers. This term expresses the reason for Paul’s epistle to Timothy. In tone and content, it instructs Timothy, the young Bishop of Ephesus, on the pastoral…