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.…