he qualifications and behaviour of gospel bishops. (1-7) And
of deacons and their wives. (8-13) The reason of writing about
these, and other church affairs. (14-16)
Verses 1-7: If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to
Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and
undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought
to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be
approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister
must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring
reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate
in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts.
Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they
assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be
examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of
pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of
good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his
former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have
Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world, (Mt 28:20). And he will fit his
ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties
with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.
Verses 8-13: The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the
charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors
and evangelists were among them. The deacons had a great trust
reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is
not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any,
till they are found fit for the business with which they are to
be trusted. All who are related to ministers, must take great
care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.
Verses 14-16: The church is the house of God; he dwells there. The
church holds forth the Scripture and the doctrine of Christ, as
a pillar holds forth a proclamation. When a church ceases to be
the pillar and ground of truth, we may and ought to forsake her;
for our regard to truth should be first and greatest. The
mystery of godliness is Christ. He is God, who was made flesh,
and was manifest in the flesh. God was pleased to manifest
himself to man, by his own Son taking the nature of man. Though
reproached as a sinner, and put to death as a malefactor, Christ
was raised again by the Spirit, and so was justified from all
the false charges with which he was loaded. Angels ministered to
him, for he is the Lord of angels. The Gentiles welcomed the
gospel which the Jews rejected. Let us remember that God was
manifest in the flesh, to take away our sins, to redeem us from
all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works. These doctrines must be shown forth by
the fruits of the Spirit in our lives.
he qualifications and behaviour of gospel bishops. (1-7) And
of deacons and their wives. (8-13) The reason of writing about
these, and other church affairs. (14-16)