Daily Devotions
1 Timothy
"The position of a bishop..."
Text: 1 Timothy 3:1
THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT PERIOD
What was the work of a bishop? The answer is best given when we survey the leadership structure in the New Testament period.
THE CHURCH
This was a totally new entity. The Lord Jesus told His disciples that He would build “the church” (Matthew 16:18). Hitherto, the place of worship for the disciples was The Temple.
THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE CHURCH
The following may be said to be the foundations of the Church.
1. The cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)
This would be the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
2. The apostles and the prophets (Ephesians 2:20)
These were specially appointed by the Lord.
THE EARLY LEADERS OF THE CHURCH
The church was initially led by the apostles. This was certainly the case in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 2). With the significant growth of the church other leaders had to be found. The apostle Paul made a short list of people who helped lead the church.
1. The apostles Ephesians 4:11
2. The prophets Ephesians 4:11
3. The evangelists Ephesians 4:11
4. The pastors/teachers Ephesians 4:11
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
It was inevitable that there would be a need for other types of leaders to emerge. The apostle Paul noted two other types of leaders in his pastoral letter to Timothy.
1. The Bishop 1 Timothy 3:1-7
2. The Elder Titus 1:5-9
A careful study of the texts (1 Timothy 3:1-7and Titus 1:5-9) would suggest strongly that these are in fact two separate terms to describe the same office. Thus the terms “elders” and “bishops” are in fact interchangeable terms.
3. The Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13
These assisted the church pastors/ elders/ bishops in the administrative details of the church.
THE QUESTION OF GOOD LEADERSHIP
Paul sought to help Timothy to understand the fundamentals of how he should select and appoint leaders of the church. Good leadership was not to be taken for granted. There were stringent criteria to be met before a person is entrusted with the leadership of the church.
The example of the Lord Jesus must be borne in mind. Before He appointed anyone to be an apostle, the individual must first be a disciple. He must have a real and strong relationship with the Lord before he can be appointed to positions of leadership in the Church. The disciple must prove himself to be faithful and worthy of being entrusted with church leadership.