That They All May Be One

W. Carl Ketcherside

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     We are now to consider the qualifications which a man must have to be a bishop in the flock of God. As we study those within the moral realm, let us not forget that every child of God should possess these characteristics.

1. BLAMELESS. (1 Tim. 3:2). This is from anepileptos. It literally means, "not laid hold on." It will help to remember that it is the word for "unrebukable" in 1 Timothy 6:14. It does not refer to "sinless perfection" as that term is used in the religious creeds. Elders are men, and are liable to err in judgment and behavior. But no man can be appointed to this office who is guilty of wrong, or subject to censure at the time. One who is without blame, is one against whom no charge of misconduct can be brought and sustained by credible testimony. It is obvious that if a man is guilty of any charge of dishonesty or unchastity, he cannot hold this sacred office. His life must be above reproach, his behavior undeserving of reproof.
2. VIGILANT. This is from naphaleon. Primarily, it means "sober, temperate, or abstinent, especially in respect to wine." Our word "temperate" is a good translation. The implication is of one who keeps a cool, clear head at all times. It relates to a trusted guard. Such a person must not becloud his mind, either by drink or any other means. His task requires him to be alert, watchful, and observant. One who is a ranter, and not sober-minded, is a cause of danger, rather than a shield from it. Bishops must be alert to detect error creeping in from without, or arising from within. They need to have all of their mental faculties at all times.
3. SOBER. This is from sophrona, which means "wise, rational, discreet." The R.S.V. translation is "sensible." Albert Barnes suggests that the word "prudent" would come nearer to conveying the meaning of the apostle than any other single word. If this be correct, the statement of Chaucer is in order: "Prudence is goodly wisdom in all things." We know the expression forbids undue levity and folly. If a man is flighty in judgment, undignified in behavior, and indiscreet in conduct, he cannot meet this divine requirement. A bishop must have a proper sense of values and be able to deliberate and weigh all matters seriously and carefully.
4. OF GOOD BEHAVIOR. This is from kosmion. The literal meaning is "orderly, systematic." Thayer defines it as "well-arranged, seemly, modest." His explanation in this place is "of a man living with decorum, a well-ordered life." This qualification deals with outward deportment. The preceding one referred to the internal function of judgment. In plain terms, this specification means a bishop must be a gentleman. He must not be sloppy, slouchy or careless. In dress he must be neat, in manners refined, in appearance respectable. The congregation of saints will often be judged by the appearance of its public functionaries. We should not be proud, but we

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   need to be neat. There is a difference between being humble and being a slouch; between meekness and slovenliness. One does not advance the Cause of the King by personal carelessness. He demonstrates neither talent, learning, or religion by a haphazard, unsystematic, disordered life. It might be difficult for one who cannot find a shirt at home to find one of the Lord's sheep if it was lost.
5. NOT GIVEN TO WINE. It will be observed that the Marginal rendering is, "Not ready to quarrel and offer wrong, as one in wine." The Bible does not condemn the drinking of wine as such. It was a common item of diet in Palestine. It is true that Nazirites did not drink it (Num. 6:1-4) nor did the Rechabites (Jer. 35:6). John, the Immerser, being a Nazirite, did not use it (Luke 1:15) and Jesus said, "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber" (Matt. 11:18, 19). The drinking of wine is placed in the same category as eating of meats (Rom. 14: 21), neither of which could be indulged if a brother was thereby caused to stumble.
        In view of the general tenor of this teaching, we are constrained to feel that the R. S. V. rendering, "no drunkard," is a fair representation of the apostolic prohibition. The Greek is paroinos, a combined form, which Thayer says refers to "one who sits long at his wine." He defines the term, "given to wine, drunken" and mentions a secondary sense, "quarrelsome over wine." A drunkard cannot be retained in the fellowship of the saints (1 Cor. 5:11) and cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:10). No man can become drunk who never takes a drink, and the temptation to go to excess is ever present with one who indulges. In the sense in which the apostle here introduces the matter, it is obvious that he is not commending the use of wine as a beverage, although he does recommend it medicinally (1 Tim. 5:23). An elder will do no harm by abstaining entirely; he may seriously injure the congregation and himself if he does not.
6. NO STRIKER. A striker is one who uses physical force to attain his ends, that is, one who smites with the fist. This is used in conjunction with the previous qualification, because one who is under the influence of intoxicants is ever more liable to be quarrelsome and contentious. A fist fight never proves the right or wrong of a thing. It may demonstrate which one of two opponents has the greatest brute strength, but that can better be determined by more peaceable and gentle means. Brain power is not measured by biceps; knowledge is not found in knuckles. A man who "flies off the handle" under pressure is like a hammer which does the same thing--he loses his head! Shepherds are to lead the sheep beside the still waters, and not agitate the waters by violence and disturbance!
7. NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE. The Greek, literally rendered, would be, "Not desirous of sordid gain." A person who was thus avaricious would prostitute the sacred office for money. We believe that the elders who devoted full time to their spiritual service were supported as to their needs by the congregations in which they served. Peter instructs the elders to "tend the flock of God...not for shameful gain but eagerly" (1 Peter 5:2). It would not be necessary to warn bishops against tending the flock for shameful gain, if there was no gain connected with such service. Moreover, 1 Tim. 5:17, 18 indicates that elders who labor in preaching and teaching, should be supported on the basis that "The laborer deserves his wages." "Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches" (Gal. 5:6). But there is a difference between accepting a living for service in the word, and choosing to serve in the word for a living; just as there is a difference between making the Christian profession, and making a profession out of being a Christian. Although the needs of the elders were provided, this should not be the motive for desiring the office.

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8. PATIENT. The original is translated "gentle" in Titus 3:2 and James 3:17. An elder must be longsuffering and forebearing, meek and mild. Rash, impulsive and boorish conduct will hinder one from qualifying for service.
9. NOT A BRAWLER. The Greek amachon, means "not contentious." Ill-temper makes a man ill-fitted for a position of responsibility. One who is quarrelsome and belligerent in attitude will create problems rather than settle them. "It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling" (Prov. 20:3). "Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense" (Prov. 19:11). "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion" (Prov. 18:2).
10. NOT COVETOUS. The original is aphilarguron, literally, "Not a silver lover." The R. S. V. translates it, "not a lover of money." It should be remarked that it is not earning or having money which is here condemned, but loving it and trusting it. Some men accumulate money without loving it; others love it but are never able to accumulate it. Money is a convenient medium of exchange. It is those who desire to be rich who "fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs" (1 Tim. 6:9, 10).
11. A GOOD REPORT OF THOSE WITHOUT. This has to do with reputation among those who are not members of the congregation of saints. An elder must have a clear record and a good standing in the community. If he has been guilty of shady business dealings, or if he is known as one whose life is inconsistent with the Christian walk, he will reproach the Cause. Placing one in a position of responsibility serves to focus attention upon him. The congregation will be judged by the type of men chosen to lead it. The record says he must have a good report of them which are without "lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
         Often, when a man has had a poor reputation, he may be inclined to despair and conclude he cannot improve his lot. He may persuade himself that it will avail nothing if he does live right, since his past will always be held against him. In such a state of despondency, he may be ensnared by Satan, who would like to convince men that there is no use to live righteously and godly. To place such a man in a prominent position in the congregation will only serve to increase the shafts of accusation hurled against him. If allowed to remain quietly in the background, he may live down his past, and the world may cease to blame him for that of which he repented.
12. NOT SELF-WILLED. Some men are wholly unfitted for elders because they have an exalted view of their own opinions. They must have their way in arrogant disregard for the rights of others. They refuse to listen to pleas and reason. When they speak, others must jump. They issue edicts and ultimatums like royalty--the king can do no wrong! Such highhanded display of power will drive men from the faith, and some communities exhibit a trail of factions and splinter parties which eloquently testify to the rule or ruin spirit. Stubborn insistence on having one's own way, regardless of consequences, is not a commendable attribute for any, and certainly is a poor recommendation for an elder.
13. NOT SOON ANGRY. This relates to control of the emotions. Our word "anger" is from the Latin angorem, "compression of the neck," from angere, "to choke." The Greek term also means "to press tightly." Anger affects one adversely in a physical, mental and moral sphere. The digestive processes are stopped, the excess sugar in the body stagnates, and one takes the first steps toward dyspepsia when he becomes angry. It was found through actual tests on patients with stomach disorders, that the physician could increase the hydrochloric acid in

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    the patient's stomach 300 per cent, by merely talking about a subject that made him angry.
         A man who is violently angry is temporarily insane. He is deprived of the power to reason. He will say things which he would not think of saying or doing in calmer moments. Moreover, intense anger may actually make one a criminal in thought.
14. A LOVER OF GOOD MEN. The original philagathos, means a "lover of good" and may refer to good men or good things. The translation does no violence unless it places an undue limitation upon the intent of the apostle. All good men and all good things should appeal to a bishop and share in his respect and affection.
15. JUST. This means "fair, equitable, honorable." It has to do with our relationship to others. We must be considerate and maintain the rights and dignity of those with whom we have dealings. Men in the eldership sometimes have two standards, one for self, and a second standard for others. If members of their own families are guilty of unbecoming conduct, it is hushed up or minimized; if others do the same thing thy are made to publicly confess their errors. Such partiality is unfair and dishonorable. We must be honorable and equitable in all of our conduct and behavior. The "Golden Rule" has not been revoked or repealed.

     (NOTE: In our next issue we shall deal with the question of domestic qualifications, and will answer the question, "Must an elder be a married man?").