1 Timothy 3:1 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Because some false teachers were now spreading their erroneous doctrines with assiduity among the believers at Ephesus, and it was necessary that Timothy (to whom the care of the church there was committed) should be assisted by some bishops, or elders, and deacons, well qualified to teach the people, the apostle, after observing what an honourable office that of a Christian bishop is, here describes the qualities and virtues necessary in one who desires to attain it. This is a true saying Most certain in itself, and worthy of being always acknowledged and attended to; if a man desire, (or earnestly seek, as ορεγεται signifies,) the office of a bishop Overseer, or pastor of Christ's flock, frequently termed presbyters, or elders, in the New Testament. See on Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-2; he desireth a good work An excellent but laborious employment. “A bishop's office is termed εργον, a work, to intimate that he must not spend his life in ease and idleness, but in a continued application to the duties of his office. It is also termed καλον αργον, a good, or excellent work, because of its honourableness and usefulness. See on 2 Timothy 2:2. The words καλος and αγαθος are often used promiscuously, to denote what is morally good. But when they are distinguished, καλος includes also the idea of honour, and ογαθος the idea of profit.