1 Timothy 3:4-6 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

One that ruleth well his own house That not only rules it, but rules it well, and keeps his family in good order: that rules it so as to promote religion and virtue in all its members; rules it calmly, but firmly; never using harshness where gentleness and love will produce the desired effect; having his children If he be a father; in subjection, with all gravity Or seriousness; for levity undermines all domestic authority: and he must thus rule his house both that he may set a good example to other masters of families, and that he may thereby give proof of his ability to preside over the church of God. For if a man know not how to rule his own house So as to preserve a due decorum in the family where he has such a natural authority; how should he be able to take care of Or to govern, in a proper manner, that greater and more important society, the church of God In which there will be such a diversity of characters and dispositions, and over which it will be impossible for him to maintain an equal inspection and influence? Not a novice νεοφυτον, literally, one newly ingrafted, namely, into the body of Christ, or newly planted, namely, in the garden of his church; that is, one newly converted. Such were not to be made bishops, or presbyters; because, being yet but imperfectly instructed in the Christian doctrine, they were not fit to teach it to others. Besides, as their zeal, constancy, fidelity, and other graces, had not been sufficiently tried, they could have had but little authority, especially with the brethren of longer standing and greater experience. Lest being lifted up with pride Greek, τυφωθεις, puffed up, with this new honour conferred upon him, or the applause which frequently follows it; he fell into the condemnation of the devil The same into which the devil fell, or be guilty of the sin of self-conceit and high-mindedness, for which the devil was condemned.