1 Timothy 3:5

If someone does not know how to provide for their own household, how can they take charge of the church of God?

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

In Context

4they should provide for their own household well, and their children should be kept under control and be well-behaved.

6The supervisor should not be a recent convert, or they might become blinded by pride and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

Read all of 1 Timothy 3

Cross References

Acts 20:28Be watchful over yourselves, and over the whole flock, of which the Holy Spirit has placed you in charge, to shepherd the church of God, which he won for himself at the cost of his life.

Ephesians 1:22And God placed all things under Christ’s feet, and gave him to the church as its supreme head;

Ephesians 5:32In this there is a profound truth – I am speaking of Christ and his church.

Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 3:2-8

Duties of Bishops and Deacons. ( a. d. 64.) 1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how… Read the whole commentary →

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Study 1 Timothy 3:5