1 Timothy 3

Paul discusses overseers and deacons and lists their qualifications. It is good to want to be an overseer. They are to be above reproach, meaning above even accusations or rebuke that may be thrown against someone. Husband of one wife is a one woman man, not necessarily a man married to a single woman. In the previous section Paul says that women are not allowed to teach, so would the requirement of being able to teach restrict women from being an overseer? Different churches hold different stances on this matter.

Another requirement is that he must be able to manage his household well. Naturally, if he cannot manage his own household, how could he even manage the church? In addition, he must not be a new convert and hold a reputation among those outside the church. There are a number of other requirements listed here as well, mainly holding to this person being a man of character and a man of God.

With regards to the requirements for a deacon, they are fairly similar to that of an overseer. However, among a few differences is the lack of a requirement of the ability to teach. If one holds fast to the requirement that overseers cannot be women in light of the fact that they must be able to teach, then since deacons don't have that requirement they must also allow women to be deacons.

Paul now explains the reason for writing this letter. First of all, he hopes to come to them soon, but he may be delayed. As a result, he writes to them so that they may know how a person should conduct himself in the church.