7. For . . . must--The emphasis is on "must." The
reason why I said "blameless," is the very idea of a "bishop" (an
overseer of the flock; he here substitutes for "presbyter" the term
which expresses his duties) involves the necessity for
such blamelessness, if he is to have influence over the flock.
steward of God--The greater the master is, the greater the virtues
required in His servant [BENGEL],
(1Ti 3:15);
the Church is God's house, over which the minister is set as a steward
(Heb 3:2-6;
1Pe 4:10, 17).
Note: ministers are not merely Church officers, but God's
stewards; Church government is of divine appointment.
not self-willed--literally, "self-pleasing"; unaccommodating to
others; harsh, the opposite of "a lover of hospitality"
(Tit 1:6);
so Nabal
(1Sa 25:1-44);
self-loving and imperious; such a spirit would incapacitate him for
leading a willing flock, instead of driving.
not given to wine--(See on
1Ti 3:3;
1Ti 3:8).
not given to filthy lucre--not making the Gospel a means of gain
(1Ti 3:3, 8).
In opposition to those "teaching for filthy lucre's sake"
(Tit 1:11;
1Ti 6:5;
1Pe 5:2).
JFB.
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