1 Timothy 3 is often thought of in terms of what it says about the qualifications required for elders and deacons in the church.  It does certainly speak to that, but it was also in the immediate context that Paul speaks of one of the main themes of his letter, that one may know how they ought to conduct themselves in the church.  Though we acknowledge that the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy are required for elders and deacons, they also point to things that all Christians should be striving for, especially in terms of holiness, leadership, and maturity.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley