¹It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

Beginning an extended section on leadership in the local church, the apostle Paul writes, “It is a trustworthy statement . . .” Speakers may use voice inflection, bodily animation, and various communication skills to covey emphasis. A writer may spell it out in words. While all of Scripture is inspired, the Lord uses the differing personalities and writing skills of the human authors. When we write that “Paul says this” or “the apostle writes that,” we are not meaning to diminish the inspirational work of the Holy Spirit, but rather to note the human nature of the instrument of writing, namely the human author. Such forms are a natural way to comment on the letters attributed to Paul.

Paul at times stresses his instruction with the preface, “I urge you . . .” or in the NKJV, “I beseech you . . .” (Rom. 12:1, see also 1 Cor. 1:10, etc.). We find another such phrase here: “It is a trustworthy statement . . .” We might underline this in our Bibles, draw a circle around it, put a mark beside it. In other words, Paul signals to us his readers that what is to follow is especially important and we should take careful note.

Probably the statement was circulating already in Ephesus. After all, Paul had spent at least three years there in Ephesus, where Timothy resides. There were existing elders already at the time of this writing, for Paul had previously given an extended address to the elders from Ephesus during his third mission tour (see Acts 20:17–38). So we understand him to be emphasizing something they probably already know.

So what is this trustworthy statement? A man who “aspires” to leadership in the local church aims at a good thing. It is a good desire. Why make this point? Many aspire to gain control or to teach false doctrine. But what is needed is those who desire to watch over the flock of God for their good. Remember this is just the beginning of what Paul has to say on this subject. The proper approach to teaching on leadership begins with the positive essence of shepherding. The church needs godly overseers. What that godliness looks like, he is about to unfold in the following verses.

The word “overseer” is equated with an “office,” that is, a position in the church. In Titus 1:5–9, overseers are equated with elders, so we take that to be the same equivalence here. Peter writes to elders that they should “shepherd” the flock of God. All are interchangeable words to describe those whom God would raise to lead His people in the local church.

Lord, I want to understand and support Your plan for leadership in the church.