This is a study of the word bishop as it appears in 1 Timothy 3: 1, 2.In the various versions, other words are substituted for bishop. The whole chapter deals withthe qualifications of bishops and deacons in the New Testament church. Only the first twoqualifications are included in this study as the primary interest here is the use of the word'bishop' and its substitutes. The renderings of twenty-three versions are listed here. Otherversions use these terms and the wording of the qualifications. Explanations from thirteenversions and four other reference books follow these. Then, there is a commentary on what hasbeen written.

Greek-English Lexicon (Thayer):
Episkopos: an overseer, a man charged with the duty of seeing that thingsto be done are done rightly. ...; specifically the superintendent, head, oroverseer of any Christian church; Acts 20: 28; Philippians 1: 1; 1 Timothy 3: 2;Titus 1: 7.

Halley's Bible Handbook:
Bishops and Deacons: Their qualifications (1-16). Probably intended as an ideal, nota legal enactment. "One wife" (2), probably meant to exclude, not single men, but polygamists.Paul was a single man.

Smith's Bible Dictionary:
Bishop. The word originally signified an "overseer" or spiritual superintendent.The titles bishop and elder, or presbyter, were essentially equivalent. Bishop is from theGreek, and denotes one who exercises the function of overseeing. Presbyter was derivedfrom the office in the synagogue. Of the order in which the first elders or bishopswere appointed, as of the occasion which led to the institution of the office, we have norecord. The duties of the bishop-elders appear to have been as follows: 1. Generalsuperintendence over the spiritual well-being of the flock (1 Peter 5: 2). 2. The work ofteaching, both publicly and privately (1 Thessalonians 5: 12; Titus 1: 9; 1 Timothy 5: 17). 3.The work of visiting the sick (James 5: 14). 4. Among other acts of charity, that ofreceiving strangers occupied a conspicuous place (1 Timothy 3: 2; Titus 1: 8). Peter callsChrist "the shepherd and bishop of your souls" (1 Peter 2: 25).

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:
Episkopos, lit. an overseer, whence English "bishop," which has precisely the samemeaning, is found in Acts 20: 28; Philippians 1: 1; 1 Timothy 3: 2; Titus 1: 7; 1 Peter 2: 25.Note: Presbuteros, "an elder," is another term for the same person as bishop oroverseer. See Acts 20: 17 with verse 28. The term "elder" indicates the mature spiritualexperience and understanding of those so described; the term "bishop," or "overseer,"indicates the character of the work undertaken. According to the divine will and appointment,as in the NT, there were to be "bishops" in every local church, Acts 14: 23; Acts 20: 17;Philippians 1: 1; Titus 1: 5; James 5: 14.

There is much general agreement; yet there are variations. While there aredefinite statements, there is an element of uncertainty in numerous cases.

The following words used seem to be virtually synonymous as used in thispassage. These are: bishop, overseer, elder, superintendent, pastor, presbyter, leader,supervisor, minister, and spiritual leader. The first three of these terms seem to be themost commonly used ones. Generally speaking, the term bishop was used to describethe office. The term elder was used to describe the man. He was usually an older,experienced man of high moral character. The elder, or bishop, in most of the versions, wasthe spiritual leader of the church. A few suggest only a church leader who may or may nothave been what is known today as a minister or pastor. Since the word bishop in somechurches today suggests not a local leader, but a regional leader, it is apparent that thosechurches have changed the position and function of a bishop.

This is a position to which a man would aspire. Thus, he could choose toprepare himself for the position. However, first he must meet certain qualifications. Then,he must be appropriately appointed. It was considered good by Paul that a man should desirethis position. Although some versions may hint that the man could desire the position forhis own purposes, most imply that it was for the benefit of service to the community in thehonor of the Yahshua.

Only two of the qualifications of a bishop are mentioned in the passageunder consideration in this essay. All versions stress that he should be without reproach.This would be appropriate for a man of his position. He was chosen from the congregationafter divine approval had been sought. Nothing is said about formal education. The secondqualification gives different assumptions in the various versions. The main stress seems tobe that he was not to be in a polygamous marital state. Since the wife is mentioned, thebishop would have to be a man. Also, he should be married, although one version stressesthat the wording does not eliminate single men from holding this office. A few versionssuggest that men who have been widowed or divorced could not hold this office.

Today, the various churches use these terms to name the position of thespiritual leader of a congregation. Although pastor and minister are the most common, otherslisted in these versions include bishop, presiding elder, and overseer. Thus, the churcheswhich use one of these terms to name the spiritual leader are correct. Those using the termsfor other church officers or using other terms for this position may not be correct.

The whole chapter refers to bishops and deacons only. Thus, these must havebeen the two basic offices for the ministry and care of the early Christian church. Allother names used today have been added by man. Is it important what the names of the officersare? Has the church grown such that man has been authorized to create a hierarchy or newpositions? Has Yahshua authorized the changes? If so, why has He done so? If not, can anychurch that has other positions and functions justly claim to be the church of Yahshua?Are women, unmarried men, divorced men, or widowed men, all of whom we see in the positionof local spiritual leader in today's church, really legitimate in their positions? How manychurches today use the same standards that Paul advocated when they choose who will serveas congregational leaders? I leave the reader to consider these questions in regard to thedenomination of which he/she claims to be a member.