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 with the qualifications of bishops and deacons in the New Testament church. Only the first two qualifications 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. Other versions use these terms and the wording of the qualifications. Explanations from thirteen versions and four other reference books follow these. Then, there is a commentary on what has been written.

Greek-English Lexicon (Thayer):
Episkopos: an overseer, a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done are done rightly. ...; specifically the superintendent, head, or overseer 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, not a 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 the Greek, and denotes one who exercises the function of overseeing. Presbyter was derived from the office in the synagogue. Of the order in which the first elders or bishops were appointed, as of the occasion which led to the institution of the office, we have no record. The duties of the bishop-elders appear to have been as follows: 1. General superintendence over the spiritual well-being of the flock (1 Peter 5: 2). 2. The work of teaching, 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 of receiving strangers occupied a conspicuous place (1 Timothy 3: 2; Titus 1: 8). Peter calls Christ "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 same meaning, 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 or overseer. See Acts 20: 17 with verse 28. The term "elder" indicates the mature spiritual experience 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 are definite statements, there is an element of uncertainty in numerous cases.

The following words used seem to be virtually synonymous as used in this passage. These are: bishop, overseer, elder, superintendent, pastor, presbyter, leader, supervisor, minister, and spiritual leader. The first three of these terms seem to be the most commonly used ones. Generally speaking, the term bishop was used to describe the 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, was the spiritual leader of the church. A few suggest only a church leader who may or may not have been what is known today as a minister or pastor. Since the word bishop in some churches today suggests not a local leader, but a regional leader, it is apparent that those churches have changed the position and function of a bishop.

This is a position to which a man would aspire. Thus, he could choose to prepare 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 desire this position. Although some versions may hint that the man could desire the position for his own purposes, most imply that it was for the benefit of service to the community in the honor of the Yahshua.

Only two of the qualifications of a bishop are mentioned in the passage under 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 congregation after divine approval had been sought. Nothing is said about formal education. The second qualification gives different assumptions in the various versions. The main stress seems to be that he was not to be in a polygamous marital state. Since the wife is mentioned, the bishop would have to be a man. Also, he should be married, although one version stresses that the wording does not eliminate single men from holding this office. A few versions suggest 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 the spiritual leader of a congregation. Although pastor and minister are the most common, others listed in these versions include bishop, presiding elder, and overseer. Thus, the churches which use one of these terms to name the spiritual leader are correct. Those using the terms for 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 have been the two basic offices for the ministry and care of the early Christian church. All other names used today have been added by man. Is it important what the names of the officers are? Has the church grown such that man has been authorized to create a hierarchy or new positions? Has Yahshua authorized the changes? If so, why has He done so? If not, can any church 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 position of local spiritual leader in today's church, really legitimate in their positions? How many churches today use the same standards that Paul advocated when they choose who will serve as congregational leaders? I leave the reader to consider these questions in regard to the denomination of which he/she claims to be a member.