1 Timothy 3:4

“One that ruleth well his own house, etc.] His family, wife, children, and servants; and is not to be understood of his body, and of keeping of that under, and of preserving it chaste and temperate, as appears from what follows: having his children in subjection with all gravity; keeping a good decorum in his family; obliging his children to observe his orders, and especially the rules of God's word; and not as Eli, who did not use his authority, or lay his commands upon his sons, nor restrain them from evil, or severely reprove them for their sins, but neglected them, and was too mild and gentle with them; <090223>1 Samuel 2:23 3:13 but like Abraham, who not only taught, but commanded his…”

“ruleth--Greek, "presiding over." his own house--children and servants, as contrasted with "the church" (house) of God (Ti1 3:5, Ti1 3:15) which he may be called on to preside over. having his children--rather as Greek, "having children (who are) in subjection" (Tit 1:6). gravity--propriety: reverent modesty on the part of the children [ALFORD]. The fact that he has children who are in subjection to him in all gravity, is the recommendation in his favor as one likely to rule well the Church.”

“One that ruleth well his own house - This implies that a minister of the gospel would be, and ought to be, a married man. It is everywhere in the New Testament supposed that he would be a man who could be an example in all the relations of life. The position which he occupies in the church has a strong resemblance to the relation which a father sustains to his household; and a qualification to govern a family well, would be an evidence of a qualification to preside properly in the church. It is probable that, in the early Christian church, ministers were not unfrequently taken from those of mature life, and who were, at the time, at the head of families; and, of course, such would be men who…”

“Having his children in subjection with all seriousness - For levity undermines all domestic authority; and this direction, by a parity of reason, belongs to all parents. 1 Timothy 3:6”

“3:4-5 The church as a household (3:15) overlapped with the family household. An overseer’s capacity to manage in one sphere reflected his capability in the other (see also 3:12; 5:17; Rom 12:8; 1 Thes 5:12). • The Greco-Roman household was united by familial bonds characterized by mutual responsibilities, roles, and stewardship. The household included the blood relatives living together along with other dependents, such as household servants.”

“ruleth: Ti1 3:12; Gen 18:19; Jos 24:15; Psa 101:2-8; Act 10:2; Tit 1:6 with: Phi 4:8 \*Gr: Tit 2:2, Tit 2:7 1 Timothy 3:5”