Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 3:1

1 THis is a true saying , If a man desireth the office of a bishop , he desireth a good work .

[non-Latin text not transcribed], a faithful saying, that which none can dispute, of which none ought to doubt.

If a man desires any office, to which belongs an oversight of the Church of God. The Greek word [non-Latin text not transcribed] signifies in the general any oversight of others; here the following discourse restrains it to an oversight of persons, and affairs in the Church. The Apostle by this phrase determines this employment lawful, and under due circumstances to be desired, and saith of it, that he who desireth it, desireth [non-Latin text not transcribed]

a good work, a noble imployment, it is a work, the office of the Ministry in the Church, is and ought to be a work. The Titles of Gospel Ministers are not meer Titles of honour, and of all works or employments, the Ministry is the most noble employment. We (saith the Apostle) are stewards of the mysteries of God, Ministers of Christ, 1 Cor. 4.1. Embassadors for Christ, in Christs stead, 2 Cor. 5.20. Gods Angels or Messengers to Churches, Rev. 2.1. It being so good, so great and noble an employment, it is no wonder that God hath restrained women the weaker and more ignoble Sex from invading it, for all men are not fit for it, but onely such as are hereafter described.

Marginal references: Acts 20.28.