This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
All Commentaries on 1 Timothy 3:1 Go To 1 Timothy 3
John Chrysostom
AD 407
As now proceeding to discourse of the Episcopal office, he sets out with showing what sort of a person a Bishop ought to be. And here he does not do it as in the course of his exhortation to Timothy, but addresses all, and instructs others through him. And what says he? If a man desire the office of a Bishop, I do not blame him, for it is a work of protection. If any one has this desire, so that he does not covet the dominion and authority, but wishes to protect the Church, I blame him not. For he desires a good work. Even Moses desired the office, though not the power, and his desire exposed him to that taunt, Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Acts 7:27; Exodus 2:14 If any one, then, desire it in this way, let him desire it. For the Episcopate is so called from having the oversight of all.
