“One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;”
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, keeping his children submissive — the episkopos's household management (oikonomia) becomes the proving ground for ecclesial leadership. If one cannot govern one's own oikos (household), authority over God's house lies beyond him.
Church Fathers on 1 Timothy 3:4
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,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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