A Midsummer's Reflection Series

Monday, June 29, 2026

Meditation 29: 1 Timothy 3:2-5

Still Life with Bible, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), Nuenen, October 1885

In 1 Timothy 3:2-5 we find more of Paul’s advice and instructions intended for bishops, successors to the apostles, like Timothy, to whom he addresses this letter. The instructions, however, are applicable beyond simply their primary level as references to bishops and how bishops should live; they can be more broadly applied to Christians in general.

Thus, we read that bishops should be “hospitable” (3:2), as should all Christians. A bishop must not be a “lover of money” (3:3). A bishop “must manage his own household well” (3:4). These points all hold importance for Christians, whether or not they are bishops.  

The command to not be a “lover of money” is important because, although money is not evil, the love of money becomes an obstacle to charity. The love of money so often prevents one from living love and instead puts the focus on gain.

As opposed to thinking, “how can I help so-and-so,” which is what charity asks, the love of money inspires one to think, “how can I use so-and-so for my financial gain?” Hospitality can require sacrificing money in order to serve others. One who loves money might have serious difficulty parting with the money they love so that they can extend hospitality to others.  

Finally, we have the instruction concerning managing one’s household. Indeed, the home is the primary school in love, in prayer, and in hospitality. It is in the home where many of us first learn to pray. It is in the home where we first learn to live love of others. It is likewise in the home that we learn to live hospitality with others. If we cannot manage our homes, how are we able to “care for God’s church?” (3:5). If we cannot manage our homes, how are we to be able to extend hospitality? Care for the home is of the utmost importance. In fact, one might go so far as to say that the care and management of the home is the greatest work we can do. 

Lord, help us manage our homes well, making them bright and cheerful, full of the warmth of love appropriate to Christian homes. Help us shun the love of money, but instead use our money for the good of others, sacrificing it when we are able and when necessary. 

Dr. Jeffrey Morrow, Ph.D. is a professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Director of the St. Paul Studies Center at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He spent 15 years as a professor of theology at Seton Hall University’s Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. In his final year in that role, Dr. Morrow worked on the Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program, writing these reflections on Scripture through a lens of hospitality. 

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