I have a few more thoughts to add to the idea of this
challenge that comes with being “apt to teach.”
As I revisited this passage again in 1 Timothy 3, it is important to
point out that this is the only skill or practice that Paul notes is specific
to the church. He very well could and
must be a teacher to his family but the overarching purpose of being apt to
teach is that he provides instruction to the church. We also must give consideration to the idea
that all of the character traits that Paul lists; blameless, husband of one
wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, not given to
wine, no striker (not violent), not greedy of filthy lucre, patient, not a
brawler, covetous, ruling his own house well, having his children in
subjection, not a novice, and having a good report of those that are around
him; that all of these matters will have a great impact on his ability to
teach. If these matters are compromised,
his public ministry of teaching will be publically ignored and privately mocked
and scorned. This matter of character in
apostolic ministry has far more reaching boundaries than most of us who are in
public ministry grasp and understand. You
cannot separate your life and practice from your doctrine.
