An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, . . . not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. (Titus 1:6–7)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9

I once chaperoned a trip to Washington, DC. That visit underscored how the Founding Fathers and those who commemorated them had appealed to the ancient Roman Republic as a precedent for their novus ordo seclorum (“new order of the ages”) and e pluribus unum (“out of many, one”). The Capitol’s art and architecture, along with concepts like “senate” and “republic,” hark back to early Rome.

Similarly, Paul drew church leadership guidelines from ancient Israel. The Greek translation of the Old Testament popular in his day parallels Titus 1:5 when it says to appoint town judges (Deut. 16:18). It uses the term “elders” for Israelite leaders (for instance, in Deut. 31:9, 28). Like church leaders, Israel’s kings weren’t to acquire warhorses, wine, women, or wealth (Deut. 17:16–17; Prov. 31:1–8). Instead, they were to hold fast to God’s Word and avoid arrogance (Deut. 17:18–20). Paul’s warnings against leaders with rebellious children echo not only Deuteronomy 21:18–21 on prodigal sons, but also King David’s unruly household (2 Sam. 13–19; 1 Kings 1–2). Paul’s calls for church leaders to be blameless and holy, good teachers, and good managers of their families recall Moses’ portrait of Levitical priests (Lev. 21; Deut. 17:8–13). Despite these similarities, the old tribal restrictions, blood sacrifices, and death penalties are long gone. Christ brought a novus ordo seclorum and e pluribus unum.

Thank God for the church’s Old Testament foundation and New Testament fulfillment.

Jerome Van Kuiken is professor of Christian thought at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK) and author of The Creed We Need (Amazon) and The Judas We Never Knew (Seedbed).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

He must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message. (Titus 1:8–9)

Expanded Passage: Titus 1:5-9

Delayed reaction: Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation officially went into effect on January 1, 1863, but it could only be enforced as Union troops gained ground in Confederate states and announced the end of slavery. The enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, didn’t receive the good news of freedom until June 19, 1865—an event celebrated ever since then as Juneteenth or Emancipation Day. With liberty came newfound opportunity, responsibility, and opposition from old oppressors under new names (like the Klan and Jim Crow). Black leaders bore the burden of guiding their communities amid the promise and the peril of those days.

Likewise, Jesus officially canceled the devil’s dominion on Calvary (Col. 2:14–15; Heb. 2:14–15), but his liberating power comes into force in people’s lives as they receive the gospel. Paul wanted leaders in the new Christian communities to model responsible freedom from sin by living self-disciplined, others-oriented lives. He also tasked them with guarding the message of spiritual emancipation from opponents who’d attempt to lure believers back into old forms of bondage or invent fresh false doctrines to undermine their gospel liberty. The qualities Paul listed for early church leaders are the mirror image of his “mug shot’ of predatory false teachers (compare 1 Tim. 3:1–13 and Titus 1:5–9 with 2 Tim. 3:1–8). Today’s Christian leaders have the same call of duty.

Take in, talk up, live out, and watch over the gospel.

Jerome Van Kuiken is professor of Christian thought at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK) and author of The Creed We Need (Amazon) and The Judas We Never Knew (Seedbed).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. (1 Tim. 3:11)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 3:11

Sabotaged in St. Louis! Iva Durham Vennard returned from maternity leave to find that the institute she’d founded to train more Methodist deaconesses and evangelists like herself had suffered a hostile takeover by disapproving men. Undaunted, she and her supportive husband started Chicago Evangelistic Institute the next year: 1910. By the time I taught there (2000–2008), the school had been relocated and renamed in her honor.

Advance in Appalachia! In 1924, Methodist evangelist and one-time assistant pastor Lela McConnell started what became the Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association, which included educational institutions, radio ministry, and churches—many of them pastored by women—and among those female pastors was my grandmother.

Amid instructions on deacons, Paul mentioned “the women.” Paul recommended at least one female deacon (Rom. 16:1). Around AD 110, the Roman governor Pliny reported that he’d tortured two Christian deaconesses. Centuries later, John Wesley allowed women to preach and run discipleship groups (his example was his mother Susanna, who led community worship in her ordained husband’s absence). Spiritual heirs include female evangelists, pastors, and denominational leaders (like The Wesleyan Church’s General Superintendent Emerita, Jo Anne Lyon). Whatever the identity of “the women” Paul recognized them as influential in the church. That influence has deepened and widened between his day and ours.

Determine to help advance—not sabotage—the ministry of women.

Jerome Van Kuiken is professor of Christian thought at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK) and author of The Creed We Need (Amazon) and The Judas We Never Knew (Seedbed).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. (1 Tim. 3:7)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 3:6-10

The preacher had two lives. He’d been a star pastor and holiness evangelist whose ministry had impacted many for Christ, not least the youth who grew up to tell me the tale. But when that influential minister was hospitalized, not one but two wives showed up—each of them a secret to the other. It came to light that the preacher had two different families in separate towns.

Sadly, his hypocrisy isn’t unusual. Scandals involving clergy, Christian celebrity speakers and singers, evangelical university and seminary personnel, and other church and parachurch leaders make the news often, whether due to adultery, substance abuse, misuse of funds, harassment and exploitation of women and minors, or other abuses of power. Paul stressed that Christian leaders must be free from these sins lest they destroy the church’s reputation in the eyes of the watching world and make the gospel’s claims ring hollow.

As safeguards, Paul called for time (1 Tim. 3:6) and testing (1 Tim. 3:10) rather than rushing anyone into leadership. He also left a checklist of character traits that leaders should possess that go far beyond superficial charm, impressive stage presence, or fabulous fundraising skills. Lastly, Paul insisted on accountability to fellow leaders and the whole church (1 Tim. 5:19–20). As he wrote elsewhere, transparency—not cover-up—befits children of light (Eph. 5:8–13).

Commit to accountability in your church and in your own life.

Jerome Van Kuiken is professor of Christian thought at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK) and author of The Creed We Need (Amazon) and The Judas We Never Knew (Seedbed).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? (1 Tim. 3:5)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 3:2-5

Mom’s Night Out (2014) is a hilarious Christian comedy film. It’s also a poignant portrait of the pressure to be perfect—or at least appear perfect—that a pastor’s family faces. As a PK (preacher’s kid) myself, I know that world firsthand. In one scene in the movie, the pastor’s wife shares how much she appreciates being invited to a night out with friends where she can let down her guard and relax. Later, her daughter has her own epiphany about being genuinely cared for, not just constrained by her family’s status (all this amid hijinks involving tasers, toddlers, taxi chases, and tattoo artists!).

It’s easy to make Paul our fall guy for pastoral family pressures. He set high standards for church leaders’ family life: leaders should be faithful to their spouses and keep their kids in line. But these were Paul’s norms for Christian households generally (Eph. 5:21—6:4). He didn’t expect leaders’ homes to be perfect, just par for the course. Before criticizing a pastoral family, then, we’d best make sure our own houses are in order. And whether ours are or aren’t, let’s take a lesson from the women in Mom’s Night Out by supporting rather than scolding or slandering our leaders’ family lives. That kind of caring goes a long way toward easing the pressures of leading at home and in the church.

Do something supportive for a family in church leadership.

Jerome Van Kuiken is professor of Christian thought at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK) and author of The Creed We Need (Amazon) and The Judas We Never Knew (Seedbed).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (1 Tim. 3:1)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1

Surrounded on that summer evening by seasoned ministers, male and female, who laid their hands on the young man and his wife in prayer, he pledged himself to faithfully preach the Word of God, administer the sacraments, and shepherd the souls entrusted to his care. That memorable night was his ordination service. Years ago, that young man was me. More recently, it was a former student of mine, and I was honored to be one of those laying hands on him to consecrate him to ordained ministry.

The church’s line of leaders runs clear back to the first century. Paul instructed Titus to appoint (or ordain) elders and advised Timothy on overseers (the Greek word is the root of our word “bishop”) and deacons (1 Tim. 3:8–13). All these were originally local positions but quickly expanded to include regional jurisdictions, too. From the start, God’s people have needed leadership.

Our need for strong leadership continues today. The general church, its districts, and local churches all need leaders, whether superintendents, pastors, worship leaders, board members, office managers, treasurers, teachers, disciple makers, or other leadership roles. But finding them isn’t always easy. God calls us each to unique tasks. We must each follow God’s calling, whether he calls us to the noble task of leadership or to supporting others in leadership roles.

Consider a way you could lead or support church leaders in their noble task.

Jerome Van Kuiken is professor of Christian thought at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK) and author of The Creed We Need (Amazon) and The Judas We Never Knew (Seedbed).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth. (Ps. 119:88)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 119:81-88

The potato was a blackened, shriveled, inedible pile of charcoal. It had been in the microwave for more than fifteen minutes. When discovered by the never-to-be chef de cuisine, black smoke was rolling from the microwave. The inside of the potato was supposed to be white and fluffy. However, as the microwave’s heat energy moved through the molecules of the potato, it changed from cold to hot to burning, and finally, to charred. The heat of the microwave put so much stress on the potato that it turned into a dehydrated cinder.

The writer of this psalm was experiencing difficult times that physically and mentally challenged him. His adversaries were slandering him unfairly and treating him in an ungodly manner. These experiences were taking vitality from him, and his life was in peril. He was going through a truly soul-wrenching period.

Through these life struggles, the writer relied on God’s love and grace. And, based on this, he begged God to sustain and revive him so he could pursue the real purpose of life—obeying God’s statutes. He was not asking God to deliver him, but to renew his heart so he could seek God’s Word.

Even though life’s trials make us feel like a charred potato, our hope is in his renewed presence of love to strengthen us for obedience.

Ask God to renew your heart to seek his Word.

Gena Duncan previously served as a writer for Light from the Word. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University (IN).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. (1 Tim. 2:11)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Ephesus was a wealthy, sensual, port city. As Paul, the writer of 1 Timothy, sailed into the harbor, he could see the massive temple dedicated to prostitution and to the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana). Imports and exports afforded wealth to many Ephesians.

In this setting, Paul established the church of Ephesus. When Paul left, some of the influences of the city seeped into the church, affecting their worship services. Paul sent a letter to Timothy detailing the proper structure of worship. Through these prayer times, people could come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The influences of the city were causing discord within the church. Men were to pray without anger and rivalry. Some women were disrupting the service by talking, dressing immodestly, and clamoring for authority. This was the way women at the temple of Artemis behaved.

Paul proposed a structured role for men and women. He encouraged the women to learn, which was forward-thinking for women of that day. They were to learn with an inner calmness without demanding authority. Paul suggested equality in personhood without resenting the authority of others. At times, men would also respectfully submit to others of higher rank. Paul encouraged submission to one another within the church. Why? So we can mature in love, faith, and holiness.

Submit to God-given authority to create harmony in worship.

Gena Duncan previously served as a writer for Light from the Word. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University (IN).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (1 Tim. 2:15)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 2:11-15

“He is an enigma wrapped in a conundrum.” A woman muttered this phrase as she pondered the behavior of a young man for whom she dearly cared. His actions, lifestyle, and decisions were perplexing.

That same phrase describes today’s verse. It is one of the more difficult passages to understand. The entire teaching of the New Testament supports the fact that one is not saved by bearing a child, but by believing in the forgiveness Christ provided when he died for our sins. This verse, then, is an enigma.

In Genesis 3:16, God promised women would experience pain in childbearing. Some think Paul was saying that Eve and all women might be saved through the birth of the Child, the Messiah. Childbirth was difficult and could be dangerous. So perhaps Paul was saying, “Women will get safely through childbirth” (Moffatt).

Regardless of the interpretation of the first part of this verse, we know we are to mature in three things: faith, love, and holiness. As we experience Christ’s abundant grace in our lives, we mature in our faith, treating others tenderly and kindly with deep affection and respect. We are to live holy, God-pleasing lives.

God’s Word has enigmas that cause us to question, but the main idea is clear: we should always mature in faith, love, and holiness.

Choose an action to mature your faith, love, and holiness.

Gena Duncan previously served as a writer for Light from the Word. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University (IN).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

I also want the women to dress . . . with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. (1 Tim. 2:9–10)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Focus. Just focus. A person in the front row of the church service was acting in a very worshipful way—for him. However, I found it very distracting! I shifted my eyes from his actions and tried to focus on the words of the song. I even told myself to focus because sometimes I have a problem with keeping my attention on the project at hand. But my eyes went back to check on the man’s actions. Finally, I bowed my head in prayer, asking God to help me worship. Then I turned my head to the screen on the other side of the auditorium and praised God in song.

Paul asked the Ephesian women to dress modestly and in a wholesome manner, consistent with the customs of their time. He also suggested they do not overdress with hair ornaments or jewelry. Paul wanted the men to focus on worshiping God and not be distracted by others. He also wanted the women to worship and not harbor jealous thoughts and feelings about what others were wearing compared to their apparel. In other words, God wants men and women to be able to focus on worship, the Word, and application to life change. We all must respect others’ focus during worship and rely on God to help sharpen our focus, as distraction is inevitable.

Focus. Focus on helping others worship and focus on your worship of an awesome God.

Seek to please God with how you act, dress, and worship.

Gena Duncan previously served as a writer for Light from the Word. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University (IN).

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.