An Elder Must Be Respectable And Hospitable
Paul says that the overseer is to be “respectable” (kosmios). This word refers to one with a character of virtuosity and respect. But it also carries the connotation of being orderly, having everything in place (so to speak). The word is sometimes translated “orderly” or “of good behavior.” This is the only place that Paul uses this particular word. But other derivations of the word are “kosmeo,” meaning “to arrange, to put in order" (Eng., "cosmetic"), is used of furnishing a room.” (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers). And then there is “kosmos,” a harmonious arrangement or order," then, "adornment, decoration," came to denote "the world, or the universe, as that which is divinely arranged." (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers). In 1 Timothy 2:9 kosmeo is translated “adorn” as Paul tells Timothy to instruct the women to properly “adorn” themselves.
Although I am not a scholar, especially of the Greek language, we can see from these usages that one who aspires to the work of an elder must “adorn” himself with those characteristics which show him worthy of respect from those who would submit to his leadership.
And he is to be “hospitable.” The Greek word is “philoxenos” (fil-ox'-en-os); fond of guests (strangers), i.e. hospitable, given to (lover of, use) hospitality.” (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc. Italics mine.).
The word is from the root word “philos,” (fee'-los); “properly, dear, i.e. a friend; actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.), KJV - friend. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.). “Philos,” is the word for brotherly love. The other part of the word is from “xenos,” meaning a guest-friend, 1. A foreigner, a stranger (Matt 25:35,38,43f), an alien (from a person or thing); without knowledge of, without a share in: Eph 2:12 b. new, unheard of: Heb 13:9 2. One who receives and entertains another hospitably; with whom he stays or lodges, a host: Rom 16:23.” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 2000 by Biblesoft.).
One who was (and is) “hospitable” would welcome a friend or a stranger, not just in the context of as a guest in his home, but as one who might need his help and care. In other words, one who was hospitable would treat a stranger just as he would a friend.
Again we see that we have a man that is characteristic of the qualities that we should all, as Christians endeavor to possess. One who has his life in order, that he may serve God as a prudent and wise servant; a man that welcomes opportunity to help all who may come under his care or into his flock. Yes, respectable and hospitable.
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