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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"This is a faithful saying." This relates to the present subject, not to what follows, respecting the office of a Bishop. For as it was doubted, he affirms it to be a true saying, that fathers may be benefited by the virtue of their children, and mothers also, when they have brought them up well. But what if she be herself addicted to wickedness and vice? Will she then be benefited by the bringing up of children? Is it not probable that she will bring them up to be like herself? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Since it was doubtful whether mothers could reap the fruits of the virtue of their children, the apostle says: "faithful is the word," that is, what has been said is not false, and let no one doubt. The instruction prescribed to Timothy concerning the bishop applies to bishops of the entire world. If anyone, he says, seeks the episcopate, I do not hinder him, for he desires a good work. …
Oecumenius
If anyone aspires to the office of bishop, he desires a noble task. Writing to Timothy, Paul shows in general what kind of person a bishop must be. "he desires a noble task." He says, "I do not accuse him." An honest man is needed, certainly for service and leadership; provided that he desires it for helping many, and not for glory. For a bishop is said to be one who oversees all. Even Moses desired it, but not for glory, rather for the benefit of many.
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"I want to be a bishop; oh, if only I were a bishop!" Would that you were! Are you seeking the name or the real thing? If it's the real thing you're seeking, you are setting your heart on a good work. If it's the name you're seeking, you can have it even with a bad work but with a worse punishment. So what shall we say? Are there bad bishops? Perish the thought, there aren't any; yes, I have the nerve, the gall to say there are no bad bishops; because if they are bad, they aren't bishops. …
Jerome
Should the entreaties of your brethren induce you to take orders, I shall rejoice that you are lifted up and fear lest you may be cast down. You will say, "if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work." I know that; but you should add what follows: such a one "must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, chaste, prudent, well-prepared, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker but patient." … Woe to the man who goes in to the supper without a wedding garment.
Thomas Aquinas
Above, he instructed Timothy on matters pertaining to the true faith and the worship of God; here he treats about the appointment to ecclesiastical offices: first, the instruction; second, the occasion or need for this instruction, at these things I write to you. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he instructs him on matters pertaining to bishops; second, on matters pertaining to deacons, at deacons in like manner. …
Translation