depend on this” (see comments on 1:15; see also 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8). Either way, this phrase introduces an important assertion.1 Those who desire to serve in this way are to be encouraged, perhaps as those who build the church with valuable materials as in 1 Corinthians 3:12–14, a task that is indeed “noble.” The word Paul uses here for church leadership is episkope. It is hard to translate; “overseership” might be the best literal rendering. It describes the work or position of an overseer.