Matthew Henry emphasizes that the household is the first sphere of influence for a leader. He notes that a person’s ability to govern their home is indicative of their capacity to govern the church effectively. Henry states:

"If a man does not rule well in his own house, it is a clear sign that he is not fit to rule in the house of God."

Henry elaborates on several aspects, including:

• Authority and Love: Effective leadership at home requires a balance of authority and love. The children must be brought up in an environment of respect and discipline, fostering an atmosphere conducive to their spiritual and moral development.
• Gravity and Respect: Henry underscores the importance of maintaining gravity and respect in the household. This notion of gravity serves as a model for how the church leader should conduct themselves in ministry.
• Children and Their Behavior: The subjection of children is highlighted, suggesting that children’s behavior reflects their upbringing. A leader’s children should demonstrate obedience and respect, an indication of the leader's home influence.

Albert Barnes expands upon the idea of ruling one’s household by stressing that this responsibility should not be taken lightly. He points out:

"To rule one’s own house involves the idea of a man’s domestic responsibilities and how they exemplify Christian virtues."

Barnes categorizes the responsibilities as follows:

• Parental Responsibility: A leader must exhibit qualities that reflect parental guidance, such as wisdom, patience, and discipline, which are necessary for the upbringing of children.
• Spiritual Example: He notes that children in the home should not only be obedient but should also reflect spiritual maturity, paralleling the church’s expectations of its members.
• Implications for Church Leadership: Barnes concludes that if a man cannot manage his own family, he is ill-equipped to manage the family of God, the church.

Adam Clarke takes a more nuanced view of the term “ruleth well,” noting that it indicates not merely authority but a careful and loving oversight of one’s household. Clarke asserts:

"The genuine rule of a father is a rule exercised in love, which is cooperative, unlike a tyrant’s rule."

Clarke elaborates on the implications of this leadership as follows:

• Spiritual Leadership: Clarke focuses on the spiritual aspect of parental authority, suggesting that a leader must be a spiritual guide to his children, which reflects his own walk with God.
• Discipline in the Home: The need for discipline is paramount, and Clarke asserts that this discipline should be rooted in Scripture and the teaching of Christ.
• Effectiveness in Leadership: The successful governance of a household serves as a demonstration of a leader's capability to foster the same order and discipline within the church.