I Timothy Chapter 3
I Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
(King James Version)
3:1 This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task. (Amplified Bible)
A. Bishop = episkope¯ = ep-is-kop-ay' From Strong’s G1980; inspection (for relief); by implication superintendence; specifically the Christian “episcopate”: - the office of a “bishop”, bishoprick, visitation. Total KJV occurrences: 4
B. Bishop = episkope¯ Thayer Definition:
1) investigation, inspection, visitation
1a) that act by which God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds character, of men, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad
1b) oversight
1b1) overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder {old man}
1b2) the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church
Part of Speech: noun feminine A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1980
C. If a man desire - Implying that there would be those who would wish to be put into the ministry. The Lord, undoubtedly, by his Spirit, often excites an earnest and irrepressible desire to preach the gospel - a desire so strong, that he in whom it exists can be satisfied in no other calling. In such a case, it should be regarded as one evidence of a call to this work. The apostle, however, by the statements which follow, intimates that wherever this desire exists, it is of the utmost importance to have just views of the nature of the office, and that there should be other qualifications for the ministry than a mere desire to preach the gospel. He proceeds, therefore, to state those qualifications, and no one who “desires” the office of the ministry should conclude that he is called to it, unless these qualifications substantially are found in him. The word rendered “desire” here (???e´?? orego¯), denotes properly, “to reach” or “stretch out” - and hence to reach after anything, to long after, to try to obtain; Heb_11:16. (Albert Barnes)
D. I do not think it necessary, in a work of this kind, intended for the poor in spirit, and the humble in Christ’s flock; and not likely to fall under the notice of the high in rank, and dignity; the bishops, and shepherds of the fold; to enter into an account of their offices. Indeed, the Apostle hath said all that can be necessary, on the subject. One point only I venture to remark, in what Paul hath here said; namely, he calls the office of a bishop a good work. And a good work, or labor, it most assuredly is, if well followed. The close of the service will show, that the highest, and the lowest office of the ministry of souls, is alike an accountable trust, where men will be answerable as servants, not as lords. Among men, it may be proper, to preserve distinctions of rank, and honor. But in the sight of God, these things lose their very name. Usefulness, diligence, faithfulness, and honesty, are the qualifications then to be accounted for; and none else will stand the examination. It were well, if all who minister in holy things, of whatever rank they move up and down in, among men, were every day, before they enter upon their sacred function, or mingle in family duties, of reading the scriptures, and prayer; to read over in private, what Paul hath here marked down, from the inspiration of God the Holy Ghost. This would serve, under the same Almighty Teacher’s influence, to show, how all ought to behave themselves in the house of God. That as Christ himself, is both the foundation, and pillar of his Church; so, his servants, which minister faithfully in his name, may be found as monumental pillars, bearing inscriptions, to his truth and glory. (Robert Hawker)
E. Because some false teachers were now spreading their erroneous doctrines with assiduity among the believers at Ephesus, and it was necessary that Timothy (to whom the care of the church there was committed) should be assisted by some bishops, or elders, and deacons, well qualified to teach the people, the apostle, after observing what an honourable office that of a Christian bishop is, here describes the qualities and virtues necessary in one who desires to attain it. This is a true saying — Most certain in itself, and worthy of being always acknowledged and attended to; if a man desire, (or earnestly seek, as ??e?eta? signifies,) the office of a bishop — Overseer, or pastor of Christ’s flock, frequently termed presbyters, or elders, in the New Testament. See on Act_20:28; 1Pe_5:1-2; he desireth a good work — An excellent but laborious employment. “A bishop’s office is termed e????, a work, to intimate that he must not spend his life in ease and idleness, but in a continued application to the duties of his office. It is also termed ?a??? a????, a good, or excellent work, because of its honourableness and usefulness. See on 2Ti_2:2. The words ?a??? and a?a??? are often used promiscuously, to denote what is morally good. But when they are distinguished, ?a??? includes also the idea of honour, and ??a??? the idea of profit. (Joseph Benson)
I Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3:2 Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
A. (Looking back at the previous discussion.) A bishop, elder, or pastor was never a woman.
B. Elders, pastors, bishops were referred to as overseers. It was always plural because there was always more than one. They were never put in charge of more than one congregation. The model was always one locality. Example: Acts 20:17 (Mike M.)
C. Blameless = anepile¯ptos = an-ep-eel'-ape-tos From Strong’s G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G1949; not arrested, that is, (by implication) inculpable: - blameless, unrebukeable. Total KJV occurrences: 3
D. Blameless = anepile¯ptos Thayer Definition: 1) not apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of 2) that cannot be reprehended, not open to censure, irreproachable Part of Speech: adjective A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G194
E. Qualifications of Elders: (Mike Mazzalongo)
1 – Above reproach – A man that has made right all the matters that were problems in the past.
Lives in such a way as to not bring shame upon the Church.
2 – Husband of one Wife (Literal translation: A man who is a one woman man. An elder should
be a man who is devoted to the woman he is married to. Not a flirt.) It can mean that a man
that was married and still has the same person as his wife. A man who is not polygamist though
he may have been one in the past. A man who is a widower and has remarried or was a divorcee
who is now married. It could mean, a man who was married to one woman who is still alive and
is still his wife.
3 – Temperate – A man who thinks straight. Someone who is sober minded and well balanced.
4 – Prudent – Balanced in his judgment.
5 – Respectable – Dignified. A respectable person.
6 – Hospitable – A lover of strangers. Accepts those of different cultures and backgrounds.
7 – Apt to Teach – One who is able to communicate with people.
F. 1 Peter 5:1-5 “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
I Tim 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
3:3 not addicted to wine, not a bully nor quick-tempered and hot-headed, but gentle and considerate, free from the love of money [not greedy for wealth and its inherent power--financially ethical].
Qualifications of Elders: Continued (Mike Mazzalongo)
8 – Not a drunkard – v. 3 Not addicted to anything.
9 – Not confrontational - Probably something more than merely brawling and fighting may here
be included. Not only must the pattern minister of the Lord never smite his brother believer, but
he must also never wound his soul with cutting, unkind words. (Ellicott)
10 – Gentle – One who is not self-willed. Not “My way or the highway.” Capable to make decisions but flexible.
11 – Uncontentious – Not someone who is given to quarrelling. Elders create peace and harmony.
12 – Free from the love of money. Not addicted to spending.
I Tim 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
I Tim 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
3:4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved]
3:5 (for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?).
13 – A well-managed home. Children under control and in respect to his leadership of the house. Serious of the family. A man who can manage his family should be able to manage the church, which is a family.
This implies that a minister of the gospel would be, and ought to be, a married man. It is everywhere in the New Testament supposed that he would be a man who could be an example in all the relations of life. The position which he occupies in the church has a strong resemblance to the relation which a father sustains to his household; and a qualification to govern a family well, would be an evidence of a qualification to preside properly in the church. It is probable that, in the early Christian church, ministers were not unfrequently taken from those of mature life, and who were, at the time, at the head of families; and, of course, such would be men who had had an opportunity of showing that they had this qualification for the office. Though, however, this cannot be insisted on now as a “previous” qualification for the office, yet it is still true that, if he has a family, it is a necessary qualification, and that a man in the ministry “should be” one who governs his own house well. A want of this will always be a hindrance to extensive usefulness. (Albert Barnes)
I Tim 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
3:6 and He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride].
14 – Not a new convert. Leaders are often attacked by the enemy. They must be mature enough to stand strong. An elder must not be lifted up in pride. This temptation is easier seen in young converts.
A. Not a novice -- The Greek word, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, means, properly, that which is “newly planted.” Thus it would mean a plant that was not strong, or not fitted to bear the severity of storms; that had not as yet struck its roots deep, and could not resist the fierceness of a cold blast. Then the word comes to mean a new convert; one who has had little opportunity to test his own faith, or to give evidence to others that he would be faithful to the trust committed to him. The word does not refer so much to one who is young “in years,” as one who is young “in faith.” Still, all the reasons which apply against introducing a very recent convert into the ministry, will apply commonly with equal force against introducing one young in years. (Barnes)
B. Lest being lifted up with pride - We are not to suppose that this is the only reason against introducing a recent convert into the ministry, but it is a sufficient reason. He would be likely to be elated by being entrusted at once with the highest office in the church, and by the commendations and flattery which he might receive. No condition is wholly proof against this; but he is much less likely to be injured who has had much experience of the depravity of his own heart, and whose mind has been deeply imbued with the spirit of the gospel.
I Tim 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3:7 And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.
15 – Good reputation outside of the church. If a leader is disgraced in his reputation, Satan can use him as a pawn. Any accusation that falls on him in the community can be used against him in church.
A. A leader should have all of these qualities to a degree that they are visible to other people. A potential leader’s qualifications are obvious, visible, and growing.
B. 7 Tasks of Church Leaders: (M. M.)
a. Teach – apt to teach means skilled to teach.
b. Protect – Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Must be able to refute false teachings.
c. Lead – 1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
d. Minister to the sick – James 5:14-15 14 “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” Anointing with Oil: Custom; Kings were anointed; Transfer of holiness; Endowed the Spirit; Powered by Faith
e. Shepherd the flock – Luke 15:3-4 3 “And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”—Discipline – Titus 1:9-11 9 “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”
f. Teaching – To give instruction to one that is in error. Rebuke – To admonish someone who is being disobedient, divisive, or rebellious in the church.
g. Mature (Grow up) the Saints – Ephesians 4:15 -16 15 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
C. Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
D. 1 Peter 1-4 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
I Tim 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
3:8 Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,
A. Why Deacons? Acts 6:1-4 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
B. Deacon – Strong’s 1249 -- diakonos -- dee-ak'-on-os Probably from d?a´?? diako¯ (obsolete, to run on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): - deacon, minister, servant. Total KJV occurrences: 30
C. Deacon -- diakonos Thayer Definition:
a. 1) one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister
1a) the servant of a king
1b) a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use
1c) a waiter, one who serves food and drink
Part of Speech: noun masculine or feminine Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands, compare G1377)
D. Deacons – Men chosen and ordained for a certain task related to their abilities to serve. (M. M.)
E. The word here evidently denotes those who had charge of the temporal affairs of the church, the poor, etc. No qualifications are mentioned, implying that they were to be preachers of the gospel. In most respects, except in regard to preaching, their qualifications were to be the same as those of the “bishops.” (Barnes)
F. Qualifications of Deacon (Barnes)
a. be grave – Serious, sober-minded men. (Men of dignity – M. M.)
b. not doubletongued -- It means, properly, uttering the same thing twice (from d?´? dis and ?e´?? lego¯), and then deceitful, or speaking one thing and meaning another. They should be men who can be relied on for the exact truth of what they say, and for the exact fulfillment of their promises. (Hypocrite according to Mike Mazzalongo)
c. not given to much wine – Again, not addicted to anything.
d. not greedy of filthy lucre – The special reason why this qualification was important in the deacon was, that he would be entrusted with the funds of the church, and might be tempted to appropriate them to his own use instead of the charitable purposes for which they were designed
G. Deacon – Summary (Mike Mazzalongo)
a. Spiritually mature, talented, appointed
b. Selected by, from, for congregation
c. Authority is connected to service
d. No job / no deacon
e. No group authority
f. Servants for a particular task
I Tim 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
3:9 but upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity].
A. "Holding the pure doctrine of religion, and that from the heart, with a sincere fear of God;" or, "Being well instructed in the faith, so as not to be ignorant of anything which it is necessary for Christians to know." He gives to the sum of Christian doctrine the honorable appellation of a mystery; as indeed God, through the gospel, reveals to men on earth a wisdom which angels in heaven behold with admiration, and, therefore, we need not wonder if it exceed human capacity. (John Calvin)
B. Deacons should be well instructed in "the mystery of faith;" because, although they do not hold the office of teaching, yet it would be exceedingly absurd to hold a public office in the Church, while they were ill informed in the Christian faith, more especially since they must frequently be laid under the necessity of administering advice and consolation, if they do not choose to neglect their duties. It is added, in a pure conscience, which extends to the whole life, but chiefly that they may know how to obey God. (John Calvin)
C. A deacon who does not know the Word of God cannot manage the affairs of the church of God. A deacon who does not live the Word of God, but has a “defiled conscience,” cannot manage the church of God. Simply because a church member is popular, successful in business, or generous in his giving, does not mean he is qualified to serve as a deacon. (W. W.)
D. Some believe the mystery, but don’t act like they believe it. (M.M.)
I Tim 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
3:10 These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons.
It always weakens the testimony of a local church when a member who has not been proved is made an officer of the church. “Maybe Jim will attend church more if we make him a deacon,” is a statement that shows ignorance both of Jim and the Word of God. An untested Christian is an unprepared Christian. He will probably do more harm than good if you give him an office in the church. (W. W.)
Men who aren’t already providing leadership of some kind and service, that we don’t recognize their holy lives, we are not sure about them, then they should not be appointed as elders or deacons. (M. M.)
I Tim 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
3:11 Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.
A. Arguments for Women as Deaconess (M. M.)
a. Term can mean wife/women/servant
b. Romans 16:1 – “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant (Strong’s 1249) of the church which is at Cenchrea.” KJV Some other translations use the term deacon and deaconess. (Weymouth) “Deaconesses, in the same way, must be sober-minded women, not slanderers, but in every way temperate and trustworthy.” Servant – diakonos -- dee-ak'-on-os – Strong’s 1249 -- Probably from d?a´?? diako¯ (obsolete, to run on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): - deacon, minister, servant. KJV occurrences: 30
c. Some early writings suggest this idea of women deacons.
d. There were no standards of living given to the wives of bishops or elders.
B. Arguments Against Women as Deaconess
a. Paul does not use the term “deaconess”.
b. Context suggests “wives” of deacons.
c. The only deacons in the Bible were men.
d. Only men were chosen as deacons. Argument favors against women deacons.
C. Women servants in the NT
a. Women supported Jesus’ ministry – Luke 8:3
b. Women praying in upper room – Acts 1
c. Dorcas making clothes for the poor – Acts 9
d. Mary (Mark’s mother) offering hospitality – Acts 12
e. Lydia housing Paul – Acts 16
f. Priscilla’s hospitality – Acts 18
g. Phoebe delivering a letter to Paul – Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
D. Deacons duties -- The distribution of alms to their own sex, caring for the sick, nursing orphan children, instructing female converts, and helping in the administration of their baptism. (Popular NT)
E. Even so must their wives -- Strong's Concordance 1135 wives - guné: a woman -- Original Word: ????, a????, ? -- Part of Speech: Noun, Phonetic Spelling: (goo-nay') -- Definition: a woman -- Usage: a woman, wife, my lady.
F. Thayer Definition: gune¯ wives
a. 1) a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow
b. 2) a wife
c. 2a) of a betrothed woman -- Part of Speech: noun feminine -- A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: probably from the base of G1096
G. Even so must their wives –Against — Namely, the wives of the deacons; be grave — Serious in their deportment; not slanderers — Or false accusers of the brethren and others; sober — Or watchful, (as ??fa?e??? may be rendered,) for occasions of doing good, and guarding against every temptation to evil; faithful — To God, their husbands, and the poor; in all things — Committed to their care, lest their imprudent and unfaithful conduct should bring the character of their husbands under suspicion. The apostle, however, may be understood here, as not only speaking of the wives of the deacons and bishops, but of the believing women in general, and particularly of those who were invested with any office in the church. (Joseph Benson)
H. Even so must their wives—For — The position of this solitary charge, respecting deacons’ wives, in the midst of regulations concerning “deacons,” is, of itself, almost decisive against the translation of the English version, adopted also by Luther and many others. The question naturally occurs—why are deacon’s wives especially referred to, while nothing has been said respecting the wives of presbyters? Then, again, why should the choice of Timothy in the matter of his selection of a deacon be hampered with any special requirements in the wife of the candidate for the holy office? The literal translation of the Greek words would be, Women in like manner must, &c. These women, St. Chrysostom and most of the ancient expositors affirm, were deaconesses. (Ellicott)
I. Even so must their wives—For — Some students think that 1 Timothy 3:11 refers, not to the wives of deacons, but to another order of ministers the deaconesses. Many churches do have deaconesses who assist with the women's work, in baptisms, in fellowship times, etc. Phebe was a deaconess from the church at Cenchrea (Rom. 16:1, where the word is diakonon). Perhaps in some of the churches, the wives of the deacons did serve as deaconesses. We thank God for the ministry of godly women in the local church, whether they hold offices or not! It is not necessary to hold an office to have a ministry or exercise a gift. (W. W.)
I Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
3:12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
A. Notice deacons – “only one wife” – argument for male deacons being discussed in v. 11.
B. Some of the same qualifications as above for bishop and elder.
C. The deacon’s wife is a part of his ministry, for godliness must begin at home. The deacons must not be men who have been divorced and remarried. Their wives must be Christians. Women who are serious about the ministry, not given to slanderous talk (literally "not devils," for the word devil means "slanderer, false accuser) and faithful in all that they do. It is sad to see the damage that is done to a local church when the wives of elders or deacons gossip and slander others. (W. W.)
I Tim 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.
A. A good degree - The word here used (ßa?µ?´? bathmos) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, “a step,” as of a stair; and the fair meaning is that of going up higher, or taking an additional step of dignity, honor, or standing. So far as the “word” is concerned, it may mean either an advance in office, in dignity, in respectability, or in influence. It cannot certainly be inferred that the apostle referred to a higher grade of “office;” for all that the word essentially conveys is, that, by exercising this office well, a deacon would secure additional respectability and influence in the church. Still, it is possible that those who had performed the duties of this office well were appointed to be preachers. They may have shown so much piety, prudence, good sense, and ability to preside over the church, that it was judged proper that they should be advanced to the office of bishops or pastors of the churches. Such a course would not be unnatural. This is, however, far from teaching that the office of a deacon is a subordinate office, “with a view” to an ascent to a higher grade. (Barnes)
B. and great boldness in the faith -- As it is here connected with “faith” - “boldness in the faith” - it means, evidently, not so much public speaking, as a manly and independent exercise of faith in Christ. The sense is, that by the faithful performance of the duties of the office of a deacon, and by the kind of experience which a man would have in that office, he would establish a character of firmness in the faith, which would show that he was a decided Christian. This passage, therefore, cannot be fairly used to prove that the deacon was “a preacher,” or that he belonged to a grade of ministerial office from which he was regularly to rise to that of a presbyter. (Barnes)
C. Those having places of authority in the church must be blameless, not lying under any scandal, watchful against Satan, moderate in all their actions, proving their ability to care for God’s people by keeping a Godly and well-governed household, holding the truths of the faith in a pure conscience. (Summarized Bible)
D. In the early Church, the function of the deacons lay much more in the sphere of practical service. Each Friday in every community, two official collectors went round the markets and called on each house, collecting donations for the poor in money and goods. The material collected in this way was distributed to those in need by a committee of two, or more if necessary. The poor of the community were given enough food for fourteen meals, that is two meals a day for the week. The for the poor was called the Kuppah, or the basket. (William Barclay)
E. Rewards – Deacons -- The blessings that come from a strong faith: Peace, Confidence, Joy, Intimacy with God Serving well reaffirms one’s faith and strengthens a person’s confidence in salvation and God’s care and the hope of Heaven. Notice that the more you serve, the more you give, the more you sacrifice, the stronger your faith is. (M. M.)
I Tim 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
3:14 I hope to come to you before long, but I am writing these instructions to you
A. These things write I unto thee.—“These things” probably referred only to the directions respecting the special qualification to be sought for in candidates for the office of the overseers (presbyters) and deacons. (Ellicot)
B. These things — Concerning the character of persons fit to be intrusted with the office of bishops or deacons; I write, hoping to come to thee shortly — It seems evident from hence, that Paul intended to have come back to Timothy at Ephesus in a little time, but was providentially called another way; (Benson)
C. Hoping to come unto thee shortly.—The participle here has a concessive form, “though I hope,” &c. “I write these special urgent directions to you, though my hope is that I shall be with you sooner than such detailed instructions presuppose.” (Ellicot)
D. come to thee shortly — It seems evident from hence, that Paul intended to have come back to Timothy at Ephesus in a little time, but was providentially called another way; (Benson)
I Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
3:15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
A. But if I tarry long — If I am hindered from coming, I give thee these instructions in the mean time how thou oughtest to behave thyself — That is, how to discharge thy office properly; (which is the scope of the whole epistle); (Benson)
B. to behave thyself - That is, that he might have just views about settling the affairs of the church. (Barnes)
C. In the house of God - This does not mean in a place of public worship, nor does it refer to propriety of deportment there. It refers rather to the church as a body of believers, and to converse with them. The church is called the “house of God,” because it is that in which he dwells. Formerly, his unique residence was in the temple at Jerusalem; now that the temple is destroyed, it is the church of Christ, among his people. (Barnes)
D. The pillar and ground of the truth - There has been no little diversity of opinion among critics whether this phrase is to be taken in connection with the preceding, meaning that “the church” is the pillar and ground of the truth; or whether it is to be taken in connection with what follows, meaning that the principal support of the truth was the doctrine there referred to - that God was manifest in the flesh. (Barnes)
I Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
3:16 And great, we confess, is the mystery [the hidden truth] of godliness:
A. And, without controversy - Undeniably, certainly. The object of the apostle is to say that the truth which he was about to state admitted of no dispute. (Barnes)
B. What a rich cluster of mysteries is here! All blessedly hanging together, like some large bunch of the richest grapes, on the most luxuriant Vine! The mystery begins with, God manifest in the flesh: and the verse ends with, Christ received up into glory. God the Son, tabernacling in a body of flesh! Justified in the Spirit; both in the formation of that pure portion of human nature, wrought by his miraculous impregnation, in the womb of the Virgin, in testifying at Christ’s baptism, in all his miracles; when he offered himself through the eternal Spirit on the cross; when risen from the dead, when returned to glory; and when, in exact conformity to the Lord’s most sure promise, God the Holy Ghost came down at Pentecost; in an open display of his Person, and Offices; and now in a private manifestation in the hearts of all Christ’s seed, from the first moment of regeneration, until grace is finished in glory. In all these, and numberless other instances, Christ is justified in the Spirit, when he takes of Christ, and shows to the people. And seen of angels, who saw him at his birth, attended him in his temptations in the wilderness, in his agonies in the garden, at his resurrection, ascension, and return to glory. Preached to the Gentiles. And this became a mystery to the Jewish Church, that God should also to the Gentiles, grant repentance unto life. Act_11:18, And what was yet, and is now, and ever must be, a greater mystery still, that Christ should be believed on in the world. For such is the natural enmity of every man’s mind by the fall; that nothing short of sovereign grace can gain acceptance for Christ, in a single heart. And there must be the concurring operation of all the Persons of the Godhead, in the drawings of the Father, Joh_6:44, the manifestations of the Son, 1Jn_5:20. and the quickenings of the Holy Ghost, to induce belief in the soul. Eph_2:1. And the Lord’s being received up into glory, closeth the wonderful account, in this precious mystery of godliness, which, without controversy, must be acknowledged great! Reader! what a mercy is your’s, and mine, if through grace, we can both subscribe to the blessed contents? Great as the mystery of godliness is, God hath revealed the truth of the whole to our spirit. 1Co_2:10 (Robert Hawker)
C. The mystery of Godliness is Christ. He was God manifest in the flesh (Joh_1:14). Being reproached as a sinner. He was raised by the Spirit and so justified. He was attended by and worshipped by angels. He is offered to the Gentiles as Savior and Redeemer. He is believed on by millions. He is exalted in glory. (Summarized Bible)
