Gospel Light Christian Church Thru-The-Bible Series (25.5)

The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy

1 Timothy 3:8-16 - Read this Bible passage once through before referring to the notes below.

Qualifications for Deacons

v8-12  The only other office mentioned by Paul here is the office of Deacons.  This office was first described in Acts 6:1-4. Seven deacons (they were not called as such at that time) were appointed, with specific duties to serve tables and daily ministration.

Just as in the case of the office of Bishops, the qualifications of a Deacon can also be sub-divided into positive and negative qualifications. 

First on the positive side, a Deacon must be grave, which implies seriousness befitting the responsibilities entrusted to them. 

Next he is to hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.  The mystery of the faith is of course the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is to be held in a pure conscience, not in a speculative way. So he has to be well grounded in the Gospel, but there is no qualification requiring him to be apt to teach as in the case of a Bishop.  So we see that a Deacon’s job is more administrative in nature whereas an Elder’s job is more spiritual.

The aspirant to the office of Deacon must first be proved, and found blameless. Once again, their moral reputation must be beyond reproach. 

Finally, Deacons must also be husbands of one wive, ruling their children and their own houses well.  This once again rules out females to the office of Deacons (or Deaconess, as some claim, but which office has never been clearly mentioned in the Bible).

The negative qualifications for Deacons are they be not double-tongued, not given to much wine, and not greedy of filthy lucre. They are not to say one thing, and do another.  The last 2 qualifications are similar to that for Bishops.

Their wives

v11  Some people take this verse to be talking about Deaconess.  But it is obviously referring to the wives of Deacons, and perhaps of Bishops as well.  These wives are to be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Their rewards

v13  Deacons who have discharged their responsibilities well are rewarded with a good degree (good standing) and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. The good degree does not refer to promotion within the church, but it means a place of honour and distinction given to the good and faithful Deacon when the Lord returns again.  The confidence to discharge his responsibilities well springs out of his faith that is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s reasons for writing this epistle

v14-15 Paul evidently hoped to visit Timothy shortly.  However, just in case he is delayed, he wrote this letter so that Timothy would know how to conduct himself in the house of God. 

Notice here how Paul describes the house of God.  He called it the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.  Yes, our God is a living God, not a dead idol.  And the church of God is where the truth is upheld and taught.

The mystery of godliness

v16  And what is this truth that is upheld and taught by the church? Paul summed up simply as 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.