Free Bible Commentary
“1 Timothy 3:8-13”
Categories: 1 Timothy“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
---End of Scripture verses---
A deacon is a servant in the church, but he is one who serves in a special and “official” capacity. All of God’s people have been saved to serve, but a man who aspires to the position of deacon desires a higher calling. If he dispatches his duties with diligence, he obtains “a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (verse 13)
A deacon must be a man of character (verse 8). He must be a dignified person who takes the word of God very seriously. He holds “to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (verse 9). Just like the faithful overseer does, the trustworthy deacon holds “fast the faithful word” (Titus 1:9), and obeys the commandments of the Lord with single-minded devotion. He is not a double-tongued, or two-faced person, and he lives his life free from addictions. A deacon who serves well is a role model for others to look up to and follow after.
A deacon must be a man of capability (verse 10). He is a proven person who has been “tested” in the areas of spiritual leadership. He must demonstrate his faithfulness by faithfully attending worship services and by his preparedness when leading in the various aspects of public worship that have been assigned to him. He has proven over the course of time that he is reliable and dependable and “beyond reproach,” and he is ready and willing to use his unique skillset to serve the Lord and the church as best as he is able.
A deacon must be a man of care (verse 12). He cares about his family and he manages his household with dignity and godliness. He demonstrated his love for the Lord and for his future children by marrying a godly woman who is also “dignified” and not a “gossip” and who is “faithful in all things” (verse 11). As “managers of their children and their own households,” deacons have the quality of being a good steward of some of God’s most precious gifts (their children), and he is also a good manager of his finances so that he provides adequately for their needs.
Read Acts 6:1-7 for tomorrow so we can get a glimpse at the kind of service that deacons are called upon to perform.
Have a wonderful day!
- Louie Taylor
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