1 Timothy 3:8-13

Qualifications of Deacons

By using the word "likewise," Paul made it clear that the qualifications of deacons are as important as those of elders. The word deacon comes from the original diakonos, which Vine says "primarily denotes a servant, whether as doing servile work, or as an attendant rendering free service." The word is used of Christ (Romans 15:8), his followers actions toward one another (Matthew 20:26), those who serve the church whether from an appointed office or as one who just loves the body (Romans 16:1; 1 Peter 1:1) and of various others. In this place, Paul obviously has an office in mind. These men must be serious and reverent. He must not say one thing when he means another or say different things to different people. He must not be a man addicted to, or having his mind occupied with, wine. Neither should he be one who is hungry for evil money, or money acquired in a dishonest way (1 Timothy 3:8).

Throughout the Old Testament period, the way of salvation was hidden from man, thus a mystery. That mystery is made known in the gospel of Christ. A man qualified to be a deacon will keep the faith so that his conscience is free from guilt. Like elders, deacons must be men who have passed the test of time as a Christian. This will enable him to assume the duties assigned him and not be found to have a charge against him that is not corrected (1 Timothy 3:9-10).

In 1 Timothy 3:11, the A. S. V. begins with the words, "women in like manner must," thus showing the true difficulty this verse presents. Is Paul speaking to a special class of women who work in the church or is he speaking to the wives of the deacons? If this is to the wives of deacons as the N. K. J. V. translates, why is there nothing to the wives of elders? Lipscomb believed there were some needs women in the church had that a man could not properly attend to. Coffman felt Paul would have called them by a special name if they were to have a special office. He notes that a wife could certainly effect the working of her husband and would play a vital role in his attending to the needs

of women. It seems to this author that the verse is written in too broad a sense to be directed to a special office but it may refer to women who attend to special needs of women without holding a special office. In any case, Paul says these women must be serious minded and avoid gossip, which can tear down the character of others. They must be trustworthy and not be given to excesses (1 Timothy 3:11).

God's law for marriage is one woman for one man for life (Matthew 19:3-9). Men who would serve the church must respect that law. Notice that this qualification omits women as potential office holders. A man who cannot control his own family is not suited to hold a position of authority in the family of God. Men who use the office of a deacon well will be held in honor by their brethren and will have greater courage in furthering Christ's cause (1 Timothy 3:12-13).