1 Timothy 3:11

“Women must likewise be”: “Even so much their wives be” (KJV, Con, Ber, Phi). The term translated “women” can refer to either. married or unmarried woman, and its meaning is determined by the context. The term “likewise” indicates that. new category is being discussed. These woman are neither elders nor deacons. "In Romans 16:1 Phoebe is described as. 'diakonos' (RSV 'deaconess'), but since the form is masculine, without the article, and since the first indications of an office of ‘deaconess' appear only in the third century, it is highly doubtful that the verse refers to. specific and definite church office. The 'women' of 1 Timothy 3:11 prob. refers to the wives of deacons" (Zond. Ency. “Deacons” p. 49)

The women under consideration are not female deacons, but rather the wives of the deacons and elders. “Even so must their wives be” (KJV). 1. “In 1 Timothy 3:1 the “offices” are clearly named, “office of. bishop” (1 Timothy 3:1); “deacons” (1 Timothy 3:8), “serve as deacons” (1 Timothy 3:10). Paul said, “women” and not “deaconesses”. If an official class were meant here, we should expect something more specific than “women or wives” without the article” (Vincent p. 236). 2. Very little is said about these women, in contrast to the qualifications for deacons. Nothing is said about whether these women are to be married or have children, because they are the wives of the men mentioned in this context. 3. It is often argued that Phoebe was. deaconness (Romans 16:1). She is called. “servant”, but that doesn't demand that she was. deacon. Various other Christians are also called “servants”, but we never assume that they were deacons (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 1 Timothy 4:6). Paul also calls himself. “servant”, but we know that he wasn't. deacon (1 Corinthians 7:8; 1 Timothy 3:12), because he didn't have all the qualifications (specifically,. wife or children). In like manner, Phoebe was. servant, but she wasn't. deacon, because she wasn't the husband of one wife. F. LaGard Smith notes, “A possible rendering of the word “servant” is the word “deaconess”, at least if one overlooks the fact that only the masculine form of the word “deacon” is found in Scripture. (There is no feminine form of the Greek word for deacon)….because the passage (1 Timothy 3:11) is sandwiched between various qualifications for deacons, the most natural reference would be to the wives of those being considered for deacons..” (Men Of Strength For Women Of God, p. 216).

1 Timothy 3:11 “Dignified”: “Their wives should share their serious outlook”. The same word was used in 1 Timothy 3:8. And especially those matters where. degree of soberness and serious resolve is needed.

1 Timothy 3:11 “Not malicious gossips”: “Women of discretion and self-control” (Phi). The spouse of the deacon must also be trustworthy and able to control her tongue. Due to the work of her husband, she must not make. wrong or selfish use of the confidential information to which she has access. The word “malicious” indicates that she cannot be. woman who is hypercritical or one who is bent on finding fault with others.

1 Timothy 3:11 “But temperate”: Clear-headed, self-controlled, circumspect, like her husband, neither can she be addicted to much wine.

1 Timothy 3:11 “Faithful in all things”: “Trustworthy in every respect” (Arndt p. 664); “Women who can be trusted” (Phi). Faithful in keeping secrets, faithful in keeping appointments, faithful to her husband, her children, and faithful to God.. am impressed that God mentions that their wives must also have moral character. In the ancient world and even in modern times, the wives of successful men are often left in the background. In fact, the wives of some successful men in our modern history have been emotionally unstable, alcoholics, and so on. The kingdom of God is not organized like. corporation or congress (Matthew 20:24). God feels that the wife of an elder or deacon has. very valuable role. Her character can increase his effectiveness, or she can make him ineffective. In the book of Proverbs the husband of the worthy woman sits among the elders of the land (1 Timothy 31:23), but it seems inferred that he might not be sitting there, if he had married. woman who lacked character.