1 Timothy 3:8-13: The Office of a Deacon
2021-10-03
Now we turn our attention to the deacon, another office in the local church. This is the main place where their requirements are enumerated. They are not listed in Titus. Some are said to be mentioned in Acts 6:1-8.
The early church in Jerusalem had a problem with Grecian widows not getting the help they needed. The apostles were already preoccupied with other tasks such as preaching and prayer. They decided to appoint seven men to help in this endeavor. These were the first deacons.
There we read that some qualifications they need are being “honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Were these men just “serving tables”? These had to be men that were known as honest. If they were not, they would be doubted when helping the widows before they even got started. They also had to be “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” As official leaders in their tasks, they had to be able to accomplish their work as unto the Lord, but also be ready to share Christ wherever and in whatever they were doing. Stephen and Philip were two of the seven we specifically hear about, and it was clear they fit these qualifications.
Let us see what is required of deacons. If there are shared qualifications with the bishops, we will ignore those unless additional comments become necessary.
Verse 8
The deacon must be grave. We think of grave as being somber and serious. This might be only part of it. Being honest and honorable is also part of what is meant here. If we think in terms of the seven men appointed in Acts 6, this makes sense.
The deacon must not be double-tongued (hapax legomenon). He is not deceptive in his speech. He tells it like it is. As a servant of the church, communicating that which is true is important. This goes with the “honest report” that is required.
The deacon is not given to much wine. I would not think to give too much emphasis on the addition of the word “much” here compared with the bishop’s counterpart criterion. You cannot be filled with the Spirit if your faculties have been compromised.
The deacon also should not be greedy of filthy lucre, as stated above for bishops.
Verse 9
The deacon should be “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9). The term mystery often refers to the church, and how it is comprised of Jews and non-Jews, with the Holy Spirit living in us. Faith gives us access into this mystery. The deacon upholds this with “a pure conscience.” Regardless with whatever opposition he incurs, the deacon has confidence in the Lord, and that he is in the right. This is like the “good conscience” mentioned in the previous chapters.
Verse 10
The deacon also must be tested, and if found blameless, then be appointed as a deacon. It does not say how he should be tested, but somehow, after a period of examination, he can be appointed. This may be like an elder not being a novice. He needs to have some time to show himself to be approved. However, it must be more than just being a Christian for a period. You must know him for awhile to make sure he suited for the role.
Verse 11
The bishop has implied requirements concerning his wife. For the deacon, the Scriptures are explicit concerning the deacon’s wife’s criteria.
The deacon’s wife must be grave, like him. She must be honest and honorable like him.
The deacon’s wife must not be a slanderer. The word for slanderer is often translated “devil” in the New Testament! She does not accuse people falsely. Otherwise, she would promote disunity among the people, and affect the deacon’s judgment as well.
The deacon’s wife must be sober. The word is different than when used of the bishop. Here the word means vigilant.
The deacon’s wife is faithful in all things. If she weren’t, her unfaithfulness would affect the deacon’s faithfulness.
Does This Speak of Woman Deacons?
Some make the case for women deacons because of this verse. In Romans 16:1, Phebe was a servant of Cenchrea, and the word for “servant” there is the same word for “deacon.” Also, in the phrase “Even so must their wives...” in 1 Timothy 3:11, the word “their” is in italics, meaning it is not in the original text. The word for “wives” is γυνή, which is just the word for woman. They would say that the phrase should be “Even so must women...”
I think I have switched on this a few times throughout the years. It would be very strange to enumerate qualifications for women deacons, then turn around in the next verse and say, “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:12). Also, concerning Phebe, the word for deacon simply means “servant.” She would not have to have the official role of a deacon.
However, you could also make the case that the problem with women in authority in the previous chapter was teaching authority. Since deacons are not necessarily “apt to teach,” this may make the case for the woman deacon. Furthermore, why are there no explicit requirements for the bishop’s wife? I will leave it for you to decide!
Verse 12
The deacon must be the husband of one wife. This is the same as for the bishop. He also must manage his children and household well, just like bishop. How he runs his family shows who he really is.
Verse 13
Good deacons earn respect. The “degree” (hapax legomenon) implies dignity, influence, and good standing in the church.
With their good performance in the office of a deacon, they acquire boldness in the faith. Remember Stephen, one of the first deacons in Jerusalem. He was “full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). His ordination gave him boldness in the church and in the community.