Introduction
I Timothy 3:8-13The word “deacon” (diakonos)
Often translated “servant” or “minister.”Romans 16:1-2 – Same Greek word used here for Phoebe. She doesn’t seem to be a deacon in the special sense of I Timothy 3.Romans 15:8; 13:4All Christians are servants, but I Timothy 3 is talking about something above and beyond that.I Timothy 3:8-13
“first be tested”These qualifications are the test.“beyond reproach”A deacon should be blameless.I John 1:8 – We all sin.We can only be blameless through the grace of God.Colossians 1:21“dignity”Is a man serious and respectful enough for this work?“not double-tongued”Speaks the truth.“not addicted to much wine”This does not imply permission for a little win.I Timothy 5:23When the extreme measure is condemned, it does not all the half measure.“[not] fond of sordid gain”“holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience”Mystery just means it wasn’t yet fully revealed.Colossians 1:25-26A deacon should be a man who is holding to God’s truth.“Women”Same word in Greek means both woman and wife. Context must indicate which.This seems to be speaking about wives of deacons.“Women must likewise be dignified”“not malicious gossips”“temperate”Sober and self-controlled.“faithful in all things”“husbands of only one wife”Bachelors and polygamists are forbidden from serving as deacons.This does not seem to be forbidding those who have been remarried, as long as it was lawful in God’s eyes.“good managers of their children and their own households”“a high standing”This is a service worthy of respect.What work should deacons do?Acts 6:1-4 – Are these men the first deacons? There are parallels, but the qualifications are not exactly the same.
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