1 Timothy 3: Timothy 3:8-Paul Presents The First Four Qualifications That Must Be Met By Those Men Who Aspire To Be Deacons

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1 1 Timothy 3:8-9 1 Timothy 3:8-Paul Presents The First Four Qualifications That Must Be Met By Those Men Who Aspire To Be Deacons Review of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Timothy 3:1-7 presents a list of qualifications for those men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspire to the office of overseer. This pericope contains what scholars call a duty code or we could call it simply a code of conduct. This pericope corresponds and parallels the duty code in Titus 1:6-9. That they correspond to each other is indicated in that a specific introductory line appears in each passage which is it is necessary for the overseer to be above reproach (anepilempton, 1 Timothy 3:2), it is necessary for the overseer to be beyond reproach (anenkleton, Titus 1:7). In both lists, both positive and negative characteristics appear. The positive characteristics are to be manifested by the overseer and the negative ones must not. There are fifteen qualifications listed by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and 17 in Titus 1:6-9. Many of the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 appear in Titus 1:6-9, therefore, when we don t count the duplicates we have twenty-five qualifications listed by the apostle Paul. The number twenty-five is significant in Scripture because being the square of five; the number twenty-five expresses the essence of the signification of five, i.e. grace. Of these twenty-five qualifications listed by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9, seventeen are positive and eight are negative. The list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 indicate that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher had to demonstrate that he possessed these qualifications must stand out as prominent and consistent in his life before he can be assigned to oversee a local assembly. In other words, even though he had the gift of pastor-teacher, he was not promoted until these characteristics were prominent and consistently being manifested in his life. This is the reason for Peter s statement in 1 Peter 5:5-6 where in the context addressing pastors, he teaches the younger men with the gift to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God in order that He might promote them at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1

2 Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (NASU) In verse 1, Paul presents the second of four trustworthy statements that appear in 1 Timothy, which states that if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble occupation. 1 Timothy 3:1 This saying is, as an eternal spiritual truth, trustworthy: if and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that any man, at any time does aspire to the office of overseer for himself and we agree that there are, then he, as an eternal spiritual truth, desires a noble occupation. (My translation) In this verse, Paul is employing the figure of asyndeton because he wants to reaffirm the importance of the office of overseer. This figure emphasizes how serious Paul viewed this office and its importance to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ, which is the household of God, i.e. the local assembly, the church. This saying is, as an eternal spiritual truth, trustworthy refers to the first class conditional statement that follows indicating that this statement is a commendation of the office of overseer. This is designed to refute those who reject the authority of the overseer as a result of those overseers in Ephesus who were abusing their authority and teaching false doctrine. It is a Spirit inspired evaluation of the office of overseer, affirming its value and implying its importance to the body of Christ. If and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that any man, at any time does aspire to the office of overseer for himself and we agree that there are is a protasis of a first class condition that indicates the assumption of truth for the sake of argument. Any man is the indefinite pronoun tis, which refers to a member of the body of Christ without further identification. It speaks of any member of the body of Christ without exception and distinction. It indicates that this conditional clause is presenting an eternal spiritual truth. The masculine form of the word indicates that only men can hold this office and possess the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher, which is supported by the fact that in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul says that the overseer must be a one-woman man. If women could be pastors, then why didn t he address their qualifications for ministry? Also, Paul just got through teaching the women in the Christian community in Ephesus that they could not teach men the Word of God in public in the local assembly or exercise authority over them William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2

3 At any time does aspire is the verb orego, which denotes a positive ambition that is virtuous since it is produced by the Holy Spirit and is thus according to the will of the Father. That it is a positive ambition is clearly indicated by the fact that Paul is commending the position sought after. The office of overseer emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The Scriptures teach that the pastor-teacher, i.e. the overseer fulfills this office by fulfilling four responsibilities that are the means by which he tends and shepherds the flock of God: (1) Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (2) Teach (1 Tim. 4:13) (3) Pray (Acts 6:1-4). (4) Exemplify the Christian way of life. Then he, as an eternal spiritual truth, desires a noble occupation is the apodasis of a first class condition. Noble occupation emphasizes that the office of overseer is of the utmost importance in life possessing outstanding qualities because it is on behalf of a superior sovereign king, Jesus Christ and the body of Christ. The word speaks of the office as of the utmost importance or the most important thing that a Christian man could do in life since the function of this office promotes spiritual growth of the body of Christ and glorifies God. It is of the utmost importance because its function protects the flock of God from false doctrine. Then, in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul lists seven of fifteen qualifications for those men who aspire to the office of overseer. 1 Timothy 3:2 Therefore, it is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative the overseer be irreproachable in character, a one-woman man, level-headed, wise, responsible, hospitable, a skillful teacher. (My translation) This verse draws an inference from verse 1, which affirms the importance of the office of overseer to the body of Christ. Therefore, verse 2 indicates that based upon the importance of the office of overseer to the body of Christ, the man who aspires to this office must possess meet certain qualifications in order to hold this office. This verse emphasizes the connection between the list of qualifications in verses 2-7 with the office. These qualifications are commensurate with the importance of the office. Since the office is so important to the spiritual growth and protection of the flock of God, demands a particular type of Christian man, namely it demands a man whose lifestyle generally speaking is such that no one can legitimately accuse him (and make it stick) of conduct that is not befitting a mature believer. These characteristics must stand out as prominent and consistent in the man. They must be clearly distinguishable, even though there is room and times that he will fall short. He must be spiritually mature and an example of Christ-like character. Therefore, because of the stature and importance of the office, the man 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3

4 who aspires to the office of overseer must possess certain qualities that characterize a mature believer. The overseer refers to the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher. It emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The Scriptures teach that the pastorteacher, i.e. the overseer fulfills this office by fulfilling four responsibilities that are the means by which he tends and shepherds the flock of God: (1) Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (2) Teach (1 Tim. 4:13) (3) Pray (Acts 6:1-4). (4) Exemplify the Christian way of life. It is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative expresses necessity that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess certain characteristics in order for him to function in the office. It indicates that it is absolutely imperative that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess the certain characteristics. Irreproachable in character indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must not afford anything that an adversary could use as the basis for an accusation. It must be impossible to bring any charge of wrongdoing that could withstand impartial examination. The word does not imply sinless perfection on the part of the man who aspires to the gift of pastor-teacher. The term refers to a man who has integrity of character so that no one can lay hold upon anything in his life, which would be of such a nature as to cast reproach upon the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. A one-woman man indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must be a one woman man and not a polygamist. This phrase speaks of a life-long commitment to one woman. It does not forbid remarriage after a death or divorce since Moses divorced and remarried. This expression emphasizes the avoidance of any sexual immorality on the part of the overseer. It denotes that if he is married he must be faithful to his wife. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the man who aspires to the office of overseer and his family. Level-headed indicates that one of the qualifications of the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher that aspires to the office of overseer is that he must be level-headed, temperate, shows moderation in all things, and is sober in his thinking. Thus, he is one who employs doctrinal rationales to solve problems and whose soul is influenced by God the Holy Spirit, therefore, it is used here as a synonym for the filling of the Spirit. Wise refers to one who is of sound mind, one who has control over their emotions and desires and is wise from application of the Word of God. It denotes one who uses discretion, and has self-control, and discipline, thus one who is wise 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4

5 because one is under the influence of the Spirit. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the pastor and himself. Responsible indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must be a man who fulfills his duties incumbent on his place and order (operates in his spiritual gift) as a member of the royal family of God. It speaks of the pastor as one who must be disciplined through enforced and genuine humility resulting from right priorities in life, thus one who has virtue. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the pastor and himself as well as himself. Hospitable expresses the fact that the man who aspires to the office of pastor-teacher must be an individual who tries to meet the needs of displaced members of the royal family of God through his own financial means or even opening his home to them. It describes the man who has the gift of pastor-teacher who is willing to open his home to other members of the Royal Family of God in order to teach them. This term is used of course with respect to the relationship between the pastor and others. A skillful teacher suggests or implies that the man who with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher and aspires to the office of overseer must be willing and able to not only teach but also to refute errors or accurately answer questions (cf. Titus 1:9). It indicates that only those with spiritual gift of pastor-teacher can hold the office of overseer because the word denotes one who is skillful in teaching, which only those with the gift of teaching can fulfill. The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:3 continues to add to his lists of qualifications for those men with the spiritual gift of teaching and who aspire to the office of overseer. In this verse he presents five more qualifications. 1 Timothy 3:3 Not an alcoholic, not violent but rather magnanimous, not contentious, not a lover of money. (My translation) This verse continues to add to the list of qualifications that appear in verse 2 for those men with the spiritual gift of teaching and who aspire to the office of overseer. In verse 2, he presents seven qualifications and not in verse 3 he presents five more qualifications. Not an alcoholic makes clear that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher desires to be promoted to the office of overseer if he must not be an alcoholic. He cannot be promoted to the office of overseer if he is an alcoholic. Not violent also makes clear that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher desires to be promoted to the office of overseer he can not be violent. He cannot be promoted to the office of overseer if he is a violent person. This expression emphasizes that a pastor can not succumb to anger and expresses that anger with violence. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:23-24 indicate that those pastors in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine and attempting to be teachers of the Law rather than the gospel were involved in angry disputes and abusive 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5

6 language. There is a close connection with the first prohibition in verse 3 in that excessive alcohol consumption often leads to violent behavior. This of course is demonstrated in our day and age at football games and in Europe at soccer games where crowds get drunk and then violence often breaks out. Magnanimous teaches that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher desires to be promoted to the office of overseer then he must be magnanimous. It means that he must demonstrate on a consistent basis that he can remain meek in the face of insults and is lenient and kind. He must demonstrate that he is considerate and does not demand his own rights at all costs. The term means that he must be generous in forgiving an insult or injury and free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness especially towards one s enemies. It means he must be high-minded and noble, possessing nobility of mind, character, having a magnanimous love of justice. This treatment of others is a manifestation of Christ-like character and love toward both God and men. Not contentious teaches that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher wants to be promoted to the office of overseer in a local assembly then he must not be a fighter, he must not be contentious, nor combative or argumentative. It indicates that the overseer must not be a contentious person. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:22-26 indicates that the pastors who in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine as a result of falling victim to the Judaizers teaching were often involved with quarrels and arguments and were contentious. Not a lover of money speaks of the love of money and materialism. It indicates that the pastor can never be in the ministry for the money or because it pays well. It also denotes that he is to serve in the ministry regardless even if he is not making a great salary. Some don t serve because the ministry does not pay well. It teaches that the pastor must be known for the love of his work for its own sake and not for the material wealth that his work can provide him. The man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher must possess an attitude toward material wealth that is one of healthy detachment but of course not irresponsibility. It refers to the fact that the man who aspires to the office of pastor-teacher must not be involved in always making deals outside of the church since these activities erode his character and hinder his ministry. Also, many times pastors are woefully underpaid and at times at poverty level, thus there is a great temptation to attempt to supplement one s salary by outside means or endeavors which take the pastor away from his duties of studying and teaching and prayer. The sin of loving money is thus not relegated to the rich but the poor who don t have it. Paul in 1 Timothy 3:4 presents the thirteenth qualification, which refers to the fact that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher, who has a family and aspires to the office of overseer must manage his own household by exercising his authority in the home in such a way, which commands respect from his children William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6

7 1 Timothy 3:4 It is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative the overseer be managing his own household correctly for his own benefit by possessing submissive children with absolute dignity. (My translation) This verse contains the thirteenth qualification that appears in 1 Timothy 3:4, which the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher must consistently manifest and have prominent in his life if he is to be promoted to the office of overseer. It teaches that he must manage his own household correctly by exercising his authority in the home in such a way, which commands respect from his children. It is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative the overseer be does not translate a word in the Greek of 1 Timothy 3:4 but is implied and supplied from verse 2. Paul deliberately omits a several words though they are implied and can be supplied from verse 2. These are the accusative masculine singular form of the noun episkopos (ἐπίσκοπος) (eh-pee-skopoce), an overseer and the third person singular present active indicative form of the verb dei (δεῖ) (thee), must and the and the present active infinitive form of the verb eimi (εἰµί) (ee-mee), be. The noun episkopos means overseer and describes those men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher. It emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The verb dei expresses necessity that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess certain characteristics in order for him to function in the office. It denotes an absolute must indicating that it is absolutely imperative that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess certain characteristics which are listed in verses 2-7. The verb eimi means to be in the sense of possessing a particular characteristic. It indicates that it is absolutely imperative that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess the characteristic of managing his own household correctly. Managing is the verb proistemi, which means to exercise a position of authority and is used with reference to the man with the spiritual gift of pastor who aspires to the office of overseer. It is used with reference to the pastor s authority over his own household. The word conveys a leadership style characterized by loving care. The word expresses the idea that the man s children submit to his leadership out of respect for him and not out of fear. The pastor s wife and children must love, respect and follow his leadership and his children should have respect for authority in every area of life. Household is the noun oikos, which refers to those who are related by blood and marriage to the overseer as well as slaves and servants living in the same house or homestead. The emphasis is upon children here since the participle form of the 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 7

8 verb echo that follows defines how the overseer is to manage his own household correctly. Correctly is the adverb kalos, which pertains to meeting relatively high standards of excellence, which would be managing one s own household in accordance with the teaching of the Word of God. The emphasis with the word is not so much the quality of the performance of some task but rather whether one does it correctly. The word conveys the idea that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must be governing his own household according to the standards of God s Word and specifically with regards to operating in God s love by the power of the Spirit. By possessing submissive children is defining what Paul means in the previous clause the pastor, i.e. the overseer must be managing his own household correctly. He is to do so by possessing submissive children. It makes more explicit what Paul means that the overseer must be managing his own household correctly. It indicates that the children of the overseer must be in a submissive state towards him. With absolute dignity denotes the manner in which the aspiring overseer was to manage his own household correctly. It speaks of the overseer s conduct as worthy of honor, reverence and respect by the Christian community in which he lives as a result of caring for his children and disciplining them to be submissive to him. It also means that the aspiring overseer to perfectly embody dignity while managing their households. The apostle Paul in verse 5 poses a rhetorical question that is a strong argument for the qualification mentioned by him in verse 4. 1 Timothy 3:5 However, if, and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that someone has absolutely no idea how to manage his own household then, how will he himself care for God s church? (My translation) This verse is presenting a contrast between a hypothetical Christian man who aspires to the office of overseer managing one s own household correctly by possessing submissive children with all dignity with that of a man who does not know how to do so. This passage is a first class conditional statement that contains a rhetorical question in the apodasis that demands an emphatic negative answer. Paul uses the first class condition as a tool of persuasion with his audience. Here the protasis is if, and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that some has absolutely no idea how to manage his own household. The apodasis is then, how will he himself care for God s church? The audience would respond that there is absolutely no possibility of this man being able to care for God s church. In fact, it denotes that it is unthinkable that 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8

9 man who can not manage his home ever managing or being allowed to manage God s church. Someone refers to a hypothetical man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspires to the office of overseer. Has absolutely no idea emphatically negate the idea of a man having knowledge as to how to manage his own household correctly according to God s Word. How to manage is used with reference to the man with the spiritual gift of pastor who aspires to the office of overseer exercising authority over his own household. It conveys a leadership style characterized by loving care. It expresses the idea that the man s children submit to his leadership out of respect for him and not out of fear. The pastor s wife and children must love, respect and follow his leadership and his children should have respect for authority in every area of life. His own household refers to the household of the man who aspires to the office of overseer. This household would consist of those related to by blood and marriage as well as slaves and servants living in the same house. How asks a rhetorical question, which demands an emphatic negative answer. This rhetorical question rejects the idea that a man who has absolutely no idea how to manage his own household being qualified to take care of God s church and demands a negative answer. Will he himself care for speaks of being diligent in showing concern and care for the body of Christ, the flock of God. It denotes a compassionate care and concern for the flock of God. God s household refers to a local assembly of Christians who meet in a particular location whether a house or school room. It refers to the fact that these believers are the Father s possession or in other words, His children. 1 Timothy 3:6 presents the fourteenth of fifteen qualifications that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher must manifest habitually in his life if he is to be promoted to the office of overseer. 1 Timothy 3:6 It is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative the overseer not be a new convert in order that he will not fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil because he may became arrogant. (My translation) Not a new convert describes a person who has been recently converted to Christianity. It teaches that Paul wants mature Christian men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher to assume the office of overseer in the local assembly and does not want new believers in this position. A new believer is very vulnerable and susceptible to false teaching, thus it is dangerous to place them in a position of authority over the flock of God. He goes on to teach here in verse 6 that they are 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 9

10 susceptible to pride, which brought the devil to ruin. This is why Paul issues the following prohibition in 1 Timothy 5:22. 1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (ESV) Both, new or immature believers in spiritual childhood and mature believers are susceptible to arrogance. The difference between the two is that the believer in spiritual adulthood has more doctrine in his soul to combat the arrogance than does the believer still in spiritual childhood. In other words a believer in spiritual adulthood has a greater understanding and awareness of the deception of his sin nature and the devil and his position in Christ and his dependence upon the Spirit and the Word to deal with these two enemies. Therefore, 1 Timothy 3:6 and 5:22 emphasize that the overseer should be at some level of spiritual maturity since if he is not he will become arrogant. It also indicates that the church in Ephesus has been in existence for some time. In order that he will not fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil is a purpose clause indicating Paul s purpose for prohibiting new believers from being promoted to the office of overseer. It refers to the guilty verdict that the devil received for rebelling against the Lord and not repenting of it. It speaks of a man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher experiencing divine discipline from the Lord because he became arrogant as a result of becoming an overseer when he did not have the spiritual maturity to handle such a position. Paul is speaking of a believer here thus his condemnation due to arrogance is not the same as the devil who rejects Jesus Christ. A believer receives divine discipline from God as a child would receive from his parents. Only unbelievers receive eternal condemnation like the devil. Thus this condemnation that the believer receives for arrogance is not the same as the condemnation that the devil received. They are similar in the sense that they both received punishment from God. They are also similar because this punishment in both instances is due to pride and arrogance. However, the devil s punishment is permanent and the believer s is not temporary. Because he may become arrogant presents the reason why an immature spiritual man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher must never become the overseer of a local assembly when he does not have the capacity to handle such a position. It indicates that a man who has been placed in the office of overseer will fall into the condemnation of the devil because he has become arrogant due to assuming this position. This causal clause indicates that arrogance precedes a fall. It speaks of the arrogance that comes about in a person when they feel they are superior because of their position of authority. Thus, Paul is saying that it is absolutely imperative that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must not 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10

11 be a new convert in order that he will not fall into the condemnation that the devil incurred because he will become arrogant. The apostle Paul in verse 7 presents the fifteenth qualification that must be met by those men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspire to the office of overseer in order for them to be promoted to this office. This qualification demands that the man who aspires to the office of pastor-teacher must be an individual whose life consists of actions, which serve as testimony to a man s character and integrity. The life of the pastor-teacher must reflect his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He should have a reputation for character and integrity even with the unbeliever (See 1 Peter 2:12). 1 Timothy 3:7 Furthermore in fact, it is, as an eternal spiritual truth, absolutely imperative to possess an excellent reputation from those outside in order that he would not fall into disgrace as a result of the devil s trap. (My translation) This verse marks an emphatic addition. It is emphasizing this fifteenth and final qualification that appears in 1 Timothy 3: that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who desires to be promoted to the office of overseer must have a good reputation with unbelievers. It is extremely important in order that they might not fall into disgrace as a result of being caught in the devil s trap. It stresses wstih the reader that the pastor must have a reputation among the unsaved in his community because he possesses a lifestyle of unquestioned in integrity. An excellent reputation refers to the unsaved s evaluation or assessment of the conduct and character of the man with the spiritual gift pastor-teacher who aspires to the office of overseer. It denotes the truthful evidence given by the unsaved in assessment of the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who desires to be promoted to the office of overseer. It is the testimony of the unsaved with regards to the moral character and worthy of the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspires to the office of overseer. The word speaks of the recognition by the unsaved that the aspiring overseer has a lifestyle that is marked by good moral character and integrity. It describes this reputation as being of a high moral quality or character with the implication that this person is a great benefit to the community in which he lives. From those outside refers to those who are not saved through faith alone in Christ alone and are thus not part of the Christian community from God s perspective. It indicates that this excellent reputation must originate from those outside the Christian community. In order that he would not fall into disgrace as a result of the devil s trap presents Paul s purpose for demanding that men with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher and who desire to be promoted to the office of overseer must have an excellent reputation with the unbelievers in the community. It denies any idea of a 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11

12 man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspires to be promoted to the office of overseer falling into reproach because he has a bad reputation with the unsaved in his community. Disgrace speaks of justifiable reproach or rejection by the unbelievers due to immorality or improper behavior. It refers to a total loss of credibility as a result of immoral or improper conduct. As a result of the devil s trap presents the result of the falling into disgrace with the unsaved in the community or in other words, falling into disgrace is the direct result of the devils trap. It refers to the various temptations such as pride, money, women and ambition that lead one into sin, which pastor-teachers are warned about throughout the Pastoral Epistles. Therefore, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul is addressing the failure of those pastors who he rebukes in chapter 1 for teaching false doctrine as a result of adhering to the teaching of the Judaizers which result in poor conduct and a loss of testimony in the Ephesian community. These qualifications are designed to get these pastors back on track and were preventative maintenance for those who were still faithful. So they are designed not only for the spiritual health of the church in Ephesus but to protect the testimony of the church among the unsaved in that city. Therefore, these fifteen qualifications serve as a rebuke for the unfaithful pastors and a warning for those who remained faithful. They would also serve as an encouragement to the latter as well. Twelve Qualifications for Deacons In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, the apostle Paul presents eight qualifications that must be met in order for men to hold the office of deacon in the local assembly. In this pericope he also presents in verse 11 four qualifications that the deacon s wives must meet in order for these men to be installed in this office. Thus, in this passage we have twelve qualifications that must be fulfilled by men in order form them to hold the office of a deacon. 1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not doubletongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 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. (NASU) 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 12

13 This list is similar in many ways with the one in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 that addresses the qualifications for those men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspire to the office of overseer. In fact, of the nine qualifications of the deacon, six parallel the ones related to the overseer. Both lists contain qualifications that prohibit alcoholism (verses 3 and 8) and being greedy for money (verse 3 and 8). Both contain the qualification of being beyond reproach (verse 2 and 10) even though they describe this qualification with different words which are synonyms. They both require being level-headed, i.e. temperate (verse 2 and 11). However, verse 11 requires the deacon s wives to be level-headed whereas verse 2 requires this of the overseer. Lastly, both lists require one to be a good manager of one s own household and to be a one-woman man. Therefore, both lists require mature Christian character. Both lists do not require sinless perfection but rather they emphasize that the qualifications of both the overseer and the deacon must stand out as prominent and consistent in a man s life before he can be assigned to these offices. The list in verses 8-13 contains qualifications that are unique to the office of deacon. In other words, this list does not contain qualifications that appear in verses 1-7. For example, the latter contains the qualification of being a skillful teacher in verse 2 whereas the former does not. Also, the list in verse 1-7 contains the qualification of taking care of the church of God whereas the list in verses 8-13 does not. Thus, we can infer that teaching and being the top authority in the church of God is not a qualification of a deacon. Furthermore, in verse 3 Paul teaches that the pastor must be magnanimous and not contentious whereas deacons are not given this qualification. This probably is related to the fact that deacons are not responsible to oversee the congregation and administer discipline and direction. They are also not required to be hospitable as the overseer is. This does not imply that a deacon is not to be hospitable since this is required of all Christians. Rather, it simply emphasizes that this characteristic should be prominent in the life of the pastor since he is to lead the church and is responsible to exemplify the love of God more than anyone and hospitality is a major expression of that love. Also, the qualification of not being a new convert is found in the list pertaining to pastors whereas it does not appear for the list related to deacons. Neither, is the qualification of having an excellent reputation with the unsaved in the community. The qualification that a deacon must first be tested in verse 10 is another way of saying that he must not be a new convert. It appears that the list related to pastors present qualifications that are related to temptations associated with spiritual leadership whereas the list pertaining to deacons does not. Like the list in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the list here in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 contains qualifications that are expressed both positively and negatively. Both lists address 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 13

14 the man s home life, public life and church life or they can be viewed as addressing one s relationship to self, family, others and things. The list in verses 8-13 contains one controversial verse namely, verse 11. The problem of interpreting this verse is related to whether or not the women in this verse are referring to the wives of the deacons, or is referring to women deacons. If the latter the passage is awkward to say the least. If he is addressing the qualifications for women deacons, then why would he present a list of four qualifications women who want to be deacons in the middle of his instruction on male deacons qualifications? It would see that these women would deserve a separate paragraph of their own after or before the instruction on male deacons? The Origins of the Office of Deacon The office of deacon is one of two offices authorized for the local church (1Tim.3:8-13) and the other is that of pastor-teacher (1 Tim. 3:1-7). Acts 6 records a crisis that arose in the early days of the church during the first century A.D. and the apostles dealt with it by exercising the authority the Lord delegated to them (Matthew 16:17-19) by creating the office of deacon, thus out of this crisis arose the office of deacon. Acts 6:1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. (NASU) Hellenistic Jews refer to Greek speaking Jews, who could not speak the native Aramaic language and were descendants of those Jews dispersed during the Babylonian captivity and were immersed in the Greek culture, including language, of the countries in which they were born in the dispersion and were considered inferior by the Hebrews, or Palestinian Jews, who were the majority in the church. Native Hebrews refers to Aramaic-speaking Jews who lived in Israel. Acts 6:2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. (NASU) Select is the second person plural aorist middle imperative form of the compound verb episkeptomai, which denotes choosing or selecting someone for a position of service in the local church on the basis of having investigated them carefully, thus the word means, to select carefully, to choose after careful investigation. The deacons were men elected by their fellow believers. This 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 14

15 election gave a precedent for the office of deacon, which is mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:8-12 and Philippians 1:1. The prepositional phrase from among you is important in that this is the first law of Christian service meaning that those employed in serving the church should be members of the church. This condemns the practice of placing unbelievers in positions of administration in the local assembly. Good reputation indicates that a deacon must be respected by and have credibility with those he serves. Full of the Spirit and of wisdom contains the figure of speech called hendiadys and is composed of the accusative masculine plural form of the adjective pleres, full and the genitive (of means) neuter singular form of the noun pneuma, of the Spirit and the conjunction kai, and and the genitive (of product) neuter singular form of the noun sophia, of wisdom. The adjective pleres in Acts 6:3 does not mean full in the literal sense but rather is figurative in meaning describing someone who is totally and completely under the influence of God the Holy Spirit. The believer is influenced by means of the Spirit when he makes it a habit of obeying the Holy Spirit s voice, whose voice is heard through the communication of the Word of God. The noun pneuma in Acts 6:3 does not refer to the Person of the Holy Spirit but rather it refers to the wisdom that the Spirit imparts to the believer who obeys His voice, whose voice is heard through the communication of the Word of God. The anarthrous (without the article) construction emphasizes the quality of the noun pneuma, thus emphasizing an operation (producing wisdom in the believer) of the Spirit here rather than His personality. The noun pneuma in Acts 6:3 is a genitive of means indicating a deacon must be totally and completely influenced by means of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 And do not permit yourselves to get into the habit of being drunk with wine because that is non-sensical behavior, but rather permit yourselves on a habitual basis to be influenced by means of the Spirit. (My translation) The noun sophia in Acts 6:3 means, wisdom that is acquired from obeying the voice of the Spirit, whose voice is heard through the communication of the Word of God. It is a genitive of product indicating that being totally and completely influenced by means of the Spirit produces wisdom in the believer. Therefore, we could translate the expression plereis pneumatos kai sophias, totally and completely influenced by means of the Spirit, who produces wisdom. This expression contains the figure of hendiadys, which takes place when two nouns are used to express one idea or concept and it literally means one by means of two. This figure of speech takes place when the author uses two words but only one idea is intended. The two words are of the same parts of speech, i.e., two 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15

16 nouns, and are always joined together by the conjunction and. The two nouns are also always in the same case. One of the two words expresses the thing, and the other intensifies it by being changed (if a noun) into an adjective of the superlative degree, which is, by this means, made especially emphatic. Here in Acts 6:3 the nouns pneuma and sophia are both in the genitive case, and are separated by the conjunction kai, and therefore, if we take into account the figure of hendiadys we could translate this expression plereis pneumatos kai sophias, totally and completely influenced by means of the Spirit, yes-by means of the Spirit who produces wisdom. Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, carefully select from among you seven men of good reputation, totally and completely influenced by means of the Spirit, yes, by means of the Spirit, who produces wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. (My translation) Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. (NASU) The names of these men elected by the congregation to be deacons are all Greek, thus clearly indicating that they were Greek-speaking Jews. This is significant because the majority in the congregation were Aramaic speaking rather than Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews. This demonstrates the Holy Spirit s work in the lives of these believers. The deacons were all chosen out of a minority group. They would be in charge of the distribution of food to the entire church including the Hebrew speaking Jews, thus no possible complaint could be lodged by the Greek-speaking Jews for they were now in charge. Language was not a barrier in the early church. Acts 6:6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. (NASU) So we can see that the office of deacon came into existence as a result of a need. The twelve apostles were administering the helps ministry. They were engaged in an essential ministry, but it was taking them away from their primary responsibility, namely, the ministry of the Word. From this came the origin of the office. The apostles brought the need before the church. They pointed out that an undesirable situation had arisen. They gave them a directive to select seven men to cover this ministry. This, they noted, would free them to devote themselves to praying, studying, and teaching. They outlined the qualifications the seven deacons should possess. The church responded to the leadership of the apostles. They saw 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 16

17 the spiritual issue at stake and responded immediately. They sought out men who fulfilled the qualifications. They picked seven men who were Greek speaking Jews to diffuse the complaint of the Greek-speaking believers. They then brought the seven to the twelve for final approval. The seven were then ordained and the result is stated in verse 7. Therefore, this passage teaches that a church should choose deacons according to needs that arise. The rationale for a deacon is to free the pastor-teacher so his time can be devoted to his responsibilities to pray, study and teach the Word of God. The spiritual leadership, as well as the general congregation, should have a role in the selection process. Although the office of deacon appears to be a temporary responsibility here in Acts 6:1-9, First Timothy 3 and Philippians 1:1 clearly indicate that the position became a permanent position in the church since it was growing by leaps and bounds in the first century. Acts 6 clearly indicates that the church had growing problems and was not perfect, yet they had the understood that their number priority was, namely, proclaim the Word of God! The first organization of the church: (1) Spiritual (2) Simple (3) Sufficient. Acts 6:1-9 is instructive regarding the proper function of the local church for the following reasons: (1) The church took very seriously the combination of spiritual and material or temporal concerns in carrying out its Commission to proclaim the Gospel. (2) It stressed prayer and the proclamation of the Word of God but never to the exclusion of being compassionate and helping those in need and correcting injustices. When the church found it necessary to divide internal responsibilities and assign different functions, the early church saw these as varying aspects of one total ministry. (3) The early church was flexible and was prepared to adjust its procedures, alter its organizational structure and develop new responsibilities in response to existing needs and for the sake of the propagation of the proclamation of the Word of God. (4) The early church refused to get involved in the blame-game when things went wrong and instead worked to finding resolutions to problems and delegating authority to certain individuals who were spiritual and thus qualified for positions of authority. The proper function of the deacons is absolutely essential for the spiritual growth of the local assembly since it enables the pastor-teacher to fulfill his responsibility to pray, study and teach the Word of God. If the deacons do not function properly in their positions and do not serve the body of Christ and aid the pastor-teacher, the local church will suffer immeasurably spiritually. The pastor-teacher cannot function properly in his position if the deacons are not functioning properly in their positions. The deacons and the pastor are to function as a team, with the deacons under the pastor-teacher s authority William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17

18 Now, some expositors contend that this passage in Acts 6 does not refer to the origins of the office of deacon because the word diakonos does not appear in this pericope. However, a cognate verb diakoneo, to serve tables appears in Acts 6:2 and a cognate noun diakonia, ministry appears in Acts 6:4. Furthermore, they argue that Stephen had the gift of miracles (Acts 6:8) or that of an evangelist (Acts 6:8-10) and Philip was an evangelist (Acts 8:26-40; 21:8). However, the term diakonos referred to someone who waited on tables, which is exactly what these men who were selected in Acts were to do rather than the apostles. Thus, the description of what those men selected were to do along with the meaning of diakonos indicate quite clearly the origin of the office of deacon is recorded in Acts 6 even though diakonos is not used in it. Also, those who argue against Acts 6 as recording the origins of the office of deacon fail to understand that being a deacon is not a spiritual gift but an office established by the authority of the apostles. Thus, it would not be unusual if the man with the gift of evangelism held this office or if someone had the gift of helps or miracles for that matter because of this fact. Some argue that these two lists in 1 Timothy 3 do not suggest or teach that deacons are subordinate to the overseer. This is ridiculous because the terms episkope, office of overseer and episkopos, overseer both express the concept of watching over the local assembly to protect it. However, a comparison of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 with 8-13 indicates that the relationship between the overseer, i.e. the pastor-teacher and the deacons is that the latter addressed the day-to-day needs of the local assembly or Christian community. This would coincide with what we see in Acts 6 where the teachers of the Word of God, the apostles were to be devoted to studying and teaching and praying whereas those selected to minister to the needs of widows addressed the day-to-day needs and problems in the church. Also, presbuteros is synonymous with episkopos as indicated by Acts 20: It means, elder and emphasizes the pastor s role as chief policy maker of the church since he is the one delegated by the Holy Spirit with authority to communicate the Word of God (Acts 20:17, 1 Tim. 5:1, 17, 19; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1). J. H. Thayer says that the two words are employed indiscriminately (Page 536, The New Thayer s Greek-English Lexicon). Jerome, who lived from 347 A.D. to 419 A.D. who translated the Latin Vulgate and was one of the greatest scholars that the church has ever produced, confirms forcefully in his letters that these two words episkopos, overseer, and presbuteros, elder are synonymous. He writes, We read in Isaiah the words the fool will speak folly, and I am told that someone has been mad enough to put deacons before presbyters (presbuteros), that is, before bishops (episkopos). For when the apostle clearly teaches that presbyters (presbuteros) are the same as 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18