Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless.
10. And let these also ] These, as well as the presbyters, for whom 1Ti 3:7 defines a very searching test. Bp Ellicott s note, rightly explaining that the first conjunction is ‘Also,’ ‘Moreover,’ and the second ‘and’ in this phrase, shews that the stress must be on ‘these,’ the force of the first conjunction being necessarily limited to it. Yet Alford quotes the note while saying ‘there is no connexion by means of the conjunctions with the former requirements concerning presbyters.’ The test or proof here too is the judgment of the general community. Cf. 2Ti 3:12 for the same conjunctions.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And let these also first be proved – That is, tried or tested in regard to the things which were the proper qualifications for the office. This does not mean that they were to be employed as preachers, but that they were to undergo a proper trial in regard to their fitness for the office which they were to fill. They were not to be put into it without any opportunity of knowing what they were. It should be ascertained that they were grave, serious, temperate, trustworthy men; men who were sound in the faith, and who would not dishonor the office. It is not said here that there should be a formal trial, as if they were candidates for this office; but the meaning is, that they should have had an opportunity of making their character known, and should have gained such respect for their piety, and their other qualifications, that there would be reason to believe that they would perform the functions of the office well. Thus, in Act 6:3, when deacons were first appointed, the church was directed to look out seven men of honest report, who might be appointed to the office.
Then let them use the office of a deacon – Let them be appointed to this office, and fulfil its duties.
Being found blameless – If nothing can be alleged against their character see the notes on 1Ti 3:2.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. Let these – be proved] Let them not be young converts, or persons lately brought to the knowledge of the truth. This is the same in spirit with what is required of the bishops, 1Ti 3:6.
Let no man be put into an office in the Church till he has given full proof of his sincerity and steadiness, by having been for a considerable time a consistent private member of the Church.
Being found blameless.] . Being irreproachable; persons against whom no evil can be proved. The same as in 1Ti 3:2, though a different word is used. See the note there.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The higher officers ought to be proved, ( as well as these of a lower order), as by examination or conference, so (which possibly is here more intended) by an observation of their lives and conversation, for some time before they were admitted into this employment. Then,
being found blameless, they were to be admitted into this employment.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. “And moreover,” c.[ALFORD].
be provednot by aperiod of probation, but by a searching inquiry, conducted byTimothy, the ordaining president (1Ti5:22), whether they be “blameless” then when found so,”let them act as deacons.”
blamelessGreek,“unexceptionable”; as the result of public investigationunaccused [TITTMANN].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And let these also first be proved,…. Not that they should be tried in any part of the deacon’s office, to see how capable they are of performing it; but their internal and external characters are to be looked into and examined, and if they appear, to be right, then they are to be approved of, chosen and called unto, and invested with the office:
then let them use the office of a deacon; let them be employed and minister in the several parts and branches of that office:
being found blameless; not without sin, but free from any gross and enormous one; not before God, but in the sight of men;
[See comments on 1Ti 3:2].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
First be proved ( ). Present passive imperative third plural of , old and common verb, to test as metals, etc. (1Th 2:4, and often in Paul). How the proposed deacons are to be “first” tested before approved Paul does not say. See Php 1:10 for the two senses (test, approve) of the word.
Let them serve as deacons (). Present active imperative of (same root as ), common verb, to minister, here “to serve as deacons.” Cf. in Ac 6:2. See also verse 13.
If they be blameless ( ). “Being blameless” (conditional participle, ). See 1Cor 1:8; Col 1:22 for .
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
These also [ ] . As well as the Bishops. No mention is made of a proving of the Bishops, but this may be fairly assumed. Comp. not a novice, ver. 6.
Be proved [] . Common in Paul; only here in Pastorals. See on 1Pe 1:7. Not implying a formal examination, but a reference to the general judgment of the Christian community as to whether they fulfil the conditions detailed in ver. 8. Comp. 1Ti 5:22; 2Ti 2:2. Let them use the office of a deacon [] . Much better, let them serve as deacons. In this sense only in the Pastorals. Comp. ver. 13. 104 The verb is very common in N. T.
Being blameless [ ] . Rather, unaccused : if no charge be preferred against them. In Paul, 1Co 1:8; Col 1:22. Comp. Tit 1:6, 7. It is a judicial term. The participle ontev signifies provided they are.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And let these also first be proved” (kai houtai de dokimazesthosan proton) “And let these (candidates for deaconship) first be proved, examined, or tested,” in compliance with the above described requisites to the office of deacons. See also 1Ti 5:22.
2) “Then let them use the office of a deacon” (eita diakoneitosan) “Then let or permit them (to) minister,” or serve in positions or rank as leaders in common Christian responsibilities. From this admonition the custom of the church’s inviting a presbytery, a group of ordained brethren to examine the deacon or pastoral candidates, came. The office is to be used, not abused. Act 6:1-7.
3) “Being found blameless” (anegkletoi ontes) “Being determined (through proving or examination) irreproachable,” that no specific charge of wrong-doing was found to be in them. These candidates for the office of deacon must be men 1) unaccused of impropriety in financial affairs, and 2) unaccused of moral unfitness.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10 And let those be first tried He wishes that they who are chosen should not be unknown, but that their integrity should be ascertained, like that of the bishops. And hence it is evident, that they are called blameless who are not stained by any marked vice. Besides, this trial is not for a single hour, but consists in long experience. In a word, when deacons are to be ordained, the choice must not fall at random, and without selection, on any that come to hand, but those men are to be chosen who are approved by their past life in such a manner that, after what may be called full inquiry, they are ascertained to be well qualified.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(10) And let these also first be proved.No formal investigation, either in public before the congregation, or in private before Timothy and his fellow presbyters, is here referred to. What is most probably the meaning of the word isthe deacon should for a time perform many of the various duties on probation, to test his fitness before he was formally set apart for the holy office. So much of the work belonging to these officials of the early Church necessarily partook of a partially secular character, that such a trial of their fitness could well be made.
Then let them use the office of a deacon.Better rendered, let them serve as deacons, if, after the trial, inquiry, and period of probation, they be found blameless.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. Proved Not by prefixing a period of probation; but by the scrutiny of the Church and eldership, carefully noting their life, character, and qualifications, and making them a matter of free discussion, in order to a right decision by vote before ordination.
Use the office of a deacon Literally, let them serve.
‘And let these also first be proved, then let them serve as deacons, if they are blameless.’
These words ‘proved after scrutiny’ suggest that they underwent a probationary period (although not necessarily an official one) during which their worthiness and ability was tested, after which if they came out of the test ‘blameless’ they could be appointed as full deacons. That this was not considered necessary for the elders may suggest that they would mainly come from the ranks of the deacons, and would therefore already be proven (some might arrive as elders from other churches).
1Ti 3:10. Let them use the office, &c. Let them exercise.
1Ti 3:10 . ] The particles mean and also , being purely copulative; , however, opposing and emphasizing [127] something new. Since this new thing, which is necessarily emphatic, always stands between and , , as van Oosterzee has rightly seen, must be opposed to those before named, i.e. to the presbyters; it is to be explained: “and these too, i.e. not only the presbyters, but also the deacons, are first to be proved.” It is wrong, therefore, to make emphatic, and to explain without reference to those before named (“and these are further to be proved”), as was done in the former editions of this commentary. [128] Had he wished to say that, the apostle could not but have written ; comp. Joh 8:16 . It is true that nothing has been said hitherto about an examination in regard to the office of presbyter; but, of course, such an examination must have preceded the election. The examination for the office of deacon would certainly refer to the life and stedfastness in the faith. He does not say who was to undertake the examination, but it is natural to suppose that it was to be undertaken by those who elected. At the first institution of the diaconate the election was made by the church, the installation to the office by the apostles. It is not known how it was managed later in the apostolic age. Heydenreich makes the examination too formal when he says: “They are to be examined first by Timothy, with the aid of the presbytery; the votes of the members of the church are to be taken concerning his worthiness,” etc. On the other hand, the force of must not be weakened by such explanations as: “Paul wishes only those to be made regarding whom a definite opinion had already been formed in the church” (so in the second edition of this commentary); or: “it is the moral testing which naturally took place when they lived for some time under the eyes of the church and its leader;” or: “it is in substance the same thing as , used regarding the choice of presbyters” (Hofmann).
It is quite wrong, with Luther (“and these are first to be tried”) and others, to understand the words as if they meant that candidates were first to be tried in the affairs of the diaconate.
, ] The participle expresses the condition under which they are to be admitted to the office of deacon. , as applied definitely to the office of deacon, occurs only here, at 1Ti 3:14 , and in 1Pe 4:11 .
[127] Comp. Meyer on Joh 6:51 ; Hartung, Lehre von den Partik. d. gr. Spr. I. pp. 181 ff.; Buttmann, p. 312.
[128] Wiesinger, too, seems to take it in this way: “These, however, also are first to be proved, then they may serve.”
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Ver. 10. Being found blameless ] The world will look round about them, and expect (though unjustly) an angelical perfection.
Let them use the office of a deacon ] Diaconus is said to come of , which signifieth dust, to show that such should be “dustily diligent.”
10 .] And moreover (the introduces a caution the slight contrast of a necessary addition to their mere present character. On this force of , see Hartung, i. 182: Ellic., here. There is no connexion in with the former requirements regarding ) let these (who answer, in their candidateship for the diaconate, to the above character) be put to the proof first (viz. with regard to their blamelessness of life, cf. . below: e.g. by testimonials, and publication of their intention to offer themselves: but no formal way is specified, only the reality insisted on), then let them act as deacons (or, minister : but more probably here in the narrower technical sense, as in reff. (?) Not ‘ be made deacons,’ as Conyb.: the word is of their act in the office, not of their reception of it, which is of course understood in the background), if they are (found by the to be) irreproachable .
1Ti 3:10 . : Chrys. notes that this corresponds to the provision in the case of the episcopus. This testing of fitness for the office of deacon may have been effected either by ( a ) a period of probationary training, if the injunction in 1Ti 5:22 , “Lay hands hastily on no man,” has reference to ordination, it is another way of saying , or by ( b ) the candidates producing what we should call testimonials of character. Such testimonials would attest that a man was , i.e. , that no specific charge of wrong-doing had been laid against him ( unblamed is Hort’s rendering). Until a man has proved his suitability for a post by administering it, this is the most that can be demanded. Each step subjects a man’s character to a fresh strain. If he comes out of the trial unscathed, he is entitled to be called . It is significant that in Tit 1:6-7 , where the ordination of presbyters, or episcopi, with no antecedent diaconate is contemplated, this elementary and superficial test, that they should be , is mentioned. See note on 1Ti 3:2 . In a normal condition of the Church, episcopi are chosen from those whose fitness is matter of common knowledge.
: For instances of this absolute technical sense of the word see reff.
proved = tested.
use, &c. = serve. App-190.
blameless. Greek. anenkletos. See 1Co 1:8.
10.] And moreover (the introduces a caution-the slight contrast of a necessary addition to their mere present character. On this force of , see Hartung, i. 182: Ellic., here. There is no connexion in with the former requirements regarding ) let these (who answer, in their candidateship for the diaconate, to the above character) be put to the proof first (viz. with regard to their blamelessness of life, cf. . below: e.g. by testimonials, and publication of their intention to offer themselves: but no formal way is specified, only the reality insisted on), then let them act as deacons (or, minister: but more probably here in the narrower technical sense, as in reff. (?) Not be made deacons, as Conyb.: the word is of their act in the office, not of their reception of it, which is of course understood in the background), if they are (found by the to be) irreproachable.
1Ti 3:10. , and these also) The bishop was bound to have more and greater virtues (qualifications) conspicuous, and he was of greater dignity; wherefore in his case no further scrutiny (proving) is required; but the deacons were bound to give proof of what they were, in performing the duties of the deaconship, before that they be fully admitted into the office.
1Ti 3:10
And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.-Deacons must not be young converts or inexperienced men. They must have had time for study and practice of Gods word. These deacons or helpers in ministry and managing the church of God and its work, until by service they have proven their intelligence and fidelity and steadfastness in the work of God, must have shown their fidelity in doing the work so as to be held blameless by the disciples of Christ.
let these: 1Ti 3:6, 1Ti 5:22, 1Jo 4:1
use: 1Ti 3:13, Act 6:1, Act 6:2
being: 1Ti 3:2, 1Co 1:8, Col 1:22, Tit 1:6, Tit 1:7
Reciprocal: Neh 13:13 – counted Act 6:3 – honest Rom 16:10 – approved Phi 1:1 – and deacons Phi 2:15 – blameless
1Ti 3:10. Proved is from DOKIMAZO and Thayer defines it is follows: “To test, examine, scrutinize; to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy.” It is understood that some rule or standard is necessary by which a thing may be tested. The rule in this case consists of the qualifications required of the man who is to be appointed to the office. The apostle says for the deacons to be proved also, which indicates he applies the requirement (of being proved or tested) in the case of elders as well as of deacons. It does not mean, then, that the men are to be “put in office on trial” as some people teach. They are to be placed therein only after examination, and even not then unless they are found blameless, which means they are found not lacking any of the required qualifications. Use the office of a deacon all come from DIAKONEO, and this is one of the places referred to in the comments at verse 8; the other place is in verse 13 below.
1Ti 3:10. Let these also first be proved. Not, as the English word suggests, by an experimental probationary period of service, though this is not perhaps excluded, but tested in whatever might seem expedient by evidence as to their past life. If they stood that test, and were found open to no charge, then they were to serve or, more literally, to work as deacons.
Here Timothy is directed not to put any person suddenly into the office of a deacon, but to first to prove them for some considerable time; and their sufficiency being approved, let them be ordained, and use the office of a deacon.
1Ti 3:10. Let these also (The word also implies that the same rule was to be observed with relation to bishops) first be proved By the examination, says Whitby, of the soundness of their faith, and the purity of their former lives: and then let them be admitted to use the office of a deacon, being thus found blameless. And he shows, by a quotation from the Life of the Emperor Severus, written by Lampridius, and from the epistles of Cyprian, that such an examination was used at the ordination of both bishops and deacons in the churches of the early Christians, and that it was a practice derived from the apostles. Some, however, think that the apostle required, in this direction, that no one should be made either a bishop or a deacon, till he had given proof both of his steadfastness in the faith, and of his genuine piety and good conduct during a reasonable space of time after his conversion: or, that the persons admitted to these offices should be under trial for a while, how they conducted themselves therein, and then afterward, if they gave satisfaction, they should be confirmed in them.
Verse 10
Let these also first be proved; by time. As in the case of bishops, (1 Timothy 3:6,) they should not be novices.
1Ti 3:10. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless.
They should be proved, checked, evaluated to see if they measure up to the standard set.
“ALSO” indicates that the bishops are also to be proved. This is done in the local assembly and not by pastors called in from here and there to examine a young man to see if he’s worthy.
The thought of ordination is not in this text. The elder and the deacon are to be people from the assembly and as they live and work in the local church the church leadership and people will know the type of person that they are.
Act 13:1-3 shows this concept in action.
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
No examination can guarantee how a man will build a church but holding your prospective leaders up to this sort of light may increase the odds.
Let them be deacons because they are blameless! If they aren’t blameless, then don’t allow them to be deacons.
Again the idea of blameless. The testimony of church leaders is critical to the church as well as to the churchs witness. Anyone that cannot live up to the standard set should excuse himself from his duties immediately.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson