Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
13. purchase to themselves a good degree ] The word for ‘degree’ occurs only here in N.T., having been used in LXX. for a ‘step’ or ‘threshold,’ e.g. 1Sa 5:5, ‘the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod.’ It may be compared with 1Ti 6:19, ‘a good foundation,’ and may, from the drift of that phrase, be interpreted so as to combine something of all the three most general explanations, ( a) a better degree or post, promotion to the priesthood; ( b) esteem and regard from the Church for good service; ( c) honour and promotion from God in the final day of reckoning. In 1Ti 6:19 the right use of wealth by the wealthy is the best basis for the whole of the life ‘which is life indeed’ to be gradually built up on, in the days yet to come on earth, and the unending day after: no spiritual life can be sound that is not built in and upon the faithful doing of our duty in that state of life to which it may please God to call us. An illustration of the metaphor may be taken from the building of Smeaton’s Eddystone Lighthouse and all lighthouses of the kind since. ‘All the lower courses of stone were joggled and morticed into the rock, hewn for that purpose into a series of six steplike courses. The lower portion of the building was solid throughout, and from its peculiar dovetailing practically but one stone with the rock upon which it was raised.’ So we may translate here with R.V. they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and interpret ‘good standing’ not to mean a higher post but good solid work done by them as deacons, leading ( a) to ‘boldness of speech in the faith,’ the acceptable performance of functions such as St Stephen and St Philip, though deacons, were privileged to perform. We then gain a force for ‘to themselves’ in accordance with ( b), adopting Theodore’s comment ‘though second in rank to presbyters, they will themselves have an esteem second to none,’ and (we may add) real ‘freedom in speaking’ too, from the consciousness of their people’s sympathy and support. Finally the life now is part only of the whole life; and ‘life is the use of the gifts of God according to the will of God’; hence good deacon’s work now is the basis ( c) for a joyous expectation of the Master’s smile of approval, ‘ye have done it unto Me,’ a joyous acceptance of His seal of approval, ‘Be thou ruler over many things.’ See Appendix, K.
the faith which is in Christ Jesus ] Here, like ‘the faith of the Gospel’ in Php 1:27; Gal 3:23 (see Bp Lightfoot), objective; the doctrine and scheme of ‘Christianity.’ Compare Jas 2:1, ‘the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ’; Judges 3, ‘the faith once for all delivered unto the saints.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
For they that have used the office of a deacon well – Margin, ministered. The Greek word is the same as deacon, meaning ministering, or serving in this office. The sense would be well expressed by the phrase, deaconizing well. The word implies nothing as to the exact nature of the office.
Purchase to themselves – Procure for themselves; see this word explained in the notes on Act 20:28.
A good degree – The word here used ( bathmos) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, a step, as of a stair; and the fair meaning is that of going up higher, or taking an additional step of dignity, honor, or standing. So far as the word is concerned, it may mean either an advance in office, in dignity, in respectability, or in influence. It cannot certainly be inferred that the apostle referred to a higher grade of office; for all that the word essentially conveys is, that, by exercising this office well, a deacon would secure additional respectability and influence in the church. Still, it is possible that those who had performed the duties of this office well were appointed to be preachers. They may have shown so much piety, prudence, good sense, and ability to preside over the church, that it was judged proper that they should be advanced to the office of bishops or pastors of the churches. Such a course would not be unnatural. This is, however, far from teaching that the office of a deacon is a subordinate office, with a view to an ascent to a higher grade.
And great boldness in the faith – The word here rendered boldness properly refers to boldness in speaking; see it explained in the Act 4:13 note; 2Co 3:12 note; Phi 1:20 note. But the word is commonly used to denote boldness of any kind – openness, frankness, confidence, assurance; Joh 8:13, Joh 8:26; Mar 8:32; 2Co 7:4. As it is here connected with faith – boldness in the faith – it means, evidently, not so much public speaking, as a manly and independent exercise of faith in Christ. The sense is, that by the faithful performance of the duties of the office of a deacon, and by the kind of experience which a man would have in that office, he would establish a character of firmness in the faith, which would show that he was a decided Christian. This passage, therefore, cannot be fairly used to prove that the deacon was a preacher, or that he belonged to a grade of ministerial office from which he was regularly to rise to that of a presbyter.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 13. That have used the office of a deacon well] They who, having been tried or proved, 1Ti 3:10, have shown by their steadiness, activity, and zeal, that they might be raised to a higher office, are here said to have purchased to themselves a good degree, . for, instead of having to administer to the bodies and bodily wants of the poor, the faithful deacons were raised to minister in holy things; and, instead of ministering the bread that perisheth, they were raised to the presbyterate or episcopate, to minister the bread of life to immortal souls. And hence the apostle adds; And great boldness in the faith; , great liberty of speech; i.e. in teaching the doctrines of Christianity, and in expounding the Scriptures, and preaching. It seems to have been a practice dictated by common sense, that the most grave and steady of the believers should be employed as deacons; the most experienced and zealous of the deacons should be raised to the rank of elders; and the most able and pious of the elders be consecrated bishops. As to a bishop of bishops, that age did not know such. The pope of Rome was the first who took this title. The same office, but not with the same powers nor abuse, is found in the patriarch of the Greek Church, and the archbishop of the Protestant Church. As the deacon had many private members under his care, so the presbyter or elder had several deacons under his care; the bishop, several presbyters; and the archbishop, several bishops. But I speak now more of the modern than of the ancient Church. The distinction in some of these offices is not so apparent in ancient times; and some of the offices themselves are modern, or comparatively so. But deacon, presbyter, and bishop, existed in the apostolic Church, and may therefore be considered of Divine origin.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Purchase to themselves a good degree; a good degree of honour, so that none hath reason to decline or to despise that office. This seems rather to be the sense, than what pleaseth some better, viz. that they purchase to themselves a higher degree in the ministry of the church; for though it be very probably true, and but rational, that the primitive church did out of their deacons choose their higher officers for the church, yet neither was this done universally as to all persons chosen into those high employments, nor as to all those that used the office of a deacon well, there doubtless being many who had done so, who yet were not , fitted with an ability sufficient to be preachers, without which fitness the primitive church would not choose any to such employment.
And great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus; by the well performance also of the office of a deacon, many obtained a great liberty, or freedom of speech, , as to the doctrine of the faith of Christ. For by the exercise of the deacons office, they had much converse both with the pastors and members of the church; which converse did not only improve their knowledge in the doctrine of faith, but took off that excessive bashfulness which possesseth many till they come to be fully acquainted with the thing of which, and the persons before which, they are to speak, which we see by daily experience. Or, the apostle intends that courage that arises from a good conscience. Those that are careless and unfaithful in the discharge of their duty, guilt makes them timorous; but the good and faithful servant of God enjoys that liberty and courage which faith in the Lord Jesus gives, and without fear discharges all the parts of his office.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
13. purchase to themselves a gooddegreeliterally, “are acquiring . . . a . . .step.” Understood by many as “a higher step,”that is, promotion to the higher office of presbyter. But ambition ofrising seems hardly the motive to faithfulness which the apostlewould urge; besides, it would require the comparative, “a betterdegree.” Then the past aorist participle, “they thatused the office of deacon well,” implies that the presentverb, “are acquiring to themselves boldness,” is theresult of the completed action of using the diaconate well. Also,Paul would not probably hold out to every deacon the prospect ofpromotion to the presbytery in reward of his service. The idea ofmoving upwards in Church offices was as yet unknown (compare Rom 12:7;1Co 12:4-11). Moreover,there seems little connection between reference to a higher Churchrank and the words “great boldness.” Therefore, what thosewho have faithfully discharged the diaconate acquire for themselvesis “a good standing-place” [ALFORD](a well-grounded hope of salvation) against the day ofjudgment, 1Ti 6:19; 1Co 3:13;1Co 3:14 (the figurative meaningof “degree” or “step,” being the degree ofworth which one has obtained in the eye of God [WIESINGER]);and boldness (resting on that standing-place“), as wellfor preaching and admonishing others now (Eph6:19; a firm standing forth for the truth against error), as alsoespecially in relation to God their coming Judge, before whom theymay be boldly confident (Act 24:16;1Jn 2:28; 1Jn 3:21;1Jn 4:17; Heb 4:16).
in the faithrather asGreek, “in faith,” that is, boldness resting ontheir own faith.
which is in ChristJesusresting in Christ Jesus.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For they that have used the office of a deacon well,…. With diligence and faithfulness, with simplicity and cheerfulness; taking good care of the minister and poor, and of the discipline of God’s house:
purchase to themselves a good degree; not an higher office, as that of presbytery or episcopacy, which is a sense calculated to serve a hierarchy; nor a degree in glory and happiness hereafter; but rather an increase of gifts and grace; or a degree of respect and honour in the church: or the sense is, they possess and enjoy, which is the meaning of the word rendered “purchase”, a very honourable office in the church; and which is so to them, they using it well, and discharging it in an honourable manner; unless the apostle should design what the Jews called , “a degree of faith”: b but that is expressed in the next clause:
and great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus: either in the exercise of the grace of faith at the throne of grace; or in asserting the doctrine of faith before men; and in reproving either for error or immorality: all which may be boldly done by those who use this office well.
b Zohar in Exod. fol. 36. 3.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Gain to themselves ( ). Present middle indicative of , old verb, to make besides (, around, over), to lay by. Reflexive (indirect) middle with reflexive pronoun () repeated as often happens in the Koine. In N.T. only here, Luke 17:33; Acts 20:28 (Paul also, quoting Isa 43:21).
A good standing ( ). Late word from , in LXX for steps at a door (1Sa 5:5). In plural the steps of a stair. In the inscriptions it means a good foothold or standing. The ecclesiastical writers (Theodoret) take it to be a higher grade or rank, but it is doubtful if Paul means that here.
Much boldness ( ). A Pauline phrase (2Cor 3:12; 2Cor 7:4; Phil 1:20).
In the faith which is in Christ Jesus ( ). Pauline phrase again (Acts 26:18; Gal 3:26; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15; 2Tim 1:13; 2Tim 3:15).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Purchase [] . Only here, Luk 17:33, and Act 20:28 On which see note. Purchase is unfortunate from the point of modern usage; but it is employed in its original sense of to win, acquire, without any idea of a bargain. So Bacon, Ess 4:14 : “There is no man doth a wrong for the wrong’s sake; but thereby to purchase himself profit, or pleasure, or honor, or the like.” And Shakespeare :
“Then, as my gift and thine own acquisition Worthily purchased, take my daughter.” Temp 4 1, 14
Rend. acquire or obtain for themselves.
A good degree [ ] . Baqmov, N. T. o. Primarily, a step. In LXX, 1Sa 5:5; Sir. 6 36, a threshold : 2Ki 20:9, a degree on the dial. In ecclesiastical writers, order, grade, rank : see, for instance, Eusebius, H. E. 7 15. Also degree of relationship or affinity. Here the word apparently means a position of trust and influence in the church; possibly a promotion from the diaconate to the episcopate. Others (as De Wette, Eillicott, Pfleiderer) refer it to a high grade in the future life, which Holtzmann sarcastically describes as a ladder – round in heaven (eine Staffel im Himmel). John the Scholar, known as Climacus, a monk of the latter half of the sixth century, and Abbot of the Sinai Convent, wrote a mystical work entitled Klimax tou Paradeisou the Ladder of Paradise. The ladder, according to him, had thirty rounds.
Boldness [] . Primarily, free and bold speaking; speaking out every word [, ] . Its dominant idea is boldness, confidence, as opposed to fear, ambiguity, or reserve. The idea of publicity is sometimes attached to it, but as secondary. Only here in the Pastorals : several times in Paul, as 2Co 3:12; 2Co 7:4; Phi 1:20. The phrase pollh parrhsia much boldness is also Pauline. An assured position and blameless reputation in the church, with a pure conscience, would assure boldness of speech and of attitude in the Christian community and elsewhere.
In faith. Connect with boldness only. It designates the boldness as distinctively Christian, founded on faith in Christ
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “For they that have used” (hoi gar diakonesantes) For the ones having progressively served or ministered.” The office of the deacon is one that is to be used for common sanctified Christian service, to relieve the pastor, not to burden him, Act 6:1-7.
2) “The office of a deacon well” (kalos bathmon) “The office or position of the deaconship well.” The office is well used when its occupants lead in relieving the pastor of chafing criticisms over physical matters in the church membership. The deacons and their wives are to settle devilment, not stir, peddle, or raise it.
3) “Purchase to themselves a good degree” (heautois kalon peripountai) “Accumulate around themselves a good reputation.” When this office is filled well by relieving labors of love and hospitality, as in the Jerusalem church, many spiritual blessings come, as in Act 6:7.
4) “And great boldness in the faith” ‘(kai polen paresian en pistei) “And much boldness in faith.” Note, the apostles at Jerusalem, relieved of petty daily “deacon service” (diakonia) Act 6:1-3, with boldness or strength in the faith, relieved by deacons, caused:
1) the Word to increase,
2) believers to increase, and
3) priests to be saved, 1Ti 3:7.
5) “Which is in Christ Jesus.” (te en christo iesou) “The faith (which exists) in Christ Jesus.” This is still God’s order for official church government and church growth. Any other order of church government is out of order, Mat 25:21; Mat 28:18-20.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
13 . For they who have served well Owing to a practice which came into use one or two centuries after the death of the apostles, of choosing presbyters from the order of deacons, this passage has been commonly interpreted as describing elevation to a higher rank, as if the Apostle called to the honor of being presbyters those who had faithfully discharged the office of a deacon. For my own part, though I do not deny that the order of deacons might sometimes be the nursery out of which presbyters were taken, yet I take Paul’s words as meaning, more simply, that they who have discharged this ministry in a proper manner are worthy of no small honor; because it is not a mean employment, but a highly honorable office. Now by this expression he intimates how much it is for the advantage of the Church to have this office discharged by choice men; because the holy discharge of it procures esteem and reverence.
How absurd is it for Papists to maintain that, in making deacons, they do what Paul enjoins! First, why do they make deacons but to carry the cup in a procession, and to feed the eyes of the ignorant with I know not what ridiculous exhibitions? Besides, they do not even observe this; for not a single deacon has been made, during the last five hundred years, except that, after taking this step, he may immediately rise to the priesthood. What impudence is it, to boast of elevating to a higher rank those who have ministered well, when they confer their priesthood on none but those who have never touched a single part of the former office!
And much liberty in the faith. With good reason does he add this; for there is nothing that tends so much to produce liberty as a good conscience and a life free from crime and reproach; as, on the contrary, timidity must be the lot of those who have a bad conscience. And if they sometimes make a valiant boast of liberty, yet it is not uniform and constant, nor has it any weight. For this reason he describes also the kind of liberty. “In the faith,” says he, which is in Christ; that is, that they may serve — Christ with greater boldness; as, on the other hand, they who have acted basely in the discharge of their office may be said to have their mouth shut and their hands tied, and are unfit for doing good; because no reliance — no authority is given to them.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(13) For they that have used the office of a deacon well.Better rendered, for they that have served well as deacons. It was with good reason that the Apostle laid great stress on the many and varied qualifications necessary for one undertaking the duties of a deacon of the Churchfor very great indeed was the reward reserved for the true, loyal deacon when his work was over and done (and if for the man who had performed well his work in the lower office, fortiori for the one who should faithfully fulfil the yet higher duties of an elder or overseer in the Church).
Purchase to themselves a good degree.Some scholars have suggested as a better rendering, are acquiring (or gaining) to themselves a good standing. The old translation perhaps is best. Alford writes strikingly on the change of tense: They that have used are acquiring or purchasing. The Apostle having begun by placing himself at the great day of retribution, now shifts the scene and deals with their present conduct. Those who shall then be found to have served well, &c. . . . are now, &c.
The good degree they are now purchasing by earnest, patient work may refer to advancement to the higher ministries of the Church, but, more probably, has reference to their future position in the blessed life to come. This is one of the passages not unfrequent in St. Pauls Epistles, where degrees of glory among the redeemed are clearly spoken of. The plain words of St. Paul and his Master teach the people of God that although the great act of redemption alone belongs to Christ, that through His merits only men obtain salvation, still His own, will in a great measure determine, by their works and days on earth, the position they will occupy in His kingdom.
And great boldness.The true and faithful deacons not only will in the life to come win the great reward, but here the result of their loyal, earnest service would be, that before men they would do their work with serene, fearless confidence, and would at the same time be encouraged to approach that heavenly Father at all times with the loving trustfulness of children.
In the faith which is in Christ Jesus.Faith was the foundation of the great boldness, and the faith rested on Jesus Christ.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
13. A good degree An honourable step. The word is well defined in Robinson’s Lexicon New Testament, a step, namely, “of a stair, or door,”
etc.; derived from , to walk, or advance. Hence unquestionably, we think, Grotius gives the true meaning: “They make for themselves an honourable step, namely, to the presbyterate. For so was the custom of those ages; from the most excellent of the Christian people to select the deacons, and from the most excellent deacons, the presbyters, and from the most excellent presbyters, the president. In the Clementine Constitutions are prayers for the deacon in which we read the words: “Render worthy him who has performed the deaconship to him committed, inflexibly, blamelessly, unimpeachably, to be exalted to a higher step.”
The connexion shows this to be the meaning. The previous verse shadows the qualifications of the eldership as the model for the deacon. The clause following these words promises a greater freedom of exercise as belonging to the next step. The most natural construction, certainly, should view the step as belonging to the sphere of the deaconship. So Wesley, “They purchase a good degree, or step to some higher office.” To the objection that this would be placing an objectionable motive before the deacon, Wordsworth properly replies, that St. Paul is not addressing the deacon at all, but Timothy, the superintendent. Just so he directs Timothy (1Ti 5:17) to put a double value upon the best elders.
Great boldness Or freedom of speech; an advance step in liberty of exercise well becoming a higher office.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘For those who have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.’
The importance of the office in the eyes of the early church, comes out in this final comment. Those who serve well as deacons both gain good standing before God, and great boldness in their approach to God, and in their expectation of That Day. If they remain true they will one day hear His, ‘well done good and faithful servants’.
‘Gain to themselves a good standing.’
‘The faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ It is questioned as to whether this refers to their faith or to ‘the faith’ as signifying a kind of statement of faith. It must, however, be seen as questionable whether at this stage such a clear distinction would be made. They would certainly have had at least primitive ‘statements of faith’ but they would equally certainly have been expected to have a positive faith about them.
The use of ‘Christ Jesus’ might be seen as pointing to Paul, although it has been objected that the use here is not quite in accord with his usual usage. But he is here dealing with titles (‘bishop’, ‘deacon’), and the title Christ preceding Jesus would fit the formality of the situation indicating that he is a servant of the Christ.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ti 3:13. Purchase to themselves a good degree, Acquire for themselves an honourable degree, [that of presbyter or bishop,] and great assurance in preaching the Christian faith. See Heylin. The apostle alludes here to the practice of electing the deacons from the best among the laity; the priests or elders from the best among the deacons; and the rulers or bishops from the best among the priests or elders.Where the unbelieving Jews were so virulent, and the Gentiles so much exasperated by Demetrius and his company, there was a necessity for great boldness and fortitude; especially in the officers of the Christian church, who are generally the first exposed to persecution.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Ti 3:13 . To these instructions he adds in this verse a reason: ( is here and in 1Ti 3:10 used in the official sense) . [130] The word , which occurs only here, denotes, like gradus , in the figurative sense, a degree of honour. As to what is to be understood by this, expositors are not agreed; but we may reject at once all explanations in which a comparative is put in place of the positive . This objection applies to the view that denotes here the higher ecclesiastical office, the office of bishop (Jerome: “bonum hic pro gradu majori posuit; sunt enim minores [diaconi];” Bengel: “gradum ab humilitate diaconiae ad majora munera, in ecclesia. Qui in minore gradu fidelis est, ad majora promovetur;” so, too, Theophylact, Erasmus, Beza, Grotius, Heumann, Heydenreich, Baur, Plitt, and others), which view, moreover, presupposes a regulation of rank altogether foreign to the apostolic age. The same objection applies to the view that is a higher stage of the life of faith, i.e. an increase in Christian perfection. The expositors who hold by the positive , interpret the idea, some of the future, others of the present life. The former understand by it “a higher stage of blessedness;” so Theodoret ( ), Flatt, and others; the latter explain the expression as applying to “respect in the church;” so Calvin, Planck, Wegscheider, Leo, Matthies, and others.
Heinrich, de “Wette, and Wiesinger agree with the view of the former, only modifying it to mean not a stage of holiness, but “the expectancy of it.” This modification is, however, unwarrantable, since the idea of “expectancy or claim” is imported. means a stage; it cannot at the same time mean the claim to a stage; and if must mean the claim to something, then there is nothing to indicate what the claim refers to.
The decision between the two interpretations depends on the explanation of the words that follow: ] means, in the first place, candour in speech; then more generally, bold courage in action, synonymous with (Hesychius); and lastly, firm confidence in something; thus in reference to men, 2Co 7:4 ( ), or to God, viz. the confidence which the Christian in faith has in the saving grace of God; so in the Epistle to the Hebrews and in the First Epistle of John. [131] If is to be referred to future blessedness, then here, as in 1Jn 3:21 , Heb 4:16 , is confidence toward God. But in 1Jn 3:21 we have along with , and in Heb 4:16 is added to define more precisely the clause: ; as to the parallel passage in 1Ti 6:19 , to which de Wette likewise appeals, the reference to the future life is distinctly expressed by the words . Of all this there is nothing here; there is nothing, either here or with , to direct us to the future life, nothing to indicate that with we should supply , or the like. Hence it is more natural to refer these ideas to the sphere in which the takes place, and to understand by , respect in the church; [132] by , confidence in their official labours. These two things stand in closest relation to one another, since only he can possess right confidence in his office who is open to no just reproach, who is honoured for conducting himself well in the matters with which his office is concerned. Wiesinger, against this view, maintains that “the aorist ( ) makes the . . . appear to be the final result of the official labour;” [133] but if that were the case, the present should not have been used, but the perfect; for the acquisition does not take place after the official labour, but during it.
Certainly the aorist is somewhat strange; but it may mean that the . . . is always the result of good service. [134]
The verb , in the N. T. only here and in Act 20:28 , has even in classical writers the meaning “gain for oneself.” The dative is added to show clearly that he is speaking of the gain to the deacons themselves, and not to the congregation.
] is not to be joined with and (van Oosterzee), but only with . [135] It is not the sphere in which, nor the object in regard to which, there is (Heumann: “the boldness to teach the Christian faith even in public;” Wegscheider: “free activity for Christianity, or a greater sphere for the spread of Christianity”); but it denotes the as Christian, as rooted in Christian faith. The construction of with following it, is found also in 2Ti 3:15 ; Gal 3:26 ; Eph 1:15 ; Col 1:4 (only that in these passages there is no article before , while there is one before ; on the other hand, comp. Act 20:21 ; Act 26:18 ). This construction may be explained to mean that Christ is the object of faith already apprehended; the believer not only has Christ before him, but he lives in communion with Him.
[130] Hofmann thinks that ver. 13 is connected only with ver. 12; because a man might fill the office of deacon well, though he lacked the qualities named in vv. 8 10, but not if his house were badly managed. But that is not the case. Those qualities, not less than the one given in ver. 12, are the necessary conditions for filling the office of deacon well.
[131] Regarding Luther’s translation of by “joyfulness,” see my Comment. on the Epistles of John , 3 d ed., on 1Jn 4:17 .
[132] Van Oosterzee’s opinion is manifestly wrong, that is “a beautiful stage of the spiritual life, and also of eternal blessedness.”
[133] The other grounds apply only to the exposition of Matthies, who understands by “the influential post;” by , “the free play of thought and speech, a wide open field of spiritual activity.” In this he certainly exceeds the meaning which may be assigned to these words.
[134] Hofmann’s explanation of and agrees in substance with that given here. He is wrong, however, in asserting that the deacons do not acquire both during , but only after their tenure of office. If the latter were the case, the means by which it takes place would not be given.
[135] Hofmann, indeed, holds even this connection of ideas to be unsuitable; but we do not see why the may not be marked as Christian, as rooted in faith in Christ. To connect it with what follows, would be to suppose that the apostle lays emphasis on a point, which to Timothy would be self-evident.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Ver. 13. A good degree ] Or a fair step to a higher order, i.e. to a bishopric or presbytership.
And great boldness in the faith ] The peace of a good conscience and the plerophory of faith. This those that are faithful in the ministry shall be sure of; the former preferment they may possibly fail in. In a similar manner, when the twins strove in Rebecca’s womb, the worst came forth first, and had the best place, Gen 25:25 ; so the unworthiest are often exalted, Psa 12:8 , but the best have that which is better.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
13 .] The importance of true and faithful service in the diaconate . For those who served well the office of deacon (the aor. participle, not the perf., because the standing-point of the sentence is at first the great day, when their has passed by. In fact this aor. participle decides between the interpretations: see below) are acquiring (the Apostle having begun by placing himself at the great day of retribution, and consequently used the aor. participle, now shifts, so to speak, the scene, and deals with their present conduct: q. d., ‘Those who shall then be found to have served well, &c. are now , &c.’ On and , see notes, Eph 1:14 ; 1Th 5:9 ) for themselves (emphatic besides the service they are rendering to the church) a good standing-place (viz. at the great day: cf. ch. 1Ti 6:19 , , : and Dan 12:3 (Heb. and E. V.), where however the metaphor is different.
The interpretations of , a step , or place to stand on (in LXX, the threshold , or step, before a door; see reff.), have been very various. (1) Ambr., Jer., Pel., Thl., Erasm., Bull, Beza, Corn.-a-lap., Est., Grot., Lightf., Beng., Wolf, Mosh., Schttg., Wordsw., al., understand it of a degree of ecclesiastical preferment , scil. from the office of deacon to that of presbyter, and take for a comparative. Against this is (a) the forcing of ; (b) the improbability that such a rise upwards through the ecclesiastical offices was known in the Apostle’s time: (c) the still greater unlikelihood, even if it were known, that he would propose as a motive to a deacon to fulfil his office well, the ambitious desire to rise out of it. (2) Mack, Matth., Olsh., Huther, al., following Calv. and Luther, understand by it a high place of honour in the esteem of the church (see on below): “qui probe funeti fuerint hoc ministerio, non parvo honore dignos esse.” Calv. Against this is (a) that there is not a more distinct reference made to the estimation of the church; indeed that the emphatic (see above) is altogether against such reference: (b) that thus again an unworthy motive would be set before tha deacons: (c) that again (see below) will not on this interpretation, bear any legitimate rendering. (d) the aor. part. , as before. (3) Musc., al., take it spiritually , as meaning progress in the faith . Chrys. is claimed for this view, but this is somewhat doubtful. His words are, , . , , : where, notwithstanding that would seem to mean subjective progress, Thl.’s explanation of , , the higher office, seems best to fit the sentence: and thus must be objective, preferment . But (a) the whole (especially ) is of too objective a character thus to be interpreted of a merely subjective process besides that (b) thus also the present would require a present participle . (4) Thdrt. (below), Croc., Flatt, Heinrichs (modified: see below), De W., Wiesinger, understand it nearly as above of the station or standing-place which the faithful deacon acquires before God, with reference to his own salvation. The opinions of these Commentators are, however, somewhat various as to the exact time to which the standing on this is to be referred. Thdrt. says: , , , , , , . Heinrichs, with whom De W. and Wiesinger are disposed to agree, understands that they procure to themselves a good expectation of salvation : a i.e. in this life, with reference to the future one. I believe, from the form of the sentence, that the truth will be found by combining the two views. The , as above stated, is used with reference to their finished course at that day. The transfers the scene to the present time. The is that which they are now securing for themselves, and will be found standing on at that day: belonging therefore in part to both periods, and not necessarily involving the idea of different degrees of blessedness, though that idea (cf. 1Co 3:15 ) is familiar to St. Paul, but merely predicating the soundness of the ground on which these will themselves stand) and much confidence (this also is variously understood, according as is interpreted. Those who think of ecclesiastical preferment , render ‘freedom of speech as regards the faith (obj.),’ i.e. in teaching (‘ majore fiducia aliis Evangelium prdicabunt ,’ Grot.), or in resisting error, or, ‘libertas ingenue agendi,’ as Est.: or ‘a wide field for spiritual action,’ as Matthies. To these there might be no objection, but for the adjunct to , . Thus defined, must necessarily have a subjective reference, i.e. to the confidence towards God possessed by those who have made good advance in faith in Christ, as in reff. And so Thdrt. (above), Ambr., Croc., Cocc., Flatt, Calv., Beza (these two understand it more generally, of the confidence wrought by a good conscience), Bengel, Wies., De W., Ellic., al.) in (the) faith (subjective, from what follows) which is in (see reff. denotes more the repose of faith in , the reliance of faith on , Christ) Christ Jesus ,
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Ti 3:13 . From what has been noted above on St. Paul’s teaching in relation to men’s lawful aspirations, it will appear that it is not necessary to explain away the obvious meaning of this clause in accordance with a false spirituality which affects to depreciate the inducements of earthly rewards. The parable of the talents (Mat 25:21 ), implies Christ’s approval of reasonable ambition. Nor is this to be answered by a statement that “the recompense of reward” to which we are permitted to look is heavenly and spiritual. For the Christian, there can be no gulf fixed between the earthly and the heavenly; at least in the category of things which are open to him, as a Christian, to desire. The drawing of such distinctions is akin to the Manichaean disparagement of matter.
The which the man may acquire who has served well as a deacon is advancement to the presbyterate or episcopate. So Chrys. The R.V., gain to themselves a good standing , does not necessarily imply an advance in rank, but an assured position in the esteem of their fellow-Christians. We know that among the many who possess the same rank, whether in church or state, some from their character and abilities gain a standing that others do not.
Some modern commentators follow Theodoret in giving a purely spiritual force to , i.e. , , “a good standing place, viz. , at the Great Day” (Alf.); “the step or degree which a faithful discharge of the would gain in the eyes of God” (Ell.). Alf. lays emphasis on the aor. part. as viewing the from the standpoint of the Day of Judgment; but it is equally suitable if the standpoint be that of the day on which they receive their advancement. There is more force in his emphasis on the present, , they are acquiring . This interpretation does not seem to be in harmony with the context. The qualifications that are noted in 1Ti 3:12 have relation to the effectual administration of the Church on earth. It would be harsh to affirm that one who was a digamist and who could not keep his household in order would suffer for it in the Day of Judgment, however unsuitable he might be for office in the church.
: a Pauline phrase. See reff. In these passages . means confidence , without reference to speech .
Although Ell. renders the clause “great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus,” he explains the boldness as resting on faith in Christ Jesus, and as descriptive of the believer’s attitude in regard to, and at, the Day of Judgment. See 1Jn 4:17 . If we reject his explanation of , it would be natural to interpret ., . . ., of a confident public expression of the faith, such as would belong to an experienced Christian who had gained a good standing, and had, in consequence, no temptation to be . Von Soden connects with , cf. 2Ti 1:13 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
have. Omit.
purchase. Greek. peripoieoleai. See Act 20:28.
degree. Greek. bathmos. Only here.
boldness. Greek. parrhesia. Trnnsl. “freely”, in Act 2:29.
Christ Jesus. App-98.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
13.] The importance of true and faithful service in the diaconate. For those who served well the office of deacon (the aor. participle, not the perf., because the standing-point of the sentence is at first the great day, when their has passed by. In fact this aor. participle decides between the interpretations: see below) are acquiring (the Apostle having begun by placing himself at the great day of retribution, and consequently used the aor. participle, now shifts, so to speak, the scene, and deals with their present conduct: q. d., Those who shall then be found to have served well, &c. are now, &c. On and , see notes, Eph 1:14; 1Th 5:9) for themselves (emphatic-besides the service they are rendering to the church) a good standing-place (viz. at the great day: cf. ch. 1Ti 6:19, , :-and Dan 12:3 (Heb. and E. V.), where however the metaphor is different.
The interpretations of , a step, or place to stand on (in LXX, the threshold, or step, before a door; see reff.), have been very various. (1) Ambr., Jer., Pel., Thl., Erasm., Bull, Beza, Corn.-a-lap., Est., Grot., Lightf., Beng., Wolf, Mosh., Schttg., Wordsw., al., understand it of a degree of ecclesiastical preferment, scil. from the office of deacon to that of presbyter, and take for a comparative. Against this is (a) the forcing of ; (b) the improbability that such a rise upwards through the ecclesiastical offices was known in the Apostles time: (c) the still greater unlikelihood, even if it were known, that he would propose as a motive to a deacon to fulfil his office well, the ambitious desire to rise out of it. (2) Mack, Matth., Olsh., Huther, al., following Calv. and Luther, understand by it a high place of honour in the esteem of the church (see on below): qui probe funeti fuerint hoc ministerio, non parvo honore dignos esse. Calv. Against this is (a) that there is not a more distinct reference made to the estimation of the church; indeed that the emphatic (see above) is altogether against such reference: (b) that thus again an unworthy motive would be set before tha deacons: (c) that again (see below) will not on this interpretation, bear any legitimate rendering. (d) the aor. part. , as before. (3) Musc., al., take it spiritually, as meaning progress in the faith. Chrys. is claimed for this view, but this is somewhat doubtful. His words are, , . , , : where, notwithstanding that would seem to mean subjective progress, Thl.s explanation of ,- , the higher office, seems best to fit the sentence: and thus must be objective,-preferment. But (a) the whole (especially ) is of too objective a character thus to be interpreted of a merely subjective process-besides that (b) thus also the present would require a present participle . (4) Thdrt. (below), Croc., Flatt, Heinrichs (modified: see below), De W., Wiesinger, understand it nearly as above-of the station or standing-place which the faithful deacon acquires before God, with reference to his own salvation. The opinions of these Commentators are, however, somewhat various as to the exact time to which the standing on this is to be referred. Thdrt. says: , , , , , , . Heinrichs, with whom De W. and Wiesinger are disposed to agree, understands that they procure to themselves a good expectation of salvation: a i.e. in this life, with reference to the future one. I believe, from the form of the sentence, that the truth will be found by combining the two views. The , as above stated, is used with reference to their finished course at that day. The transfers the scene to the present time. The is that which they are now securing for themselves, and will be found standing on at that day: belonging therefore in part to both periods, and not necessarily involving the idea of different degrees of blessedness, though that idea (cf. 1Co 3:15) is familiar to St. Paul,-but merely predicating the soundness of the ground on which these will themselves stand) and much confidence (this also is variously understood, according as is interpreted. Those who think of ecclesiastical preferment, render freedom of speech as regards the faith (obj.), i.e. in teaching (majore fiducia aliis Evangelium prdicabunt, Grot.), or in resisting error,-or, libertas ingenue agendi, as Est.: or a wide field for spiritual action, as Matthies. To these there might be no objection, but for the adjunct to , . Thus defined, must necessarily have a subjective reference,-i.e. to the confidence towards God possessed by those who have made good advance in faith in Christ, as in reff. And so Thdrt. (above), Ambr., Croc., Cocc., Flatt, Calv., Beza (these two understand it more generally, of the confidence wrought by a good conscience), Bengel, Wies., De W., Ellic., al.) in (the) faith (subjective, from what follows) which is in (see reff. denotes more the repose of faith in, the reliance of faith on, Christ) Christ Jesus,
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Ti 3:13. ) a degree, from the humble deaconship to the higher offices in the church. He who is faithful in an inferior degree, is promoted to a higher station.-, to themselves) They do not merely promote the interests of others.- ) great boldness with regard to God and man, from being well exercised.- , in the faith) that they may perceive that they are made most richly partakers of His faith and benefits.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Ti 3:13
For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing,-The services of the deacons in looking after and caring for the needy and afflicted, relieving their temporal needs, teaching them the way of the Lord, gain for themselves a good understanding and skill as teachers of the word of God.
and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.-The Scriptures do not contemplate a man going among the sick and afflicted administering to their necessities without teaching them the word of God, admonishing them as to their duties and so gaining strength as a Christian, and giving him courage and boldness in teaching the word of God. Through service of the deaconship a man grows into the qualifications and fitness for the work of the elder.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
they: Mat 25:21, Luk 16:10-12, Luk 19:17
used: or, ministered, Mat 20:28, Rom 12:7, Rom 12:8, 1Co 16:15, Heb 6:10, 1Pe 4:10, 1Pe 4:11
degree: Act 21:35,*Gr.
great: Act 6:5, Act 6:8, Act 6:15, Act 7:1-53, Phi 1:14, 1Th 2:2, 2Ti 2:1
Reciprocal: 2Co 3:12 – plainness 1Ti 3:10 – use
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ti 3:13. Used the office of a deacon is the other expression coming from the Greek word DIAKONEO, referred to in the comments at verse 10. Well is from KALOS, which is a word describing the kind of service the deacons have rendered in their office. Thayer defines it at this place as follows: “Good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well-adapted to its ends.” Purchase to themselves means they acquire or secure for themselves, etc. Thayer explains the word for degree, “of a grade of dignity and wholesome influence in the church.” Good is from the same word as well in the beginning of this verse. Great boldness means courage and assurance of the things that are right. Nothing can give a man more moral support than the knowledge of having discharged his duty in the best possible manner. It strengthens his faith in Christ, when he sees the good fruit of serving Him on behalf of the disciples. This work is performed in connection with the funds of the church, but the disposition to use them for the benefit of poor but worthy disciples, springs from the same spirit that would prompt him to do so out of his own possessions (Mat 25:40).
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Ti 3:13. Purchase for themselves a good degree. The English rendering sounds hard and technical, but it is not easy to suggest a better. Step, station, rank, position, have been pro-posed, and all (except perhaps the first, which yet is the more literal) fairly represent the meaning of the word. In any case the meaning is obscure. We have(1) They gain for themselves an upward step, a higher position, sc. the office of a bishop-elder; and (2) They gain a noble position where they are. The arguments for (2) preponderate. It is not in harmony with St. Pauls character to suggest promotion as a motive for work, but rather to urge that a man should abide in his calling (1Co 7:20). There is no evidence that such promotion was common in the Apostolic Age, when men were made deacons or bishops according to their special gifts. Accepting (2), the thought is that the humbler work may be made as noble as the higher.
Great boldness in the faith. Is the boldness one of feeling or utterance? Is the faith the trust of the man in God, or the creed which he believes? No certain answer can be given to these questions, but so far as it is necessary to define where possibly the writer did not define, the latter view seems preferable.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
That is, “Although the deacons be as servants to the bishops, yet such as use that office well, according to the foregoing rules, by so doing do purchase to themselves a good degree above the vulgar, and also have farther hopes of being advanced in the church to higher offices; and when they preach the word (as did Philip and Stephen) they might do it with great boldness, and with expectation of success, living suitably to the qualification of their function, and walking according to the rule of the gospel, which they professed and taught.”
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Verse 13
A good degree; a good standing and estimation.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
1Ti 3:13. “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Deacons, purchase good standing, might be the thought. In the secular realm there is a certain amount of this.
There is a mortuary in London that advertises dead men’s backgrounds – church work is mentioned, indeed in our own country the background is sometimes given in the obituary and this lends a bit of prestige to the memory if the person was a pastor or church leader. It gives you a certain type of status. Indeed, in many of our communities the pastors of churches are held as important to the community.
We had a pastor that helped direct our lives many years ago yet later he seemed to get side tracked. He became very interested in golf. He joined the country club and seemed to become very involved in that society. He became quite involved in the country club life.
When he died the obituary read like that of one of great social status. All of his secular accomplishments were listed including his long-standing membership in the country club.
At the end there was a simple sentence “He was also pastor of the _____ church.
I think he had purchased the wrong “good standing.”
The secular is the lesser of the ideas in that the spiritual is the more important. As we serve God as church leaders, we gain approval in the Lord’s eyes and in a sense gain status with Him.
More importantly is the “great boldness” that comes with serving. As we serve, we gain confidence in what we are doing, in the fact that the Lord can use us and we become more confident to do more and more things for the Lord.
In closing we might take a moment and just list some of the possible ministries of a deacon and of the deaconess.
DEACON
Caring for and cleaning of the church/parsonage properties, either themselves or hiring it done.
Assist the elders in any manner that they can.
Submit material needs to the elders/congregation for approval and financing.
Calling on the neighborhood, sick, shut-ins, widows and orphans.
Taking an active part in discipling orphans, both in spiritual and physical things.
Giving assistance to widows and orphans – both financial as well as physical, when needed.
DEACONESS
Calling on and assisting female church members/others that could be assisted.
Providing flowers for funerals, church services, sick folks and shut-ins.
Taking small orphans for outings.
Providing meals/facilities/assistance for funeral parties.
Cleaning of the church facilities.
“Servant” in our English New Testament usually represents the Greek doulos (bondslave). Sometimes it means diakonos (deacon or minister); this is strictly accurate, for doulos and diakonos are synonyms. Both words denote a man who is not at his own disposal, but is his master’s purchased property. Bought to serve his master’s needs, to be at his beck and call every moment, the slave’s sole business is to do as he is told. Christian service therefore means, first and foremost, living out a slave relationship to one’s Savior (1Co 6:19-20).
“What work does Christ set his servants to do? The way that they serve him, he tells them, is by becoming the slaves of their fellow-servants and being willing to do literally anything, however costly, irksome, or undignified, in order to help them. This is what love means, as he himself showed at the Last supper when he played the slave’s part and washed the disciples’ feet.
“When the New Testament speaks of ministering to the saints, it means not primarily preaching to them but devoting time, trouble, and substance to giving them all the practical help possible. The essence of Christian service is loyalty to the king expressing itself in care for his servants (Mat 25:31-46).
“Only the Holy Spirit can create in us the kind of love toward our Savior that will overflow in imaginative sympathy and practical helpfulness towards his people. Unless the spirit is training us in love, we are not fit persons to go to college or a training class to learn the know-how or particular branches of Christian work. Gifted leaders who are self-centered and loveless are a blight to the church rather than a blessing.” Your Father Loves You; James Packer; Harold Shaw Publishers; 1986; Page March 3.
May God raise up men of this caliber in this country to begin leading the church in the proper path!
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good {g} degree, and {h} great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(g) Honour and estimation.
(h) Bold and assured confidence without fear.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The rewards for faithful service as a deacon are two: a good reputation, and increased confidence in dealing with other people and with God (cf. Mat 20:26-28; Mar 10:43-45). Presumably this confidence builds on a clear conscience.
Paul said nothing about the duties of deacons. This indicates that he did not associate specific tasks with the office. He seems to have intended that deacons should function as official servants of the church in whatever capacity the elders may see a need for this. They were in effect the elders’ assistants.
"1Ti 3:1-13 thus presents a twofold pattern for the official ministry of the church, that of oversight (episkopos) and that of service (diakonos)." [Note: Knight, p. 175.]
Whereas the elder office apparently arose out of Jewish religious life, the deacon office seems to have developed from an incident in the early history of the church (i.e., Act 6:1-6). Luke did not call the men appointed to assist the apostles in Acts 6 deacons in that passage. Nevertheless this event apparently led to the official appointment of deacons (servants) as assistants to the elders who served especially in the realm of physical and material needs. [Note: See Strauch, pp. 367-72.]
"An analysis of the data seems . . . to indicate the existence of oversight by a plurality of church leaders throughout the NT church in virtually every known area and acknowledged or commended by virtually every NT writer who writes about church leadership." [Note: Knight, pp. 176-77.]