1 Timothy 3:13

13 Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:13 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:13

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 (atwnmyhmd agrd) , "a degree of faith": ^F2 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 Zohar in Exod. fol. 36. 3.

1 Timothy 3:13 In-Context

11 In the same way, womenn must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything.

12 Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families.

13 Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.

14 Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now.

15 Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.