1 Timothy 3:13

13 qui enim bene ministraverint gradum sibi bonum adquirent et multam fiduciam in fide quae est in Christo Iesu

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F2 Zohar in Exod. fol. 36. 3.

1 Timothy 3:13 In-Context

11 mulieres similiter pudicas non detrahentes sobrias fideles in omnibus

12 diacones sint unius uxoris viri qui filiis suis bene praesunt et suis domibus

13 qui enim bene ministraverint gradum sibi bonum adquirent et multam fiduciam in fide quae est in Christo Iesu

14 haec tibi scribo sperans venire ad te cito

15 si autem tardavero ut scias quomodo oporteat te in domo Dei conversari quae est ecclesia Dei vivi columna et firmamentum veritatis