1 Timothy 3:12

The Greek word for deacon means "servant, assistant, messenger, or agent." Its related words mean "service" or "to serve" and often refer to any kind of service (for example, 4:6; Matthew 22:13; John 2:5; 12:26; Romans 13:4; 1 Corinthians 3:5). When plainly referring to a church office, it appears only in 1 Timothy 3:8–13; Philippians 1:1; and possibly Romans 16:1. Here the passage focuses on character rather than activities. See also study note on Acts 6:2–6.

The topic shifts to church leadership by overseers and deacons (3:1–7; 8–13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less plain than that of Titus (see 5:17–22; Titus 1:5). This may be because the church in Ephesus was more mature and better able to manage the process (see Acts 6:2–6).

The criteria listed here focus on character rather than function. It partly responds to the local false teachers and their followers. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and show that the false teachers were not qualified for leadership.

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).