1 Timothy 3:13

Translations

Modern

For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Traditional

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.

Literal

For those having served well acquire a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Latin

Qui enim bene ministraverint, gradum bonum sibi acquirent, et multam fiduciam in fide, quæ est in Christo Jesu.

Original

Greek

English

For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Notes

1 Timothy 3:8–13

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.

1 Timothy 3:1–13

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.

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders The Church as a Living, Active Body

Related verses

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
Philippians 1:14
And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.
Romans 12:7–8
…if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
Acts 21:35
When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.
Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
Acts 6:15–7:53
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Matthew 20:28
…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 16:10–12
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
1 Peter 4:10–11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Luke 19:17
His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

Parallels

Acts 6:1–7

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Deacon, Deaconess Mystery Ordain, Ordination Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Deacon Duties Deacon: Characteristics of Holy Boldness: Produced by Faithfulness to God

1 Timothy 3:13

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

Parallels?