Qualifications of Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Scripture

8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Likewise

What does likewise indicate?

Paul described the qualifications of elders in the immediately preceding passage (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Paul is thus simply stating in 1 Timothy 3:8 that in like manner (likewise) there are also qualifications for deacons.

deacons

The Greek word transliterated as deacons is Διακόνους (diakonous); it literally means to “thoroughly raise up dust by moving in a hurry” and is most often translated as “servant” [1]. The word is common-gender, in that it was used for both men and women [1,2]. Apparently, the feminine word “deaconess” only arose in post-Biblical Greek [2]. It’s important to note that all Christians are called into service (ministry) in accord with their unique gifting by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 4:10):

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The Greek word for “minister it to” (NKJV) — rendered elsewhere as “employ it in serving” (NASB) or “serve” (NIV) — is διακονοῦντες (diakonountes), which is ultimately derived from Διακόνους (diakonous) [3]. However:

In this passage is Paul communicating about qualification for all Christians?

This is unlikely. As the lengthy preceding section focused on leadership in the church (1 Timothy 2:12-3:7), and the following section begins with Paul’s reminder that these instructions were written to Timothy so that he (as local bishop overseeing the church in Paul’s stead) would know how he “ought to conduct (himself) in the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15),” it seems most likely that Paul (in 1 Timothy 3:8-13) was bringing attention to a unique role of deacon in the body of Christ, not a general role. Extrabiblical documents, such as the letters of Ignatius of Antioch, clearly reveal that by at least 110 A.D. the office of deacon was formally differentiated from that of elder and bishop in the Church, as well as of general Christian service [4].

A Comparison of Qualifications of Deacons and Wives/Women

Wives/Women

The Greek word translated as “wives” in 1 Timothy 3:11 (NKJV, ESV, KJV, NLT) — γυναῖκας (gynaikas) — is more often translated as women than wives elsewhere in Scripture [10]. Indeed, some Bible editions have preferred to translate γυναῖκας in 1 Timothy 3:11 as “women” (NASB, NIV, Douay-Rheims). Although I personally believe that the word is best translated as “women” in this passage, as will be apparent in the following discussion, I ultimately agree with the sentiment of Liftin on this matter [11]:

“A case can be made for either of these two options … but being dogmatic about either view is unwarranted by the exegetical data.”

The Qualifications for Deacons

There are eight qualifications listed for deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12):

1. Reverent
2. not double-tongued
3. not given to much wine
4. not greedy for money
5. holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience
6. blameless
7. the husbands of one wife
8. ruling their children and their own houses well

The Qualifications for Wives / Women

There are four qualifications listed for wives / women (1 Timothy 3:11):

1. Reverent
2. not slanderers
3. temperate
4. faithful in all things

Reverent

The same Greek word — σεμνός (sem-nos’) — is used in the description of qualifications for both deacons (1 Timothy 3:8) and wives/women (1 Timothy 3:11); it means dignified, serious, or honorable [8].

Not Double-Tongued

The Greek word translated as double-tounged — δίλογος (dil’-og-os) — can mean “double-saying, i.e., deceitful by saying one thing but meaning another,” or “taking different sides of an issue whenever it is convenient or expedient” [9].

Not Slanderers

The Greek word for slanderer — διάβολος (dee-ab’-ol-os) — occasionally is used in Scripture to refer to the slanderer, i.e., the Devil. The διάβολος (dee-ab’-ol-os) is someone who is “a false accuser; unjustly criticizing to hurt (malign) and condemn to sever a relationship” [12].

Note: Deacons must not be double-tongued, and wives / women must not be slanderers. In general, both deacons and wives / women need to exercise self-control with regards to the tongue!

Not Given to Much Wine

The Greek behind this phrase is not identical to that in 1 Timothy 3:3; nevertheless, it indeed means that a deacon shouldn’t drink wine “much” or “too often” [7] and thus should either abstain from drinking wine or drink wine in moderation. For more discussion on this qualification see Qualifications of Elders : Part 1.

Temperate

To be “temperate” means either “(literally) free from negative influences (intoxicants) or (figuratively) clear-minded [6].”

Note: Deacons must be not given to much wine, and wives / women must be temperate. In other words, both deacons and wives / women must exercise self-control and discipline with regards to the consumption of potential intoxicants.

Not Greedy for Money

The Greek word behind the phrase “greedy for money” (αἰσχροκερδῆ) literally means “greedy” or “fond of sordid gain” [13]. This should not be characteristic of a deacon.

Holding the Mystery of the Faith with a Pure Conscience

In the midst of critiquing the false teachers in Ephesus, Paul wrote the following (1 Timothy 1:5):

“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.”

In other words, in contrast to the false teachers in Ephesus, deacons were to have a good and pure conscience, with a strong faith (and by implication a strong understanding of the gospel and its application).

What does Paul mean by “mystery” ?

Clearly, to a degree all Christians “see in a mirror, dimly … (and) … know (only) in part (1 Corinthians 13:12).” However, I agree with MacArthur, who wrote that “mystery” in 1 Timothy 3:9 (and elsewhere) “refers to revealed truth previously hidden but now manifested [14].” Consider, for example, Paul’s benediction in his epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:25-27):

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”

Therefore, while there is much that Christians don’t understand about God, He has revealed enough of the mystery for people to understand it, be saved, apply it, and give Him glory!

Blameless

Blameless means that the deacon’s “life has not been marred by some obvious sinful defect in character which would preclude him (from) setting the highest standard for godly conduct. He must be a model for the congregation to follow. He also must not give the enemies of the church reason to attack its reputation [5].” For more discussion on this qualification see Qualifications of Elders : Part 1.

The Husband of One Wife

Simply stated, deacons are to be “models of sexual purity [15].” For more discussion on this qualification see Qualifications of Elders : Part 1.

Ruling their Children and their Own Houses Well

The “rule” of (the influence exercised by) a deacon is properly characterized by humble service to others, which is noble, right, honorable, well-perceived, and winsomely attractive! For more discussion on this qualification see Qualifications of Elders : Part 1.

Faithful in all Things

Wives / women are to be faithful in all things. There’s no wiggle room there! It’s almost as if Paul didn’t want to simply repeat everything written in 1 Timothy 3:8-10 about deacons, and chose to summarize it succinctly with the phrase “faithful in all things.”

What are the main differences in qualifications for deacons and wives/women?

While more explicit qualifications are listed for deacons, those listed for wives/women are either identical (i.e.., reverent), similar (e.g., temperate), or all-encompassing (i.e., faithful in all things). For example, the all-encompassing phrase “faithful in all things” clearly also includes sexuality, and thus both deacons and wives/women are to be “models of sexual purity.” Consequently, it seems that the qualifications provided by Paul for deacons and wives/women are effectively identical (in terms of character and lifestyle). So then:

Is Paul stating that both men and women can serve as deacons?

This is an issue of intense debate within the global Christian community, and 1 Timothy 3:8-13 isn’t entirely unambiguous. Personally, I believe that while God prohibits women from (a) serving in the role of elder, and (b) teaching over men (for details see Proper Roles and Attitudes of Men and Women in the Church), God permits both men and women to serve Him as deacons. In brief, here are some reasons:

• The word deacon in Biblical Greek was common-gender and used for both men and women [1], and the feminine word “deaconess” only arose in post-Biblical Greek [2]. Thus, by sandwiching “Likewise … wives/women” in 1 Timothy 3:11 between two explicit statements about deacons, Paul was likely implying that wives/women “in like manner” could qualify to serve as deacons.

• The listed qualifications of deacons and wives / women in this passage are effectively equivalent.

• There is no possessive pronoun “their” in the Greek text of 1 Timothy 3:11 to qualify the word translated as wives / women (meaning that there is nothing in the text to explicitly link these women to be the wives of the deacons). The actual Greek of 1 Timothy 3:11 literally reads as “Likewise wives/women reverent.”

• Paul mentioned nothing about the wives of elders in the preceding passage, and clearly if the wives of deacons had/have to meet certain qualifications, then so should the wives of elders (who oversee the deacons).

• Deacons by definition aren’t overseers and they don’t have the responsibility of teaching; thus, women can serve as deacons in submission to Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2:12.

• Paul refers to Phoebe, his sister (spiritually speaking), as a “διάκονον τῆς ἐκκλησίας,” i.e., a deacon of the church (Romans 16:1).

Thus, I prefer to translate γυναῖκας (gynaikas) as “women” rather than “wives” in this verse.

But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons

Men and women not only are to be tested before they are allowed to serve in the office of deacon in the church, they must pass the test!

What does it mean to be “tested”?

The phrase “let first be tested” is one word in the Greek — δοκιμάζω (dok-im-ad’-zo); it means “to try (test) to show something is acceptable (real, approved); put to the test to reveal what is good (genuine)” [16].

What’s the standard for the test?

The listed qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-12!

The Rewards of Service

A Good Standing

To again quote MacArthur [17]:

“Standing literally refers to an elevated stand. Here it is used metaphorically to speak of those who are a step above everyone else. In our vernacular, we might say they are put on a pedestal. That is not sinful pride, because deacons do not seek it, yet are worthy of it. Those who serve in humility will be exalted by God and by the church. Faithful deacons will be respected and honored by those they serve.”

Great Boldness in the Faith

The word boldness (NKJV, KJV) is elsewhere translated as confidence (ESV, NASB, NLT) and assurance (NIV). To yet again quote MacArthur [17]:

“Successful service breeds confidence and assurance among the people served. Those who serve God and see His power and grace operative in their lives will be emboldened for even greater service.”

Application

All Christians should aspire to meet the qualifications of a deacon, even if they neither aspire to the office of deacon nor are called to serve in said office. As it is written (1 Peter 4:10):

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

However, if you have a spiritual gift of service and perhaps feel called to the office of deacon, then prayerfully consider said possibility, and discuss it with the elders in your local community.

End Notes

[1] http://biblehub.com/greek/1249.htm
[2] MacArthur [ii], p.130.
[3] http://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_peter/4-10.htm
[4] J.Akin, “The Father’s Know Best,” Catholic Answers, San Diego, 2010, p. 311-315.
[5] MacArthur [ii], p.103.
[6] http://biblesuite.com/greek/3524.htm
[7] http://biblehub.com/greek/4183.htm
[8] http://biblehub.com/greek/4586.htm
[9] http://biblehub.com/greek/1351.htm
[10] http://biblehub.com/greek/1135.htm
[11] Liftin [iii], p. 738.
[12] http://biblehub.com/greek/1228.htm
[13] http://biblehub.com/greek/146.htm
[14] MacArthur [ii], p.128.
[15] MacArthur [ii], p.129.
[16] http://biblehub.com/greek/1381.htm
[17] MacArthur [ii], p.131.

Bibliography

[i] J.R.W.Stott, “The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus,” Inter-Varsity Press, Leicester, 1996.
[ii] J.MacArthur, “The New Testament Commentary : 1 Timothy,” Moody Press, Chicago, 1995.
[iii] A.Duane Liftin in J.F.Walvoord and R.B.Zuck (Editors), “The Bible Knowledge Commentary,”Chariot Victor Publishing, Colorado Springs, 1983.