1 Timothy 3

9 Even though deacons usually do not preach and teach,⁵ they still must hold fast to the true faith; they must keep hold of the deep truths⁶ of the faith. They must also have a clear conscience—that is, there must be no unrepented sin in their lives (see 1 Timothy 1:19).

10 Some people mistakenly think that a deacon’s work is not so important, and that therefore anyone can be a deacon. But that, of course, is not true. A deacon’s work is extremely important. Before anyone is appointed to be a deacon, he should be carefully tested, or examined. Only if he is found blameless should he be appointed. This examination is to be carried out by the congregation (see Acts 6:3). Deacons are ordinarily chosen by the congregation; pastors and overseers, however, are ordinarily appointed by other overseers (see Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5).

11 In this verse Paul mentions the wives of deacons. However, it is also possible that Paul is referring here to any woman who is called to do the work of a deacon; the Greek text can have both meanings. Either way, such women, like their male counterparts, are to be worthy of respect. In particular, the wives of deacons (and the wives of overseers) must be women of good character. They must not be malicious talkers; rather, they should be temperate and trustworthy in everything. Otherwise, they will bring discredit upon their husbands and thereby destroy their ministries.

12 See verses 2,4-5 and comment.

13 Just as the overseer’s task is a noble one (verse 1), so is the deacon’s task. Deacons who serve faithfully will receive a reward for their faithfulness: namely, a sure place in the kingdom of heaven and a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:1-4). They will also gain an excellent standing in the eyes of men, and they will have great assurance in their faith as they bear witness to Christ.

14-15 It is very important that the church be governed well, and that those in leadership should be men of good reputation. This is because the church is not the dwelling place of some dead idol; it is the church of the living God (verse 15). It is God’s household; God Himself dwells in the church (see Ephesians 2:19-22).

The church is also the pillar … of the truth. The church proclaims the truth, and thus stands among men as a “pillar” supporting justice and righteousness. The church is also a foundation of the truth; that is, it maintains and defends the truth.

16 In this verse, Paul has written a poem or psalm praising Christ. The mystery of godliness is Christ Himself. Christ is like a “mystery,” a mystery which is hidden from unbelieving men but is revealed to those who believe (see Colossians 1:26-27).

He (Christ) appeared in a body (see John 1:14). He was vindicated by the Spirit; that is, He was shown to be God’s Son when He was raised from the dead (Romans 1:4). He was seen by ANGELS. God has manifested the risen Christ to all the angels of heaven (Ephesians 3:10).

But Christ has not only been manifested in heaven. He has been preached among the nations. This Jesus—a Jewish carpenter, executed as a criminal—has been made known throughout the world. Men and women from every nation on earth have believed in Him. He is the Savior of all people of every age.

Finally, at the end of His life on earth, Jesus was taken up in glory. And now He is seated at the right hand of God Himself (Ephesians 1:20-21).