Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 28

Paul Details to Timothy the Qualifications of Leaders in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Part 5

1 Timothy 3:8-9 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. KJV


Paul now shifts his focus from the office of Bishop to that of Deacons appointed most likely or in many cases by the Bishop himself, however different the responsibilities are in the two offices in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, the qualifications are exactly the same as Paul begins with these words to Timothy concerning Deacons in the Church, "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;" (1 Timothy 3:8) (KJV). Beginning with the English word 'likewise' which means exactly what our English dictionaries attach to it and that is in the same way or in like manner. The English word 'deacon' is translated by the Greek word diakonos meaning to run on errands; an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): - deacon, minister, servant. In other words, the deacon (just like the Bishop) is a servant of Jesus Christ, serving the members of Christ Spiritual Body the Church in some cases or capacities he or she (the deaconess) are teachers in the Church in Sunday School or even preaching from the pulpit, however, the primary role of deacons or deaconess is to act as attendants, that is, someone who waits on or attends to the needs of another and in this case the needs of the other brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The deacons were chosen right out of the Body of Believers to serve the same Body of Believers just as it was first done by the early Church as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "Now about this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews) against the [native] Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked {and} neglected in the daily ministration (distribution of relief). So the Twelve [Apostles] convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not seemly {or} desirable {or} right that we should have to give up {or} neglect [preaching] the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables {and} superintending the distribution of food. Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good {and} attested character {and} repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business {and} duty." (Acts 6:1-3) (Amplified Bible). These were the first deacons of the early Church.

Paul declared to Timothy that deacons 'be grave' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word semnos meaning venerable, that is, honorable or more specifically profoundly honored: - grave, honest. The deacon must not be 'doubletongued' and this English word (used this one time only in the New Testament) is translated by the Greek word dilogos meaning equivocal, that is, telling a different story: - double-tongued. In other words, the deacon and deaconesses of the Church must be men and women who are honored, that is,  having an illustrious reputation among them and being very well respected by the other members of the Church. They must not be of the character to say one thing to one person concerning a matter and then say something completely different to another person concerning the same matter in the Church, just as the Psalmist David spoke against in the lyrics of his song with these words, "To his neighbor each one speaks words without use {or} worth {or} truth; with flattering lips and double heart [deceitfully] they speak." (Psalm 12:2) (Amplified Bible). The 'doubletongued' belongs to both of these the flatterer (Job 17:5) and the slanderer (Proverbs 10:18), both are equally dangerous, deceitful, and disgusting. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning deacons and their tongues, "They should be men who can be relied on for the exact truth of what they say, and for the exact fulfillment of their promises." When Paul writes here again, "not given to much wine" he means the same thing as he wrote above concerning Bishops and the drinking of wine, see Volume 25. When  Paul writes here about the Deacon and money, he also means the same thing that was mentioned above concerning Bishops and money, again see Volune 25.

Just like the Bishop, the Deacon and Deaconess are responsible for gaurding and protecting the truth of the Gospel no matter the opposition from the enemy the devil, for it must be fought for diligently, dogmatically, and dynamically, just as the Apostle Jude spoke of with these words, "Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary {and} was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to {and} exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered verbally to the holy people of God]." (Jude 1:3) (Amplified Bible). So, Paul now writes these words to Timothy concerning the Deacons responsibility to the Gospel and to the Word of God, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (1 Timothy 3:9) (KJV). The English word 'holding' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word echō which is a primary verb meaning to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition): The English word 'mystery' is translated by the Greek word mustērion meaning (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): - mystery.

The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis meaning persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concering this, "It means that which had been concealed, or hidden, but which was now revealed. The word 'faith' here, is synonymous with 'the Gospel;' and the sense is, that he should hold firmly the great doctrines of the Christian religion which had been so long concealed from people, but which were now revealed. The reason is obvious. Though not a preacher, yet his influence and example would be great, and a man who held material error ought not to be in office." The little English phrase 'a pure' is translated by the Greek word katharos meaning  clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure. The English word 'conscience' is translated by the Greek word  suneidēsis meaning co-perception, that is, moral consciousness: - conscience. In other words, the Deacon or Deaconess must be conscious or aware of their sins that offend and break the heart of God the Father and be faithful and consistent in confessing them to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. They must be of a clean conscience before entering into their service of our Lord Jesus Christ and they/we should always have a feeling of shame when they/we do, think, or say something that offends and breaks the heart of our Heavenly Father. 


If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…