Short Teaching · Gospel for Life

D4: The Qualifications (Deacons)

~13 min read

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February 11, 2012

D4: the qualifications (deacons)

The progression from Acts 6 (prototype deacons and elders) to Phil 1:1-5. . . .

The greater context in which deacons sit.

The entire body of Christ is advancing the gospel mission of Jesus Christ.
Let’s analyze the body into 3 groups (Phil 1:1, 5!):

o All disciples are committed to this (personally, corporately); elders and deacons included. Reference our Ac 6 “Unders Deacon Leadership” study (confirmed this). DIBUSO o Elders (subgroup) – personally committed to this, but also to leading the body into this so that all disciples can fulfill Ch gospel mission. DIBUSO o Deacons (subgroup) – servant leadership appointed by the elders to specific ministry needs so that the church increas e ectiveness in Christ’s mission of making disciples. DIBUSO ﬀ o The church’s e ectiveness in the mission is adversely impacted if any of the 3 is missing. GBC moving toward all 3 fun ﬀ biblically, e ectively. Much work to do yet.

ﬀ o Would you commit to a local church which wasn’t made up of “saints” participating in the gospel? Which didn’t have “eld participating in the gospel? Why does it seem more acceptable to commit to a church which does not have deacons? W absence of deacons more tolerable? Perhaps we’re in a day where is is as acceptable to overlook biblical elder leaders leadership.

Deacons – the importance of tested and approved character, 1 Tm 3:8-12.

Read 1 Tm 3:8-12. Is this spiritual character grid a new idea created by Paul under the HS? Yes, and NO! No in the sense tha the first proto-type elders (Peter and other apostles) had a spiritual character grid in mind from the beginning (the HS’ intent). Ye sense that 1 Tm 3:10 shows us how the early church’s thinking, conviction of the spiritual character/evaluation of these servants refined; developed; progressed through the apostles’ teaching.
Interestingly enough, Paul didn’t start the list with this character sandwich. He also didn’t summarize the list at the end with this sandwich. Rather he buried it, embedded it in the heart of the character grid. Why? Makes it much more di cult to separate th ﬃ above reproach aspect from the character qualifications.

The tested and approved character sandwich of 3:10.

“These men must also rst be tested”

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“(then) let them serve as deacons”

“if they are beyond reproach.”

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‘Tested’ = tested like metal to show genuineness. . . having passed, approval given to take o ce. . . ‘ ﬃ beyond reproach’ = not in a court), unblamable. ‘Serving’ in the middle = the leadership of Ephesian church (Timothy) were to have some kind of observ relationship w/these men that would allow them to see that time and experience has tested them and revealed them to be above men. NOT: Trying the o ce of a deacon (probationary) stage, testing comes before. We’re trying to provide ministry opportun ﬃ where elders can be close enough to observe leadership and shepherding.

‘Beyond reproach’ = But what does that mean? It is an umbrella, summary qualification concept. The same idea exists here as elder list (although di erent words are used for the same idea, 3:2, 10) – the qualifications here show what it is to be above repr ﬀ are spiritual qualities (“beyond reproach”) that all Christians are called to – NOT a higher, di erent spiritual standard for these co ﬀ rest of body.
All Christians are called to be “blameless, or above reproach”: Phil 2:15 (amemptos), 1 Thes 3:13 (amemptos), Col 1:21-22 (am anegkletos), 1 Cor 1:8 (anegkletos), 1 Tm 5:7 (anepilemptos – widows! And elders!)

Deacons are called to be “blameless, or above reproach”: 1 Tm 3:10 (anegkletos), Ti 1:6 (anegkletos – elders!)
Elders are called to be “blameless or above reproach”: 1 Tm 3:2 (anepilemptos)
NOTE: anegkletos = All Christians (1 Cor 1:8); deacons (1 Tm 3:10); elders (Ti 1:6)! All Christians are to have what the deacon to have. Nothing unique exists at one level between the three. On another level, deacons and elders should be leaders in the q all other believers are to have. The body is to be able to look to those in o ces as moral examples for themselves.

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“Those chosen should not be unknown.
Their integrity should be ascertained by all. . .
This means this choice is not to fall at random,
and without selection, on any that come to hand or mind;
but those men are to be chosen who are approved
by their past life in such a manner that,
after what may be called full inquiry,
they are ascertained to be well qualified.”
John Calvin (electronic ed.)

Dignity, 3:8. (semnos)

A serious bearing in life because of a serious mind and character.

Seriousness of mind that leads to an outward character quality of seriousness. . . The seriousness of mind is: obse appealing, winsome to others, causes respect. . . ‘worthy of honor’; stately. It is not overbearing and alienating, but • Opposite = silly, flippant, one who makes light of serious matters. . . NOT joylessness, coldness of heart/mind.

Q: Do you see this quali cation shaping your conversations? Prayers? Thoughts? Attitudes?

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Not double-tongued, 3:8. (dilogos)

As notes are compared on the man’s words, discrepancies do not become apparent.

Not having 2 tongues/words. . . could be a “talebearer” or gossip, but also “consistency in what he says” (Ac 6 - dea between and move back and forth between elders and the sheep = their ministry exists between 2 human audience they must not have 2 sets of words, answers); saying one thing to one person, something di erent to someone els ﬀ hypocritical speech (a mask is being worn somewhere!).

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Sincerity with words. . . speech characterized by integrity, consistency, honesty and therefore trustworthiness. . .

Q: Does the content of your speech, or your portrayal of what happened change as your audience changes? My temptation? Yours? Watch how you talk about what is happening to you at work, school compared to how you t at home. . .

Not addicted to much wine, 3:8. (me oino pollo prosechontas)

A repeated, habitual turning of thought to or use of alcohol.

Present tense indicates a habitual action = “repeated” = prosechontas (present tense).
In view is ‘thought’ and how thought/judgment is impacted by alcohol’s e ects because of the use of the verb with ﬀ dative. . . How thought is influenced, impacted by alcohol’s e ect.

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A person who has become occupied with alcohol’s presence in his thought life and life; working repeatedly to bring events of the day, week. Like gravity. . . has continual influence. . .
Both parts of this phrase need to carry their appropriate weight in order to compliment one another (“not addicted to “much wine”). “Wine” – In one sense, you could substitute anything else here (prescription drugs, drugs in general, ca eine, sugar, etc.) But recognize there is a di erence between addiction to sugar vs. addiction to prescription dr ﬀ ﬀ mind altering e ects are not even in the same galaxy. However, “addicted to” helps us not rationalize away whatev ﬀ in the list. In one sense it doesn’t matter WHAT’s in the list! What kind of character is it that allows oneself to be en anything??!!

Q: When was the last time you evaluated your use of alcohol? Is it time to reevaluate?

Not fond of sordid gain, 3:8.

Loving the gain of wealth in such a way that causes my character to be questioned.

Material, monetary gain in/from a questionable motive. Being fond of gain even if it is dishonest gain.
The position must not be used for the sake of financial gain. . . Not turning the opportunities of their o ce into a me ﬃ personal profit. “Feeding widows” in Acts 6 probably included overseeing some funds or resources. “Budgets, expe reimbursements, etc.” Can you imagine adding on top of the injustice happening to widows a financial scandal?

Q: How much attention are you giving to your spending habits in the ‘little things’? Why is it impo start here with the ‘little things’?

Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 3:9.

An ever-present grasp on what is believed which causes the conscience to a rm, not condemn the ma ﬃ his ministry.

“Ever present grasp” echontas = Present tense: “keeping hold of” = they must hold. “What is believed” = “mystery o faith”
‘Mystery’ = NOT something incomprehensible, but a truth before unknown, but now revealed. What is revealed? “ Probably includes the doctrine of the church, but not necessarily = Ephesian’s use of “mystery.”
‘Faith’ = content that is to be believed; the gospel (not the act of believing); a known body of belief.

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Conscience = gift of God that a rms or condemns our TWADDR ﬃ
Having biblical conviction and action in such a way that the conscience has nothing to accuse you of. Feed your co well and God will use it to help you keep on the path of sanctification. Keep “the window” clean so light can come th

Q: What role does the word of God play in your life? Do you have a clear conscience about the way y approach God’s word? The motive you have in coming to God’s word? The frequency with which to God’s word? The level of doing that accompanies your hearing of God’s word?

Husbands of one wife, 3:12.

A one woman man.

Not a marriage qualification (this qualification is not merely that you must be married). . . a man can be married and one woman man. . . And, its more than just remaining sexually pure in deed in your marriage. . . But thought-life is t to start here. You strive to be a man with thoughts, desires, love, a ection for one woman only.

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Obviously the same here applies as did w/this qualification for the elders – this qualification doesn’t prohibit a single from serving as a deacon.

Good managers of their children and own households, 3:12.

Provides direct and ongoing oversight of children and household a airs. ( ﬀ kalos proistamenoi )

“manage” = proistamenoi = see 1 Th 5:12 (“have charge over”); ‘direct’ = to stand before (“pro-“ prefix) to rule, mana Connection! Not ruling from afar. He’s not disconnected from the family. “Good managing;” “managing well.”
‘ongoing’ = present tense. . .
Smaller (family) to greater principle (church family).
Again, doesn’t prohibit married man w/no children from serving, nor single men.
What do you do with a married man who serves as a deacon and then has his first child? Was he standing before household before the child was born? Then continue to evaluate him on that basis as children come. If he at any p stand before his family as the child grows, he becomes disqualified. . . Same is true for the elder.

Q: How connected are you to the guidance over your children and the a airs of your house? (You can ﬀ present, but not standing over your family. . .)

Deacons’ wives, 1 Tm 3:11.

Two options for translation are available in 3:11 – “deacon’s wives” or “women” (in general). If one takes “deacon’s wives,” meaning the wives of the deacons”, then there are not women deacons in the church (“deaconesses”). If one takes “women” in general (the word for this meaning), then what is meant is this – “women deacons” or “deaconesses” serve in the church. These would be not just wives, b women in general in this more o cial servant leadership position in the ministries of the church. Good men and good churches can be

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sides of this discussion. Both options can be defended biblically. Both positions have strengths and weaknesses. Which can you live w

The elders of Grace Bible Church believe that “wives of deacons” is the best translation to take (we can live with the weakness this view better). This means we do not believe Paul is highlighting a third o ce of servant leadership in 1 Timothy 3 (elders, 3:1-7, de

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12-13, deaconesses, 3:11). Why do we believe these women referred to by Paul are simply the wives of the deacons and not a third oﬃ leadership parallel to the deacon?

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Paul does not use a third specific leadership title or o ce position in 3:11 like he did with both “overseer/elder” (3:2) and “de ﬃ
Rather, he used “women” – a generic word for an adult woman. Example: “Police O cer,” “Fireman,” “woman.” One ﬃ is not like the other. . . This generic word’s meaning doesn’t have to stretch much at all to mean “wives”, but it has to stretch mean “deaconesses” (as a third leadership position like “elder” and “deacon”). 3:1, 2 = episkopos; 3:8 = diakonos; 3:11 = gunaikas?????!!!!!

The placement of 3:11, sandwiched in the middle of the “deacon” qualifications (3:8-10, 12-13) seems logically disjoint if Pau introducing a new o ce. If Paul meant “deaconesses”, it would have seemed more logical to introduce them at the end of 3 ﬃ If Paul was not finished with his thoughts for the deacons, why did he inject another o ce category before finishing the one ﬃ deacons? However, if Paul means “the wives of deacons”, this fits in coherently with Paul’s mention of the “deacon being th one wife” in 3:12.

Historically we do not find conclusive evidence for women deacons or “deaconesses” during New Testament times (Strauch first positive identification of deaconesses is found in writings of Eastern churches of the Roman Empire dated at 230 AD (R years ago we established our independence. . . Projecting something that exists today BACK ON 1770s as if it was present computer). “The beginnings of a feminine diaconate are indeed hidden in shadow and darkness, and di cult to perceive w ﬃ exactness, historically speaking” (Strauch, 119).

The majority of English translations go with “wives” rather than “women” or “deaconesses” (KJV, NIV, ESV, The New Englis New Translation, The Good News Bible (Today’s English Version). NASBU95 is one of the only translations which translate “women” (which some believe allows for the meaning of “deaconesses”). They chose NOT to be interpretive like the rest. .
“Wives of deacons” avoids any potential conflict with Paul’s earlier teaching on women not being out in a position of authorit in the church (1 Timothy 2:12) since they would be under the ministry of their husbands.

The early church in Acts 6 decided to go with all men servants (prototype deacons) when it would have been easy to assign the care of the widows. If there was a perfect time to capitalize on the ministry strengths of women ministering to women fro o cial servant leadership role, the Apostles could have (should have) in Acts 6. But they didn’t!

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This means that in the deacon application process which a husband goes through, his wife will also need to have her character evaluate would like to have further dialogue about this with the elders, please contact any one of them.

Be dignified, 3:11. See same qualification for deacons above in 3:8.

Not malicious gossips, 3:11.

Slanderous accusations are not thrown at others. ( diabolos)

In gossip many like to tell others anything bad they have found out, and a deacon’s wife would get around widely in congregation through her service (with her husband). Lenski 599

Q: Why is this character quality addressed to the women? For the same reason that ‘one woman ma addressed to the men! The genders have unique temptations and sinful behaviors to themselves.

Temperate, 3:11. (nephalios)

Avoiding whatever might cloud and prevent clear-headed thinking.

In 3:2, “sober-minded” (temperate) for the elders (same word).
Sober, alert, watchful. . . Includes the element of free from the clouded thinking that alcohol can bring; but broader t an alcohol environment.

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Faithful in all things, 3:11.

Trustworthy in all matters entrusted to her, whether great or small.

Reliability and honesty are at a premium in order to serve well for the gospel’s sake in the world.

Deacons – the blessed results of faithfulness, 1 Tm 3:13.

Deacons: highly respected, emboldened servants in the mission, 1 Tm 3:13.

“Highly respected” = “their good standing.” “Obtain for themselves” (NAS); “Gain for themselves” (ESV) = present te things: good standing and great confidence in the faith
“High standing” (NAS); “Good standing” (ESV) = bathmos = step, base, foundation (pedestal); used figuratively here gains a standing in the sight of God (a fine reputation). He appears to other to be able to stand with integrity before • “Great confidence” = assurance, boldness; parresian. Eph 6:19

“Those who serve God well and see His power and grace operative in their lives
will be emboldened for even greater service.”
John MacArthur, 131

From what we saw in Acts 6, especially from 2/7 of them (Stephen, Philip), how can we not respect the highly, 3:13a ‘high standing’. And serving the widows as they did – can we not see that they were emboldened for even greater service in Christ’s gospel mission? By God’s grace, Stephen served fo faithfully and was emboldened further by God’s Spirit in his service to lay down his life for the sake of gospel’s expansion! By God’s grace, Philip served food faithfully and was emboldened by God’s S service to run with the gospel into those ‘despicable’ Samaritans!