I Timothy 3:13
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
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.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
purchase to themselves a good degree--literally, "are acquiring . . . a . . . step." Understood by many as "a higher step," that is, promotion to the higher office of presbyter. But ambition of rising seems hardly the motive to faithfulness which the apostle would urge; besides, it would require the comparative, "a better degree." Then the past aorist participle, "they that used the office of deacon well," implies that the present verb, "are acquiring to themselves boldness," is the result of the completed action of using the diaconate well. Also, Paul would not probably hold out to every deacon the prospect of promotion to the presbytery in reward of his service. The idea of moving upwards in Church offices was as yet unknown (compare Rom 12:7, &c.; Co1 12:4-11). Moreover, there seems little connection between reference to a higher Church rank and the words "great boldness." Therefore, what those who have faithfully discharged the diaconate acquire for themselves is "a good standing-place" [ALFORD] (a well-grounded hope of salvation) against the day of judgment, Ti1 6:19; Co1 3:13-14 (the figurative meaning of "degree" or "step," being the degree of worth which one has obtained in the eye of God [WIESINGER]); and boldness (resting on that standing-place"), as well for preaching and admonishing others now (Eph 6:19; a firm standing forth for the truth against error), as also especially in relation to God their coming Judge, before whom they may be boldly confident (Act 24:16; Jo1 2:28; Jo1 3:21; Jo1 4:17; Heb 4:16). in the faith--rather as Greek, "in faith," that is, boldness resting on their own faith. which is in Christ Jesus--resting in Christ Jesus.
Open source ↗In this chapter our apostle treats of church-officers. He specifies, I. The qualifications of a person to be admitted to the office of a bishop (Ti1 3:1-7). II. The qualifications of deacons (Ti1 3:8-10), and of their wives (Ti1 3:11), again of the deacons (Ti1 3:12, Ti1 3:13). III. The reasons of his writing to Timothy, whereupon he speaks of the church and the foundation-truth professed therein (Ti1 3:14 to the end).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
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!’
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.
And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.
When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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.
Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
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.”
His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’