Additionally, they must first be tested.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of proving one's character and abilities before assuming a leadership role in the church. The concept of testing is consistent with biblical principles found throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, which encourages believers to "test all things." In the early church, this testing likely involved observing a candidate's faithfulness, moral integrity, and ability to handle responsibilities. The testing process ensures that those who serve are genuinely committed to the faith and capable of upholding the church's values. This aligns with the wisdom literature in Proverbs, which often speaks to the importance of discernment and proving one's worth (Proverbs 17:3).

Then, if they are above reproach,
Being "above reproach" means living a life that is free from any legitimate accusation of wrongdoing. This standard is not about perfection but about maintaining a consistent and blameless character. In the cultural context of the early church, where Christians were often scrutinized by both Jewish and Roman authorities, maintaining a good reputation was crucial for the witness of the church. This requirement is echoed in other pastoral epistles, such as Titus 1:6-7, where similar qualifications are listed for elders. The idea is that leaders should exemplify Christ-like behavior, serving as models for the congregation.

let them serve as deacons.
The role of deacons in the early church was primarily one of service, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the first deacons were appointed to manage the distribution of food to widows. The term "deacon" comes from the Greek word "diakonos," meaning servant or minister. This role is distinct from that of elders or overseers, focusing more on practical service and administration within the church community. The historical context of the early church, with its communal living and shared resources, necessitated such roles to ensure the well-being of all members. Deacons, by their service, reflect the servanthood of Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45).

1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with organizing the church and appointing leaders.

3. Deacons
Church leaders responsible for serving the congregation, distinct from elders, with a focus on practical service and administration.

4. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was leading the church, known for its diverse population and challenges in maintaining doctrinal purity.

5. Early Church
The context in which these instructions were given, emphasizing the need for order and integrity in church leadership.The Importance of Testing
Before serving as deacons, individuals must be tested to ensure their faithfulness and integrity. This process helps maintain the church's purity and effectiveness.

Being Above Reproach
Leaders in the church must have a blameless reputation, reflecting Christ-like character in their personal and public lives.

Role of Deacons
Deacons play a crucial role in the church by serving others and supporting the ministry, allowing elders to focus on teaching and spiritual oversight.

Character Over Competence
While skills are important, the primary focus for church leaders should be on their character and spiritual maturity.

Accountability in Leadership
The testing and approval process for deacons underscores the need for accountability and transparency in church leadership.(10) And let these also first be proved.--No formal investigation, either in public before the congregation, or in private before Timothy and his fellow presbyters, is here referred to. What is most probably the meaning of the word is--the deacon should for a time perform many of the various duties on probation, to test his fitness before he was formally set apart for the holy office. So much of the work belonging to these officials of the early Church necessarily partook of a partially secular character, that such a trial of their fitness could well be made.

Then let them use the office of a deacon.--Better rendered, let them serve as deacons, if, after the trial, inquiry, and period of probation, they be found blameless.

Verse 10. Serve as deacons for use the office of a deacon, A.V.; if they be for being found, A.V. And let these also, etc. There is an ambiguity in the English here. It is not" these also" - these in addition to others, i.e. the bishops before named - but "these be also first proved." Their general character, as described in vers. 8, 9, must not be taken upon loose hearsay, but must be put to the test by examination, by special testimony, by inquiry, and then, if they are ἀνέγκλητοι, not accused, not open to just blame, blameless, let them be admitted to serve as deacons (see ver. 13, note). The Church of England scrupulously acts up to these directions by requiring written testimonials, by personal inquiries made by the bishop, by the Si quis, by the appeal to the congregation in the Ordination Service, "Brethren, if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment, or notable crime, in any of these persons presented to be ordained deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to that office, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is;" as well as by the careful examination of the candidates. Blameless (comp. Titus 1:6, 7); ἀνέγκλητος, rendered in the Vulgate nullum crimen habentes (which seems to explain the "notable crime" of the Ordination Service), and in Colossians 1:22 "unreprovable" both in the A.V. and the R.V. The whole passage, from ver. 2 to ver. 13, shows the supreme importance of a holy and blameless conversation in the clergy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Additionally,
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they
οὗτοι (houtoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

must first be tested.
δοκιμαζέσθωσαν (dokimazesthōsan)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1381: From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.

Then,
εἶτα (eita)
Adverb
Strong's 1534: A particle of succession, then, moreover.

if they are
ὄντες (ontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

above reproach,
ἀνέγκλητοι (anenklētoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 410: Irreproachable, blameless. Unaccused, i.e. irreproachable.

let them serve as deacons.
διακονείτωσαν (diakoneitōsan)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:10 Let them also first be tested (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)