1 Timothy 3:12, 13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. The apostle here returns to add some further injunctions about deacons, as well as to suggest a reason for exacting the qualifications already described. I. THE DEACONS' DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 1. "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife." The same qualification is needed for deacons as for bishops, for their houses were to be examples of purity, peace, and orderliness. 2. "Ruling their children and their own houses well." The father of a loving household would be best fitted for the sympathetic administration of funds allocated to the poor, while the pious order of his family would enhance the public confidence in the reality of his religious character. II. REASON FOR THE VARIOUS QUALIFICATIONS DESCRIBED. "For those who have done the work of a deacon well obtain for themselves a good degree, and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1. The good degree does not refer to promotion to higher ecclesiastical office. The idea, indeed, would be quite an anachronism. 2. It refers to the place of honor and distinction that will be given to the faithful deacon in the day of final recompense. The doctrine of rewards is that of Scripture, and especially of our Lord's parables (Matthew 25:45; Luke 19:11-27). 3. There is the further idea of the joyful confidence toward God which would characterize him in view of a faithful discharge of his duties - a confidence springing out of faith resting in Jesus Christ. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.WEB: Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. |
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