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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Timothy 3:8–13.
We have here the character of deacons: these had the care of the temporal concerns of the church, that is, the maintenance of the ministers and provision for the poor: they served tables, while the ministers or bishops gave themselves only to the ministry of the word and prayer, Act 6:2, Act 6:4. Of the institution of this office, with that which gave occasion to it, you have an account in Act 6:1-7. Now it was requisite that deacons should have a good character, because they were assistants to the ministers, appeared and acted publicly, and had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave. Gravity becomes all Christians, but especially those who are in the office in the church. Not doubled-tongued; that will say one thing to one and another thing to another, according as their interests leads them: a double tongue comes from a double heart; flatterers and slanderers are double-tongued. Not given to much wine; for this is a great disparagement to any man, especially to a Christian, and one in office, unfits men for business, opens the door to many temptations. Not greedy of filthy lucre; this would especially be bad in the deacons, who were entrusted with the church's money, and, if they were covetous and greedy of filthy lucre, would be tempted to embezzle it, and convert that to their own use which was intended for the public service. Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience, Ti1 3:9. Note, The mystery of faith is best held in a pure conscience. The practical love of truth is the most powerful preservative from error and delusion. If we keep a pure conscience (take heed of every thing that debauches conscience, and draws us away from God), this will preserve in our souls the mystery of faith. Let these also first be proved, Ti1 3:10. It is not fit that the public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they have been first proved, and found fit for the business they are to be entrusted with; the soundness of their judgments, their zeal for Christ, and the blamelessness of their conversation, must be proved. Their wives likewise must have a good character (Ti1 3:11); they must be of a grave behaviour, not slanderers, tale-bearers, carrying stories to make mischief and sow discord; they must be sober and faithful in all things, not given to any excess, but trusty in all that is committed to them. All who are related to ministers must double their care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ, lest, if they in any thing walk disorderly, the ministry be blamed. As he said before of the bishops or ministers, so here of the deacons, they must be the husband of one wife, such as had not put away their wives, upon dislike, and married others; they must rule their children and their own houses well; the families of deacons should be examples to other families. And the reason why the deacons must be thus qualified is (Ti1 3:13) because, though the office of a deacon be of an inferior degree, yet it is a step towards the higher degree; and those who had served tables well the church might see cause afterwards to discharge from that service, and prefer to serve in preaching the word and in prayer. Or it may be meant of the good reputation that a man would gain by his fidelity in this office: they will purchase to themselves great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Observe, 1. In the primitive church there were but two orders of ministers or officers, bishops and deacons, Phi 1:1. After-ages have invented the rest. The office of the bishop, presbyter, pastor, or minister, was confined to prayer and to the ministry of the word; and the office of the deacon was confined to, or at least principally conversant about, serving tables. Clemens Romanus, in his epistle to the Christian (cap. 42, 44), speaks very fully and plainly to this effect, that the apostles, foreknowing, by our Lord Jesus Christ, that there would arise in the Christian church a controversy about the name episcopacy, appointed the forementioned orders, bishops and deacons. 2. The scripture-deacon's main employment was to serve tables, and not to preach or baptize. It is true, indeed, that Philip did preach and baptize in Samaria (Acts 8), but you read that he was an evangelist (Act 21:8), and he might preach and baptize, and perform any other part of the ministerial office, under that character; but still the design of the deacon's office was to mind the temporal concerns of the church, such as the salaries of the ministers and providing for the poor. 3. Several qualifications were very necessary, even for these inferior officers: The deacons must be grave, etc. 4. Some trial should be made of persons' qualifications before they are admitted into office in the church, or have any trust committed to them: Let these also first be proved. 5. Integrity and uprightness in an inferior office are the way to be preferred to a higher station in the church: They purchase to themselves a good degree. 6. This will also give a man great boldness in the faith, whereas a want of integrity and uprightness will make a man timorous, and ready to tremble at his own shadow. The wicked fleeth when no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion, Pro 28:1.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"For they that have used the office of a Deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
"They that use the office of a Deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree," that is, advancement, "and much boldness in the faith of Jesus Christ"; as if he would say, that those who have been found vigilant in the lower degree will soon ascend to the higher.
Woe to him who, when he has received a talent, has bound it in a napkin; and while others make profits, only preserves what he has received. His angry Lord shall rebuke him in a moment. “You wicked servant,” he will say. “Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I could have collected it with interest?” That is to say you should have laid before the altar what you were not able to bear. For while you, a slothful trader, keep a penny in your hands, you occupy the place of another who might double the money. Thus as one who ministers well purchases to himself a good degree, so one who approaches the cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
A “good reward” refers to a future, heavenly good, since earthly promotion would have required the idea of “better reward.”
The keeper of the wine cellar for the community shall be chosen out of the community, discreet, mature in his behavior and sober. If a brother chance to demand anything unreasonable of him, he is not to be contemptuous in his refusal but to refuse reasonably and humbly. He is to be careful of his own soul and remember that St. Paul says: “He that has done his duty well, gains for himself a good degree.” He is to show a particular concern for the sick, children, strangers and the poor, as being accountable for them at the day of judgment.
Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well gain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
husbands of one wife. You see how the same things are required from deacons as from bishops? These things must also be accepted concerning deaconesses.
managing their children and their own households well. He places this everywhere, wishing to bring the reproof upon them from home.
For those who serve well. Those who have entrusted themselves to the lesser things will quickly come to progress and boldness in Christ.
and great confidence. But who would have confidence in the faith of Christ, except the one who lives with faith and a righteous life?
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Summary
1 Timothy 3:13 serves as a powerful concluding encouragement to deacons, asserting that those who faithfully and excellently fulfill their ministry responsibilities acquire a commendable spiritual standing and profound confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. This verse underscores the divine recognition and spiritual enrichment that accompany dedicated service within the church, highlighting both the internal growth and external respect gained through a life of humble and effective ministry.
Context
Literary Context
This verse acts as the capstone to Paul's detailed instructions regarding church leadership qualifications in 1 Timothy 3. Immediately preceding it, Paul meticulously outlines the character requirements for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12, specifying virtues such as sincerity, temperance, integrity, and sound family management. This follows his earlier exposition on the qualifications for overseers (elders) in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Thus, 1 Timothy 3:13 functions as a motivational summary, promising tangible spiritual benefits to those who meet these high standards and serve diligently. The entire chapter emphasizes the critical importance of exemplary character for all who hold positions of spiritual authority and service within God's household, which Paul calls "the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" in 1 Timothy 3:15.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his protégé, who was leading the church in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor. The early church was rapidly expanding, necessitating structured leadership to maintain order, doctrine, and effective ministry. The roles of overseer (elder/bishop) and deacon (servant/minister) were emerging as distinct, yet complementary, offices. Deacons, derived from the Greek diakonos meaning "servant," were primarily responsible for practical service, such as distributing aid to the needy, caring for widows, and assisting in various logistical and administrative tasks, thereby freeing the elders to focus on teaching and prayer, as seen in Acts 6:1-6. In a society where social standing and reputation were highly valued, Paul's promise of a "good degree" and "great boldness" would have resonated deeply, offering spiritual honor that transcended worldly status, particularly for those who might have come from lower social strata but demonstrated exceptional character and service within the Christian community.
Key Themes
1 Timothy 3:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Faithful Service and Its Reward, illustrating that diligence in ministry is not merely a duty but a pathway to spiritual advancement and divine commendation. Secondly, it highlights the importance of Character and Conduct in Leadership, emphasizing that internal spiritual health and external behavior are inextricably linked to one's effectiveness and standing in ministry. The "good degree" is a testament to proven character. Thirdly, the verse speaks to Spiritual Boldness and Confidence, a theme crucial for evangelism and living out the Christian faith in a hostile world. This boldness, rooted "in Christ Jesus," is a direct outcome of a clear conscience and a life lived in faithful obedience, empowering believers to proclaim the gospel without fear, as Paul himself often prayed for in passages like Ephesians 6:19-20.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon." This word emphasizes the practical, hands-on nature of the deacon's role. It is not merely a title but an active, serving function. The phrase "used... well" (kalōs, G2573) further qualifies this service, indicating that it must be performed with excellence, integrity, and faithfulness, not just perfunctorily.
Meaning "to make around oneself, i.e. acquire (buy)." This term suggests an active acquisition or gaining. It implies that the "good degree" and "boldness" are not passively received but are earned or secured through diligent effort and faithful stewardship of the deacon's responsibilities. It's a spiritual investment with a guaranteed return.
Meaning "a step, i.e. (figuratively) grade (of dignity)." This word denotes a recognized standing, an advancement, or an honorable position. It signifies an increase in spiritual maturity, respect, and influence within the Christian community, not necessarily a hierarchical promotion in the modern sense, but a deepening of one's spiritual foundation and a more established reputation.
Meaning "all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance." This refers to a profound confidence, an unreserved courage, and freedom of speech, particularly in the context of one's faith. It is the ability to speak and act without fear or hesitation, stemming from a clear conscience and a deep conviction in the truth of the gospel.
Verse Breakdown
"For they that have used the office of a deacon well"
This opening clause establishes the condition for the subsequent blessings. The Greek particle "For" (gár, G1063) indicates a reason or explanation for the preceding discussion on deacon qualifications. It highlights that the benefits are not automatic but are contingent upon the faithful and excellent execution of the deacon's duties. "Used... well" implies a consistent, diligent, and morally upright performance of their service, reflecting the high standards previously outlined by Paul.
"purchase to themselves a good degree"
This phrase describes the first outcome of faithful service. The word "purchase" (peripoiéomai) suggests that this "good degree" (bathmós) is something actively acquired or gained through their dedicated work. It refers to a commendable standing, an honorable reputation, or a spiritual advancement within the community. This is not a worldly promotion but a recognition of spiritual maturity, integrity, and proven character that earns respect and trust among believers.
"and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
This second outcome is linked by "and" (kaí, G2532), indicating an additional, equally significant benefit. "Great boldness" (polýs parrēsía) signifies a profound and unreserved confidence. This boldness is not arrogance but a spiritual courage to live out and proclaim the gospel without fear, stemming from a clear conscience and a deep conviction. The crucial qualifier "in the faith which is in Christ Jesus" specifies the source and object of this confidence: it is a boldness rooted in their personal trust in Christ, their understanding of Christian truth, and their experience of His faithfulness through their service.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Cause and Effect reasoning, introduced by the conjunction "For," which establishes a direct link between faithful service and its spiritual rewards. The diligent and excellent performance of a deacon's duties is presented as the cause, leading to the effects of acquiring a "good degree" and "great boldness." There is also a subtle use of Metaphor or Figurative Language in the phrase "purchase to themselves a good degree." While "purchase" literally means to buy, here it is used metaphorically to denote earning or acquiring something valuable through effort and dedication, rather than a literal financial transaction. This highlights the spiritual investment made by the deacons. Furthermore, the verse exhibits Parallelism by presenting two distinct but complementary outcomes ("a good degree" and "great boldness"), both flowing from the same source of faithful service. This structure emphasizes the dual nature of the reward: both an external recognition of character and an internal empowerment of spirit.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Timothy 3:13 encapsulates a profound theological principle: God honors faithful service, and such service cultivates spiritual maturity and confidence. The "good degree" speaks to the divine recognition and increased spiritual capacity that comes from proven character and steadfast obedience. This is not a humanly conferred status but a deepening of one's spiritual foundation and a greater measure of grace for ministry. The "great boldness in the faith" is a direct fruit of a clear conscience and a life lived in alignment with God's will; it empowers believers to speak and act with conviction, unhindered by fear or doubt. This boldness is essential for Christian witness and for navigating the challenges of living a godly life in a fallen world. The verse thus teaches that true spiritual advancement is earned through humble, consistent, and excellent service to the Lord and His people, fostering both internal assurance and external credibility.
Reflection and Application
1 Timothy 3:13 offers a timeless principle that extends beyond the specific office of a deacon, speaking to every believer's call to service. It reminds us that our diligent and faithful efforts in any capacity within God's kingdom are seen and valued by Him. When we serve with integrity, humility, and excellence—whether in formal church roles, in our families, workplaces, or communities—we are not merely completing tasks but are actively investing in our spiritual growth and standing before God. This faithful service refines our character, deepens our understanding of God's ways, and strengthens our reliance on Christ. The resulting "good degree" is a spiritual maturity and a reputable character that earns trust, while the "great boldness" empowers us to live out and articulate our faith with conviction and courage, knowing that our foundation is solid and our conscience clear. It encourages us to view every act of service as an opportunity for spiritual formation and a pathway to greater confidence in our walk with Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "good degree" imply a promotion or a higher rank in the church?
While the term "degree" (Greek, bathmós) can literally mean "step" or "grade," in this context, it is generally understood not as a hierarchical promotion to a higher office, but rather as an increase in spiritual maturity, a more established reputation, and a greater measure of respect and influence within the Christian community. It signifies a proven character and a deeper spiritual foundation earned through faithful service. It is a recognition of one's spiritual standing and trustworthiness, which might indeed lead to greater opportunities for service or leadership, but it is not a guaranteed or automatic "promotion" in a formal sense. The emphasis is on the spiritual and moral advancement of the individual.
What is the connection between faithful service and "great boldness in the faith"?
The connection is profound and experiential. When individuals faithfully and excellently serve the Lord, especially in practical ministry, they often witness God's power at work, experience His faithfulness firsthand, and develop a clear conscience. This practical obedience and reliance on God builds confidence. A person who has consistently served "well" has a deeper understanding of the gospel's power and a stronger personal conviction, which translates into "great boldness" (Greek, parrēsía). This boldness allows them to speak and act for Christ without fear, to stand firm in their convictions, and to approach God with confidence, knowing they have been faithful stewards of His grace. It's a boldness born of spiritual integrity and divine empowerment, as seen in the early apostles in Acts 4:13.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Timothy 3:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the quintessential "Deacon" or Servant. Though divine, He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant," as described in Philippians 2:7. Jesus perfectly "used the office of a deacon well" by faithfully fulfilling His Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His entire life was a testament to humble, selfless service, culminating in His atoning sacrifice. Because of His perfect service, God highly exalted Him, giving Him "a good degree" beyond measure, a name above every name, so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:9-10). Furthermore, Jesus demonstrated unparalleled "great boldness in the faith," speaking truth to power, confronting sin, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God without fear or hesitation, even in the face of immense opposition, as highlighted in His interactions with the religious leaders in Matthew 23. Our own "boldness in the faith" is not self-generated but is derived from our union with Him; it is "in Christ Jesus" that we find the courage to live and speak for God, empowered by His Spirit and assured by His finished work (Ephesians 3:12). Thus, Christ is both the perfect example of the faithful servant and the source of the spiritual rewards promised to those who follow in His footsteps.