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Text -- 1 Timothy 3:13 (NET)

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Context
3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: SPIRITUAL GIFTS | PURCHASE | Minister | Deacon | DEGREE | Commandments | Church | CHURCH GOVERNMENT | Bishop | BOLDNESS | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Gain to themselves ( heautois peripoiountai ). Present middle indicative of peripoieō , old verb, to make besides (peri , around, over), to lay by....

Gain to themselves ( heautois peripoiountai ).

Present middle indicative of peripoieō , old verb, to make besides (peri , around, over), to lay by. Reflexive (indirect) middle with reflexive pronoun (heautois ) repeated as often happens in the Koiné. In N.T. only here, Luk 17:33; Act 20:28 (Paul also, quoting Isa 43:21).

Robertson: 1Ti 3:13 - -- A good standing ( bathmon kalon ). Late word from bainō , in lxx for steps at a door (1 Samuel 5:5). In plural the steps of a stair. In the inscrip...

A good standing ( bathmon kalon ).

Late word from bainō , in lxx for steps at a door (1 Samuel 5:5). In plural the steps of a stair. In the inscriptions it means a good foothold or standing. The ecclesiastical writers (Theodoret) take it to be a higher grade or rank, but it is doubtful if Paul means that here.

Robertson: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Much boldness ( pollēn parrēsian ). A Pauline phrase (2Co 3:12; 2Co 7:4; Phi 1:20).

Much boldness ( pollēn parrēsian ).

A Pauline phrase (2Co 3:12; 2Co 7:4; Phi 1:20).

Robertson: 1Ti 3:13 - -- In the faith which is in Christ Jesus ( en pistei tēi en Christōi Iēsou ). Pauline phrase again (Act 26:18; Gal 3:26; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15; 2Ti 1:...

In the faith which is in Christ Jesus ( en pistei tēi en Christōi Iēsou ).

Pauline phrase again (Act 26:18; Gal 3:26; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15; 2Ti 1:13; 2Ti 3:15).

Vincent: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Purchase ( περιποιοῦνται ) Only here, Luk 17:33, and Act 20:28 on which see note. Purchase is unfortunate from the point of mode...

Purchase ( περιποιοῦνται )

Only here, Luk 17:33, and Act 20:28 on which see note. Purchase is unfortunate from the point of modern usage; but it is employed in its original sense of to win , acquire , without any idea of a bargain. So Bacon, Ess . iv. 14: " There is no man doth a wrong for the wrong's sake; but thereby to purchase himself profit, or pleasure, or honor, or the like." And Shakespeare:

" Then, as my gift and thine own acquisition

Worthily purchased , take my daughter."

Temp iv . 1 , 14

Rend. acquire or obtain for themselves.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:13 - -- A good degree ( βαθμὸν καλὸν ) Βαθμός , N.T.o . Primarily, a step . In lxx, 1Sa 5:5; Sir. 6:36, a threshold : 2Ki 20:9...

A good degree ( βαθμὸν καλὸν )

Βαθμός , N.T.o . Primarily, a step . In lxx, 1Sa 5:5; Sir. 6:36, a threshold : 2Ki 20:9, a degree on the dial . In ecclesiastical writers, order , grade , rank : see, for instance, Eusebius, H . E . vii. 15. Also degree of relationship or affinity. Here the word apparently means a position of trust and influence in the church; possibly a promotion from the diaconate to the episcopate. Others (as De Wette, Ellicott, Pfleiderer) refer it to a high grade in the future life, which Holtzmann sarcastically describes as a ladder-round in heaven (eine Staffel im Himmel ). John the Scholar, known as Climacus, a monk of the latter half of the sixth century, and Abbot of the Sinai Convent, wrote a mystical work entitled Κλίμαξ τοῦ Παραδείσου the Ladder of Paradise . The ladder, according to him, had thirty rounds.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Boldness ( παρρησίαν ) Primarily, free and bold speaking ; speaking out every word (πᾶν, ῥῆμα ). Its dominant idea i...

Boldness ( παρρησίαν )

Primarily, free and bold speaking ; speaking out every word (πᾶν, ῥῆμα ). Its dominant idea is boldness , confidence , as opposed to fear , ambiguity , or reserve . The idea of publicity is sometimes attached to it, but as secondary. Only here in the Pastorals: several times in Paul, as 2Co 3:12; 2Co 7:4; Phi 1:20. The phrase πολλή παρρησία much boldness is also Pauline. An assured position and blameless reputation in the church, with a pure conscience, would assure boldness of speech and of attitude in the Christian community and elsewhere.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:13 - -- In faith Connect with boldness only. It designates the boldness as distinctively Christian, founded on faith in Christ

In faith

Connect with boldness only. It designates the boldness as distinctively Christian, founded on faith in Christ

Wesley: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Or step, toward some higher office.

Or step, toward some higher office.

Wesley: 1Ti 3:13 - -- From the testimony of a good conscience.

From the testimony of a good conscience.

JFB: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Literally, "are acquiring . . . a . . . step." Understood by many as "a higher step," that is, promotion to the higher office of presbyter. But ambiti...

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.; 1Co 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, 1Ti 6:19; 1Co 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; 1Jo 2:28; 1Jo 3:21; 1Jo 4:17; Heb 4:16).

JFB: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Rather as Greek, "in faith," that is, boldness resting on their own faith.

Rather as Greek, "in faith," that is, boldness resting on their own faith.

JFB: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Resting in Christ Jesus.

Resting in Christ Jesus.

Clarke: 1Ti 3:13 - -- That have used the office of a deacon well - They who, having been tried or proved, 1Ti 3:10, have shown by their steadiness, activity, and zeal, th...

That have used the office of a deacon well - They who, having been tried or proved, 1Ti 3:10, have shown by their steadiness, activity, and zeal, that they might be raised to a higher office, are here said to have purchased to themselves a good degree, βαθμον καλον· for, instead of having to administer to the bodies and bodily wants of the poor, the faithful deacons were raised to minister in holy things; and, instead of ministering the bread that perisheth, they were raised to the presbyterate or episcopate, to minister the bread of life to immortal souls. And hence the apostle adds; And great boldness in the faith; πολλην παρῥησιαν, great liberty of speech; i.e. in teaching the doctrines of Christianity, and in expounding the Scriptures, and preaching. It seems to have been a practice dictated by common sense, that the most grave and steady of the believers should be employed as deacons; the most experienced and zealous of the deacons should be raised to the rank of elders; and the most able and pious of the elders be consecrated bishops. As to a bishop of bishops, that age did not know such. The pope of Rome was the first who took this title. The same office, but not with the same powers nor abuse, is found in the patriarch of the Greek Church, and the archbishop of the Protestant Church. As the deacon had many private members under his care, so the presbyter or elder had several deacons under his care; the bishop, several presbyters; and the archbishop, several bishops. But I speak now more of the modern than of the ancient Church. The distinction in some of these offices is not so apparent in ancient times; and some of the offices themselves are modern, or comparatively so. But deacon, presbyter, and bishop, existed in the apostolic Church, and may therefore be considered of Divine origin.

Calvin: 1Ti 3:13 - -- 13.. For they who have served well Owing to a practice which came into use one or two centuries after the death of the apostles, of choosing presbyte...

13.. For they who have served well Owing to a practice which came into use one or two centuries after the death of the apostles, of choosing presbyters from the order of deacons, this passage has been commonly interpreted as describing elevation to a higher rank, as if the Apostle called to the honor of being presbyters those who had faithfully discharged the office of a deacon. For my own part, though I do not deny that the order of deacons might sometimes be the nursery out of which presbyters were taken, yet I take Paul’s words as meaning, more simply, that they who have discharged this ministry in a proper manner are worthy of no small honor; because it is not a mean employment, but a highly honorable office. Now by this expression he intimates how much it is for the advantage of the Church to have this office discharged by choice men; because the holy discharge of it procures esteem and reverence.

How absurd is it for Papists to maintain that, in making deacons, they do what Paul enjoins! First, why do they make deacons but to carry the cup in a procession, and to feed the eyes of the ignorant with I know not what ridiculous exhibitions? Besides, they do not even observe this; for not a single deacon has been made, during the last five hundred years, except that, after taking this step, he may immediately rise to the priesthood. What impudence is it, to boast of elevating to a higher rank those who have ministered well, when they confer their priesthood on none but those who have never touched a single part of the former office!

And much liberty in the faith With good reason does he add this; for there is nothing that tends so much to produce liberty as a good conscience and a life free from crime and reproach; as, on the contrary, timidity must be the lot of those who have a bad conscience. And if they sometimes make a valiant boast of liberty, yet it is not uniform and constant, nor has it any weight. For this reason he describes also the kind of liberty. “In the faith,” says he, which is in Christ; that is, that they may serve — Christ with greater boldness; as, on the other hand, they who have acted basely in the discharge of their office may be said to have their mouth shut and their hands tied, and are unfit for doing good; because no reliance — no authority is given to them.

TSK: 1Ti 3:13 - -- they : Mat 25:21; Luk 16:10-12, Luk 19:17 used : or, ministered, Mat 20:28; Rom 12:7, Rom 12:8; 1Co 16:15; Heb 6:10; 1Pe 4:10,1Pe 4:11 degree : Act 21...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 1Ti 3:13 - -- For they that have used the office of a deacon well - Margin, "ministered."The Greek word is the same as deacon, meaning ministering, or servin...

For they that have used the office of a deacon well - Margin, "ministered."The Greek word is the same as deacon, meaning ministering, or serving in this office. The sense would be well expressed by the phrase, "deaconizing well."The "word"implies nothing as to the exact nature of the office.

Purchase to themselves - Procure for themselves; see this word explained in the notes on Act 20:28.

A good degree - The word here used ( βαθμός bathmos ) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, "a step,"as of a stair; and the fair meaning is that of going up higher, or taking an additional step of dignity, honor, or standing. So far as the "word"is concerned, it may mean either an advance in office, in dignity, in respectability, or in influence. It cannot certainly be inferred that the apostle referred to a higher grade of "office;"for all that the word essentially conveys is, that, by exercising this office well, a deacon would secure additional respectability and influence in the church. Still, it is possible that those who had performed the duties of this office well were appointed to be preachers. They may have shown so much piety, prudence, good sense, and ability to preside over the church, that it was judged proper that they should be advanced to the office of bishops or pastors of the churches. Such a course would not be unnatural. This is, however, far from teaching that the office of a deacon is a subordinate office, "with a view"to an ascent to a higher grade.

And great boldness in the faith - The word here rendered "boldness"properly refers to boldness "in speaking;"see it explained in the Act 4:13 note; 2Co 3:12 note; Phi 1:20 note. But the word is commonly used to denote boldness of any kind - openness, frankness, confidence, assurance; Joh 8:13, Joh 8:26; Mar 8:32; 2Co 7:4. As it is here connected with "faith"- "boldness in the faith"- it means, evidently, not so much public speaking, as a manly and independent exercise of faith in Christ. The sense is, that by the faithful performance of the duties of the office of a deacon, and by the kind of experience which a man would have in that office, he would establish a character of firmness in the faith, which would show that he was a decided Christian. This passage, therefore, cannot be fairly used to prove that the deacon was "a preacher,"or that he belonged to a grade of ministerial office from which he was regularly to rise to that of a presbyter.

Poole: 1Ti 3:13 - -- Purchase to themselves a good degree a good degree of honour, so that none hath reason to decline or to despise that office. This seems rather to be ...

Purchase to themselves a good degree a good degree of honour, so that none hath reason to decline or to despise that office. This seems rather to be the sense, than what pleaseth some better, viz. that they purchase to themselves a higher degree in the ministry of the church; for though it be very probably true, and but rational, that the primitive church did out of their deacons choose their higher officers for the church, yet neither was this done universally as to all persons chosen into those high employments, nor as to all those that used the office of a deacon well, there doubtless being many who had done so, who yet were not didaktikoi , fitted with an ability sufficient to be preachers, without which fitness the primitive church would not choose any to such employment.

And great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus by the well performance also of the office of a deacon, many obtained a great liberty, or freedom of speech, parrhsian , as to the doctrine of the faith of Christ. For by the exercise of the deacon’ s office, they had much converse both with the pastors and members of the church; which converse did not only improve their knowledge in the doctrine of faith, but took off that excessive bashfulness which possesseth many till they come to be fully acquainted with the thing of which, and the persons before which, they are to speak, which we see by daily experience. Or, the apostle intends that courage that arises from a good conscience. Those that are careless and unfaithful in the discharge of their duty, guilt makes them timorous; but the good and faithful servant of God enjoys that liberty and courage which faith in the Lord Jesus gives, and without fear discharges all the parts of his office.

PBC: 1Ti 3:13 - -- purchase to themselves a good degree - It might not be a perfect parallel, but our use of the word "degree" to refer to a certificate of higher educat...

purchase to themselves a good degree - It might not be a perfect parallel, but our use of the word "degree" to refer to a certificate of higher education seems appropriate here. A person has specific learning or career goals in mind and sacrifices money and time to go to a school that will provide the appropriate training. Eventually when the person has completed the class requirements, graduation will occur. He/She "purchased" the degree with dedication, hard work, and demonstrated growth. Many years ago I knew a man who "purchased" a doctoral degree from a private school. He was studious enough, but instead of studying for years to gain the degree legitimately, he made significant financial contributions to the school and did minimal study. He was granted a doctoral degree. I must confess that when I saw him list himself as "Dr." I did not view the title with respect. This event illustrates "purchasing" a degree in a far less honorable way than Paul intended here. The specific price for this degree is a long and consistently wise use of the office of deacon. Only time and wise activity in the office earns this degree in the faith.

51

Gill: 1Ti 3:13 - -- For they that have used the office of a deacon well,.... With diligence and faithfulness, with simplicity and cheerfulness; taking good care of the mi...

For they that have used the office of a deacon well,.... With diligence and faithfulness, with simplicity and cheerfulness; taking good care of the minister and poor, and of the discipline of God's house:

purchase to themselves a good degree; not an higher office, as that of presbytery or episcopacy, which is a sense calculated to serve a hierarchy; nor a degree in glory and happiness hereafter; but rather an increase of gifts and grace; or a degree of respect and honour in the church: or the sense is, they possess and enjoy, which is the meaning of the word rendered "purchase", a very honourable office in the church; and which is so to them, they using it well, and discharging it in an honourable manner; unless the apostle should design what the Jews called דרגא דמהימנותא, "a degree of faith": b but that is expressed in the next clause:

and great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus: either in the exercise of the grace of faith at the throne of grace; or in asserting the doctrine of faith before men; and in reproving either for error or immorality: all which may be boldly done by those who use this office well.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Ti 3:13 In the phrase the faith that is in Christ Jesus, the term faith seems to mean “what Christians believe, Christian truth,” rather than pers...

Geneva Bible: 1Ti 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good ( g ) degree, and ( h ) great boldness in the faith which is in Chri...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 1Ti 3:1-16 - --1 How bishops and deacons, and their wives should be qualified;14 and to what end Saint Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.15 Of the church, and th...

MHCC: 1Ti 3:8-13 - --The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists were among them. ...

Matthew Henry: 1Ti 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 prov...

Barclay: 1Ti 3:12-13 - -- See Comments for 1 Timothy 3:12-13

Constable: 1Ti 2:1--4:6 - --III. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE LIFE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH 2:1--4:5 Paul moved on from instructions aimed primari...

Constable: 1Ti 3:1-16 - --C. The qualifications for church leaders 3:1-16 Paul proceeded from his instructions concerning worship ...

Constable: 1Ti 3:8-13 - --2. Qualifications for deacons 3:8-13 Paul continued his instructions concerning order in the life of the local church by setting forth qualifications ...

College: 1Ti 3:1-16 - --1 TIMOTHY 3 IV. DIRECTION FOR CHURCH LEADERS (3:1-16) A. QUALIFICATIONS OF OVERSEERS (3:1-7) 1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his hea...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) First Timothy Probably a.d. 65 From Macedonia By Way of Introduction Assuming the Pauline authorship the facts shape up after this fashion. Pau...

JFB: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) GENUINENESS.--The ancient Church never doubted of their being canonical and written by Paul. They are in the Peschito Syriac version of the second cen...

JFB: 1 Timothy (Outline) ADDRESS: PAUL'S DESIGN IN HAVING LEFT TIMOTHY AT EPHESUS, NAMELY, TO CHECK FALSE TEACHERS; TRUE USE OF THE LAW; HARMONIZING WITH THE GOSPEL; GOD'S GR...

TSK: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) This Epistle bears the impress of its genuineness and authenticity, which are corroborated by the most decisive external evidence; and its Divine insp...

TSK: 1 Timothy 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 1Ti 3:1, How bishops and deacons, and their wives should be qualified; 1Ti 3:14, and to what end Saint Paul wrote to Timothy of these thi...

Poole: 1 Timothy 3 (Chapter Introduction) TIMOTHY CHAPTER 3

MHCC: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) The design of the epistle appears to be, that Timothy having been left at Ephesus, St. Paul wrote to instruct him in the choice of proper officers in ...

MHCC: 1 Timothy 3 (Chapter Introduction) (1Ti 3:1-7) The qualifications and behaviour of gospel bishops. (1Ti 3:8-13) And of deacons and their wives. (1Ti 3:14-16) The reason of writing abo...

Matthew Henry: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy Hitherto Paul's epistles were directed to churches; now follow...

Matthew Henry: 1 Timothy 3 (Chapter Introduction) 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 (1...

Barclay: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: 1 Timothy 3 (Chapter Introduction) The Leaders Of The Church (1Ti_3:1-7) The Appointment And Duties Of The Leaders In The Church (1Ti_3:1-7 Continued) The Character Of The Christian...

Constable: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background Timothy apparently became a Christian as a result o...

Constable: 1 Timothy (Outline) Outline I. Salutation 1:1-2 II. Timothy's mission in Ephesus 1:3-20 A. T...

Constable: 1 Timothy 1 Timothy Bibliography Andrews, J. N. "May Women Speak in Meeting?" Review and Herald. January 2, 1879. Reprint...

Haydock: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO TIMOTHY. INTRODUCTION. St. Paul passing through Lycaonia, about the year 51, some of the brethr...

Gill: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY Timothy, to whom this epistle is written, was eminent for his early piety and acquaintance with the sacred Scriptures; hi...

Gill: 1 Timothy 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY 3 In this chapter the apostle treats of the qualifications of officers of churches, bishops and deacons, and of their wiv...

College: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) FOREWORD A movement which prides itself in its back-to-the-Bible underpinnings and its plea for unity should welcome any effort of the stature of the...

College: 1 Timothy (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE SALUTATION - 1:1-2 II. PAUL'S CHARGE TO TIMOTHY - 1:3-20 A. The Charge and the False Teachers - 1:3-7 B. The Lawful Use of...

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