1 Timothy 3:10

3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

1 Timothy 3:13

3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves ¹  and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ² 

1 Timothy 6:2

6:2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect ³  because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. ⁴ 

Summary of Timothy’s Duties

Teach them and exhort them about these things. ⁵ 

1 Timothy 1:12

1:12 I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry,

1 Timothy 5:10

5:10 and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, ⁶  practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress – as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works. ⁷ 

[3:13]  ¹ sn The statement those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves is reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching (Matt 20:26-28; Mark 10:43-45) that the one who wishes to be great must be a servant (διάκονος [diakonos], used here of deacons) of all, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve (διακονέω [diakonew], as in 1 Tim 3:10, 13).

[3:13]  ² sn In the phrase the faith that is in Christ Jesus, the term faith seems to mean “what Christians believe, Christian truth,” rather than personal trust in Christ. So the whole phrase could mean that others will come to place greater confidence in them regarding Christian truth; but the word “confidence” is much more likely to refer to their own boldness to act on the truth of their convictions.

[6:2]  ¹ tn Or “think the less of them”; Grk “despise them,” “look down on them.”

[6:2]  ² tn Or “those who devote themselves to service are faithful and dearly loved” (referring to slaves who serve them).

[6:2]  ³ tn Grk “these things teach and exhort.”

[5:10]  ¹ tn Grk “if she raised children.” The phrase “if she raised children” begins a series of conditional clauses running to the end of the verse. These provide specific examples of her good works (v. 10a).

[5:10]  ² tn Grk “followed after every good work.”