1 Timóteo 3
A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Timóteo 3
Robertson - Paul's hopes were not to be realized, but he did not know that. Hoping (1679) elpizo (elpis = hope, absolute assurance of future good) means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. To express desire for some good with the expectation of obtaining it. Elpizo means a firm conviction based on the Jesus' resurrection, that we too can have confidence as we face the future (Ro 8:24, 25, 1Co 15:18). We can have confident expectation (He 11:1). ILLUSTRATION - Vince Lombardi, the Hall of Fame coach of the Green Bay Packers football team, was notorious for his emphasis on fundamentals. His teams won championships because they could block, tackle, and execute better than anyone else. It is said that once, frustrated by his team’s poor performance, he held up a football and said, “Gentlemen, this is a football!” Like Coach Lombardi, the apostle Paul knew well the importance of going back to the fundamentals. He penned this letter to Timothy because the church at Ephesus was starting to drift away from the basic truths of the Christian faith. Like the Ephesians, we need regularly to be reminded of the foundational truths of our faith. The church today sponsors a bewildering variety of highly specialized ministries, everything from race track evangelism to bowling leagues for blind bowlers. People can get lost in the superficial. Further, the Bible contains such an inexhaustible treasure of knowledge that some seem to become lost in its depths. It is all too easy for churches and believers to get so involved with peripheral matters or theological minutiae that they lose sight of the primary matters. Paul writes this passage as a reminder that the church must give its attention to the essential truths. (John MacArthur) 1 Timothy 3:14-15 I am writing you these instructions so that… you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household. - Chuck Swindoll once described a neighborhood kids' club that had a humorous, but wise, list of rules for its members. The rules were beautiful in their simplicity: ""Nobody act big. Nobody act small. Everybody act medium."" That's a list of rules anyone can keep! (Today in the Word) 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Character Ethic God has chosen to make known … the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - Colossians 1:27 Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, researched over 200 years of “success” literature to find common principles for personal success and fulfillment. What he immediately noticed was the “character ethic,” the principle that he says emphasizes who we are matters most in what we do. Personal change does not happen solely as the result of the integration of good habits into one's life. While important, habits cannot make us into the person we want to be. Today's passage gives us the real “secret” for godliness. Godly conduct is rooted completely in our identity in Christ. This passage reveals the primary purpose for Paul's letter to Timothy, that “you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household” (1Ti 3:15). There is an imperative for personal holiness in the church. We are called to godliness because we belong to the family, or household, of God. We are the church of the living God, which emphasizes the personal and active presence of God in our lives. We don't serve mute idols. We don't serve an impersonal force. We serve a God who speaks to us and who listens to us. And we are a people who represent the truth. We represent steadfast, eternal realities that do not shift with cultural tides. Our calling is to represent the God we serve to a world that prefers not to acknowledge Him. We are pressured on every side to forsake this high calling, and we will fail in it if we do not understand “the mystery of godliness.” We cannot depend upon ourselves, our habits, our energies, and our abilities to get the job done. The secret of the Christian life is about our union with Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. The mystery entails what Christ has done and who He is (v. 16). And that also is what matters most. By allowing Him to live His life through us, we have our ultimate “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). If we want to be completely united with Christ, we need to confess and repent from deliberate sin. When we persist in deliberate sin, the Bible says that we “grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30). Thankfully, our confession and repentance will be met with forgiveness (1 John 1:9). As the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, He also guides us to the truth of forgiveness through the work of Jesus. As He works in our lives, we can expect nothing less than change as dramatic as resurrection (cf. Rom. 8:11). You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. - Matthew 16:16 TODAY IN THE WORD For hundreds of years, various denominations have used manuals of Christian instruction known as catechisms to instruct believers in the basic truths of the faith, usually in preparation for baptism. The term 'catechism' is taken from a Greek word that means 'to teach' or 'to instruct,' and many of the catechisms achieved that goal in admirable ways. The method often included a question-and-answer format that required the student to answer the instructor's question concerning a particular spiritual truth or article of Christian faith. The catechetical method also involved much memory work, especially before the invention of printing when written texts were scarce. The genius of the church's great catechisms, such as the Westminster Larger Catechism of 1647, was the way in which they captured the Bible's teaching in a concise and memorable way. The writers of the catechisms had a good model for this method. Today's reading shows that the early church also used concise summaries of truth to train and instruct believers. Some believe this confession Paul recorded was part of an early hymn, composed to capsulate the basics of Christ's life and ministry: His incarnation, resurrection (His vindication 'by the Spirit'), and ascension. Summaries like this are another proof of how much theology mattered to Paul and the first-century saints to whom he ministered. Years earlier, he had warned the elders from Ephesus that after his departure, the church would be attacked by 'savage wolves' who would tear at the body of Christ (Acts 20:29). Sadder still, 'Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth' (v. 30). Paul lived to see it happen in the churches he founded (see yesterday's study), and it's still happening today. The good news is that knowing the truth is still the best defense against heresy. The not-so-good news is that as a whole, modern-day Christians aren't big on the idea of the systematic learning of truth. We need to take a cue from our ancestors. When even the shepherd boys were armed with theological truth through catechism, the wolves had a harder time getting to the flock. 1 Timothy 3:14-4:10 A Good Church By Herbert Vander Lugt A television documentary showed several types of worship services in American churches. I liked some of what I saw but was troubled by an emphasis on being entertained instead of being led in worship. The focus of many services was on having fun rather than on worshiping the Lord. This is more than a matter of differing styles. I’ve been enriched in highly liturgical as well as in less formal services. I have also been edified in gatherings marked by spontaneity and freedom. But in all of these there was a genuine sense of worship. The one indispensable element of a good church service is the celebration of God’s great redeeming acts in the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. These saving events were the theme of an early church hymn quoted in 1 Timothy 3:16, and they were to be central in the message Paul urged Timothy to proclaim (4:6-10). The quiet hush of reverent hearts Prepares us for God's Word, And brings a stillness to our lives That lets His voice be heard. —DJD In some churches there is more commotion and emotion than devotion. 1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. BGT 1 Timothy 3:15 ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω, ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία θεοῦ ζῶντος, στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας. KJV 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. NET 1 Timothy 3:15 in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth. CSB 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ESV 1 Timothy 3:15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. NIV 1 Timothy 3:15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. NLT 1 Timothy 3:15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. NRS 1 Timothy 3:15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. RSV 1 Timothy 3:15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. YLT 1 Timothy 3:15 and if I delay, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is an assembly of the living God -- a pillar and foundation of the truth, NKJ 1 Timothy 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. NJB 1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I should be delayed, I want you to know how people ought to behave in God's household -- that is, in the Church of the living God, pillar and support of the truth. NAB 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. ASV 1 Timothy 3:15 but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. MIT 1 Timothy 3:15 If there is a delay, you will know how one must function in God's house, the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay of truth. DBY 1 Timothy 3:15 but if I delay, in order that thou mayest know how one ought to conduct oneself in God's house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth. GWN 1 Timothy 3:15 in case I'm delayed. I want you to know how people who are members of God's family must live. God's family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. BBE 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I am long in coming, this will make clear to you what behaviour is right for men in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of what is true. know: 1Ti 3:2 De 31:23 1Ki 2:2,4 1Ch 22:13 28:9-21 Ac 1:2 the house: Eph 2:21,22 2Ti 2:20 Heb 3:2-6 1Pe 2:5 the church: 1Ti 3:5 the living: 1Ti 4:10 6:16 De 5:26 Jos 3:10 1Sa 17:26,36 2Ki 19:4 Ps 42:2 84:2 Jer 10:10 23:36 Da 6:26 Ho 1:10 Mt 16:16 Joh 6:69 Ac 14:15 Ro 9:26 2Co 3:3 6:16 1Th 1:9 Heb 3:12 9:14 12:22 Rev 7:2 the pillar: Jer 1:18 Mt 16:18,19 18:18 Ro 3:2 Ga 2:9 the truth: 1Ti 3:16 Joh 1:17 14:6 18:37 2Co 6:7 Ga 3:1 Eph 4:21 Col 1:5 1 Timothy 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Ephesians 2:19-22+ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Galatians 6:10+ So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Hebrews 3:6+ but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house–whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. 1 Peter 4:17+ For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 2 Corinthians 6:16-18+ (THE LIVING GOD AMONG HIS CHILDREN) Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. 1 Timothy 6:20+ O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”– 2 Timothy 1:13-14+ Retain (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. HOW TO BEHAVE IN GOD'S HOUSEHOLD But in case I am delayed - As explained in the comments above, Paul was very sensitive to the Lord's timing of events in his life and knew that delay in visiting Timothy in Ephesus was a possibility. So in case he is delayed visiting, Timothy needs to know how to guide the church in its conduct. Bob
1 Timóteo 3
Robertson - The snare of the devil (pagida tou diabolou). Here subjective genitive, snare set by the devil. Pagis, old word from pēgnumi, to make fast. So a snare for birds (Luke 21:35), any sudden trap (Romans 11:9), of sin (1 Tim. 6:9), of the devil (1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26). Ancients used it of the snares of love. The devil sets special snares for preachers (conceit 1 Tim. 3:6, money 1 Tim. 6:9, women, ambition). The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Pride was the cause of Satan's fall, and is the snare he sets for men (1 Jn 2:16).
1 Timóteo 3
Robertson - One placed between two persons and saying one thing to one, another to the other. Like Bunyan's Parson "Mr. Two-Tongues." John
1 Timóteo 3
Robertson remarks that here "the faith" means the gospel, the faith system as in Gal 1:23; Jude 1:3, etc. Here the (phrase "the faith") means more than individual trust in Christ." (Word Pictures in the New Testament) In a similar use we read of Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. (Acts 13:8+) Clear (innocent , pure) (2513) katharos literally describes that which is free of dirt and thus clean. It describes that which is free from admixture or adulteration and thus is pure. From a biblical standpoint the concept of cleansing is deeply rooted in both the Old and the New Testaments. Katharos is blameless, innocent, unstained with the guilt and is used to describe that which is ceremonially or ritually pure or clean (in a "Levitical sense"). Heavy emphasis was placed on ceremonial cleansing and thus contact with any unclean animal, substance, person, or place was strictly forbidden. By the time Christ came this preoccupation with ceremonial cleanness had unfortunately displaced true worship with many of the Jews, most notably the Pharisees. It is not surprising then that the New Testament focuses mainly on an inward cleanness (heart, conscience), rather than on an external or ceremonial cleanness. English word derived from katharos = catharsis = purifying, cleansing, a term used in psychology and counseling for a cleansing of the mind or emotions - a "soul cleansing" if you will. It is also worth noting that katharos is related to the Latin castus, from which we get chaste. The related word chasten refers to discipline given in order to cleanse from wrong behavior. Katharos was a word used of soiled clothing which had been washed clean, grain from which all chaff had been removed, metal without any trace of alloy, or a man with all his bills and taxes paid." Katharos is an adjective that figuratively is used in both the OT and the NT to describe the state of one's heart. When a person is pure in heart and mind, his or her perspective on all things is pure, and that inner purity produces outer purity. KATHAROS - 22V - clean(12), clear(3), innocent(1), pure(10). Matt. 5:8; Matt. 23:26; Matt. 27:59; Lk. 11:41; Jn. 13:10; Jn. 13:11; Jn. 15:3; Acts 18:6; Acts 20:26; Rom. 14:20; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Tim. 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 2:22; Tit. 1:15; Heb. 10:22; Jas. 1:27; Rev. 15:6; Rev. 19:8; Rev. 19:14; Rev. 21:18; Rev. 21:21 Conscience (4893) suneidesis is derived from sun/syn = with + eido = know) literally means a "knowing with", a co-knowledge with oneself or a being of one's own witness in the sense that one's own conscience "takes the stand" as the chief witness, testifying either to one's innocence or guilt. It describes the witness borne to one's conduct by that faculty by which we apprehend the will of God. In Classic Greek suneidesis occurs in legal contexts of witnesses who share testimony. In a reflexive sense suneidēsis signifies “consciousness” (in a neutral sense) and from that it means “inner consciousness” or conscience. Conscience carries moral implications as it serves a monitor of the “knowledge” of right from wrong. Suneidesis is especially a Pauline word (20/30 uses). Many texts reading suneidesis occur in a forensic (legal) context (e.g., Ro 2:15; Ro 9:1). Often the conscience becomes the “court of appeal” where the believer makes moral decisions. The believer’s conscience controlled by the Spirit (Ro 9:1; cf. 2 Co 1:12) is important in helping the Christian make right decisions. Since the conscience is a legitimate point of the appeal of the gospel (2 Co 4:2; cf. 2Cor 5:11), it is only natural to expect that the believer’s life is to be marked with a conscience that has been “cleared” by the transforming power of the Gospel. A clear conscience signals faithfulness, especially among those in leadership (cf. 1 Ti 1:5, 19; 3:9; cf. 1 Pe 3:16). One trademark of the opponents of the faith is a “seared conscience” (1 Ti 4:2; Titus 1:15). They resist sound teaching and their behavior reflects their stubbornness (cf. Titus 1:16). Colin G. Kruse - The conscience is not to be equated with the voice of God or even the moral law, rather it is a human faculty which adjudicates upon human action by the light of the highest standard a person perceives. Seeing that all of human nature has been affected by sin, both a person’s perception of the standard of action required and the function of the conscience itself (as a constituent part of human nature) are also affected by sin. For this reason conscience can never be accorded the position of ultimate judge of one’s behavior. It is possible that the conscience may excuse one for that which God will not excuse, and conversely it is equally possible that conscience may condemn a person for that which God allows. The final judgment therefore belongs only to God (cf. 1 Cor. 4:2–5). Nevertheless, to reject the voice of conscience is to court spiritual disaster (cf. 1 Ti 1:19). We cannot reject the voice of conscience with impunity, but we can modify the highest standard to which it relates by gaining for ourselves a greater understanding of the truth. (The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians - TNTC) SUNEIDESIS - 30X/29V - conscience(24), conscience'(4), consciences(1), consciousness(1). Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16; Rom. 2:15; Rom. 9:1; Rom. 13:5; 1 Co. 8:7; 1 Co. 8:10; 1 Co. 8:12; 1 Co. 10:25; 1 Co. 10:27; 1 Co. 10:28; 1 Co. 10:29; 2 Co. 1:12; 2 Co. 4:2; 2 Co. 5:11; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Tim. 1:19; 1 Tim. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:2; 2 Tim. 1:3; Tit. 1:15; Heb. 9:9; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:2; Heb. 10:22; Heb. 13:18; 1 Pet. 2:19; 1 Pet. 3:16; 1 Pet. 3:21 Warren Wiersbe compares a good conscience, or a clean conscience, “to a window that lets in the light of God’s truth” (Bible Exposition Commentary). The more we study God’s Word, the more light we let in and the more sensitive we become to right and wrong. Paul informs Timothy that the false teachers, those who “abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons,” have persisted in their sin and rebellion against God to the point of having their consciences “seared as with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1–2). The light of God’s truth is shut out from such hearts. (Gotquestions.org) Related Resource: What does it mean to have a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5)? Gotquestions.org QUESTION - What is the mystery of faith? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG ANSWER - The mystery of faith is a term that occurs in 1 Timothy 3:9. Depending on the English translation, the Greek phrase τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως is translated “the mystery of faith,” “the mystery of the faith,” or “the deep truths of the faith.” The verse in which the phrase appears is about deacons. Paul is advising Timothy about what sort of man should be trusted with the office of deacon in order to serve the local church body. Paul says a deacon should be dignified, truthful, and one who “holds to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9). In this context, Paul is simply saying that the man who serves the church should be a believer who is mature, who has a firm grasp on the basic elements of the gospel, and whose life matches his profession of faith. A “mystery” in the New Testament is something that had at one time been hidden but is now revealed to God’s people. Jesus told His disciples, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted” (Matthew 13:11, NASB). The apostle Paul often spoke of such “mysteries”: Jesus’ incarnation (1 Timothy 3:16), the indwelling of the Spirit (Colossians 1:26–27), the unity of the church (Ephesians 3:4–6), the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51–52), and the gospel itself (Colossians 4:3). All these truths were “hidden” from the prophets of old but have been revealed plainly to us today. They are “mysteries” that are no longer mysterious to the child of God. “The mystery of faith” is the divinely revealed truth about grace, redemption, and forgiveness in Christ. The message of Christ’s sacrifice for sin and His resurrection (the message that Paul refers to as “the faith”) is easy to understand. The basic gospel message is simple enough for even the youngest believer, but it is also a humbling mystery that was only hinted at throughout the time of the Old Covenant. Now God’s plan of salvation has been revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ, and we are held responsible to “hold” that message firmly. When Paul advises Timothy to appoint deacons who “hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,” he is telling Timothy to find mature believers—men who understand the message of the gospel and are living it out. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). Oh, the condescension of Christ who has made manifest the mysteries of heaven to us! 1 Timothy 3:10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. BGT 1 Timothy 3:10 καὶ οὗτοι δὲ δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον, εἶτα διακονείτωσαν ἀνέγκλητοι ὄντες. KJV 1 Timothy 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. NET 1 Timothy 3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. CSB 1 Timothy 3:10 And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ESV 1 Timothy 3:10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. NIV 1 Timothy 3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. NLT 1 Timothy 3:10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. NRS 1 Timothy 3:10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. RSV 1 Timothy 3:10 And let them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them serve as deacons. YLT 1 Timothy 3:10 and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable. NKJ 1 Timothy 3:10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. NJB 1 Timothy 3:10 They are first to be examined, and admitted to serve as deacons only if there is nothing against them. NAB 1 Timothy 3:10 Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ASV 1 Timothy 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless. MIT 1 Timothy 3:10 Let deacon candidates be tested by examination first, and then let those who are irreproachable serve. DBY 1 Timothy 3:10 And let these be first proved, then let them minister, being without charge against them. GWN 1 Timothy 3:10 First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon. BBE 1 Timothy 3:10 And let these first be put to the test; then let them become Deacons if there is nothing against them. these: 1Ti 3:6 5:22 1Jn 4:1 let them serve: 1Ti 3:13 Ac 6:1,2 if they are beyond : 1Ti 3:2 1Co 1:8 Col 1:22 Titus 1:6,7 1 Timothy 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 6:1-6+ (DISCUSSION OF FIRST DEACONS) Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving (diakonia) of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve (diakoneo) tables. 3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 1 Timothy 5:22+ Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. TESTING BEFORE TRUSTING These men (not it Greek text) must also first (protos) be tested (dokimazo) - Literally "let these also first be prove." The idea is that these men must first be critically examined to determine when they pass the test. This doesn’t necessarily mean a formal exam, but it means observing their conduct and consistency over time. Be tested (dokimazo used for testing metals or materials to reveal quality) is in the present tense indicating this is to be ongoing assessment, not just one and done. Note the adverb also which links this "test" of deacons with elders (1Ti 3:1-7), who must also be continually evaluated by the church. Prospective deacons must show proven character before public service. This safeguards the church and maintains the credibility of the office of deacons. THOUGHT - TAKEAWAY - Do not rush anyone into leadership without watching their walk, even more than their talk. Churches must assess character, not just charisma or business success. I have seen successful businessmen moved into positions of church leadership and they were abysmal! God calls His servants not just to work hard, but to live well. Titles mean little without proven character, and faithful service in unseen places is often the best preparation for visible roles. Note that one of the first criteria of the first church for deacons was Spirit filled men, Luke writing "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task." (Acts 6:3+, cf Acts 6:5+) Then let them serve (diakoneo) as deacons (diakonos) if they are beyond reproach (anegkletos) - Let them serve is a present imperative a command to let them serve after they pass the character test. IF is a first class conditional, beyond reproach (cf "good reputation" Acts 6:3+) assumed to be true.
1 Timóteo 3
Robertson - Original meaning of diabolos (from diaballō, Luke 16:1), the devil being the chief slanderer (Ephes. 6:11). "She-devils" in reality (Titus 2:3). "While men are more prone to be dilogous, double-tongued, women are more prone than men to be slanderers" (White). But temperate (nephalios) - The idea is self-controlled, sober-minded, those who exercise self-control. They should demonstrate emotional steadiness and restraint, not ruled by moods or impulses. They are to be the antithesis of "weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Ti 3:6-7+) Faithful (pistos) in all things - NIV = "trustworthy in everything" These women are to be trustworthy in everything they do. They are reliable in every aspect of life.