I Timothy for Beginners

As the church began in Acts 2, we see the new Christians enjoying a loving fellowship. Part of this fellowship included sharing and caring for each other as the need arose. With time the church had a large group of widows that required care. One particular group (the Grecian widows) felt underserved because of their nationality and a complaint was raised because of this situation. Eventually, this issue was brought before the apostles because it threatened to disturb the unity and peace of the church.

The apostles asked the community of believers to select seven qualified and spiritual men to take over the work of giving out food so they, the apostles, could focus on their key role of preaching the gospel and prayer.

The results were that the issue was resolved, unity was restored and the gospel was spread (Acts 6:7).

<Acts 6:3 – Although the title, "deacon" is not used in this passage, their work and qualifications are: they are to be men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, and assigned a specific task. This indicates faithful Christian men, well thought of and known for their character. They were men who exemplified the key characteristic of servants in that their focus was on the agape love our Lord wishes for us to exhibit.

I Timothy 3:8-13 – (Note: Different versions will use different terms or descriptions. Those listed in this discussion are from the text associated with this course.) Overall, Paul's instructions to timothy regarding deacons does not differ in principle to those of elders but has some specific qualifications not listed in Acts 6.

• Men of dignity – A man respected, not flippant or coarse.
• Not double tongued – Not hypercritical, insincere or talking behind someone's back. In other words, men whose word could be trusted.
• Not addicted to much wine – Although wine was a part of the normal culture of the time, these men were not to be addicted to it. This communicates men who have self-control, especially in this area.
• Not fond of sordid gain – These men have an honorable occupation that could be seen as a good example within and without the Christian community. Furthermore, they were honest in their work.
• Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscious – Men who were baptized believers and faithful to our Lord in both thought and deed.
• Are first tested – They were already serving effectively, perhaps not in the area they would be assigned to, but capable of serving.
• Their wives also – Their wives were to be honorable women, well respected, clear thinking and faithful. This was critical to the man serving. His wife provided tremendous support and encouragement.

(Author's note: As a serving deacon, I could not begin to serve without my wife. Not only does she support and encourage me in my area of service, but she is also a wise counselor. I indeed see the wisdom of God in this requirement.)

• Husband of one wife – This is the same requirement of elders. The generally accepted understanding of this is that he is dedicated to one woman as his wife.
• Good managers of their children and household – this is the same requirement of elders. A man's first mission and primary role is that of spiritual leader of his family. He must demonstrate his abilities in this area first.

In summary, from both passages we see deacons as men faithful to our Lord and the Kingdom. They are active in their faith as servants. They are dedicated to the family of God as well as their own families. They are knowledgeable of God's word and live accordingly. They show a willing spirit to do what is necessary to ensure what is best for others before self.

Peter specified men as servants in Acts 6. Paul does not use the term deaconess in his instructions in I Timothy 3. The context of Paul's instructions is a list for men. The reference to women is in the capacity of wife for both deacons and elders. The teaching and references do not carry over to mean that a woman can serve as a deacon (See Romans 16:1).

Many people, both men and women, serve faithfully and well but are not designated with the office of deacon. All Christians, both male and female, are to serve in the body of Christ and thus bring glory to God. Only certain ones, however, are appointed by elders to be responsible for certain tasks. Keep in mind, that although there are cultural issues to consider, women of the period sometimes held positions of responsibility and authority so Paul could easily have allowed women to serve as leaders in the congregation. But both he and Peter in their role as apostles and with their authority (Matthew 16:19) as apostles, designated the men who qualified to hold these positions.

Whether serving as an elder or deacon or a "regular" member of the body of Christ, the key is that we are servants. As we continue to serve in whatever capacity we can, we grow in our faith and receive glory and praise from God.