1 Timothy 3:8 KJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 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, Acts 6:2, 4. Of the institution of this office, with that which gave occasion to it, you have an account in Acts 6:1-7. Now it was requisite that deacons should have a good character, because they were assistants to... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8-10

3:8-10,12,13 In the same way, the deacons must be men of dignity, men who are straight, men who are not given to over-indulgence in wine, men who are not prepared to stoop to disgraceful ways of making money; they must hold the secret of the faith which has been revealed to them with a clear conscience. The deacons too must first of all be put upon probation, and, if they emerge blameless from the test, let them become deacons.... Deacons must be married only once; they must manage their own... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:8

Likewise must the deacons be grave ,.... The apostle proceeds to give the qualifications, and so the rules for choosing another sort of officers in the church, deacons; whose work and business is, not to preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances; but to take care of the secular affairs of the church, and particularly to serve tables; to provide the bread and wine for the Lord's table, to attend at it, and distribute the elements from the minister to the people, to collect for it, defray... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8

Likewise must the deacons - The term deacon, διακονος , simply signifies a regular or stated servant: from δια , through or emphatic, and κονεω , to minister or serve. See it explained in the note on Matthew 20:26 . As nearly the same qualifications were required in the deacons as in the bishops, the reader may consult what is said on the preceding verses. Grave - Of a sedate and dignified carriage and conduct. Not double-tongued - Speaking one thing to one person, and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8

Verse 8 8Likewise the deacons There is no reason why the diversity of interpretations should lead us to entertain any doubt. It is certain that time Apostle speaks of those who hold a public office in the Church; and this refutes the opinion of those who think that domestic servants are here meant. As to the view given by others, that it denotes presbyters who are inferior to the bishop, that is without foundation; for it is manifest from other passages, that the term bishop belongs alike to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:1-13

I. QUALIFICATIONS OF A BISHOP . Preliminary direction to Timothy . "Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." The Scripture idea of the episcopate is that of oversight , viz. of souls. A bishop was one who had the duty of overseeing a congregation in spiritual matters, being, in respect of gravity and dignity, called presbyter or elder. Timothy was to encourage any who sought to enter into the episcopate. The saying in Christian... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:1-16

It was one of the weightiest duties laid upon Timothy, when called to be the spiritual ruler of the Church of Ephesus, to take care that the priests and deacons were men well qualified for their holy office. The condition of a congregation depends so largely upon the spiritual character of those who minister to it, that the choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred ministry of God's Church is a matter of vital importance to the welfare of the people, and demands the utmost wisdom and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:8

Deacons in like manner must for likewise must the deacons , A.V. Grave ( σεμνούς ); in Philippians 4:8 rendered "honest" in the A.V., and "honourable" in the R.V., and "venerable" in the margin. None of the words are satisfactory, but "honest" in the sense of honnete , i.e. "respectable," "becoming the dignity of a man," comes nearest to the meaning of σεμνός . ἄνηρ σεμνός is a man who inspires respect by his conduct and deportment. It occurs again in Philippians 4:11... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8

Likewise must the deacons - On the meaning of the word “deacons,” see the notes on Philippians 1:1. On their appointment, see the notes, Acts 6:1. The word here evidently denotes those who had charge of the temporal affairs of the church, the poor, etc. No qualifications are mentioned, implying that they were to be preachers of the gospel. In most respects, except in regard to preaching, their qualifications were to be the same as those of the “bishops.”Be grave - Serious, sober-minded men. In... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Timothy 3:8-9

1 Timothy 3:8-9. Likewise the deacons Of whom see on Acts 6:3-4, and Philippians 1:1; must be grave Or serious, as some render σεμνους : men of a steady, decent, and venerable behaviour. No mention is made of presbyters, or elders, as distinct from bishops; evidently because (as has been observed on 1 Timothy 3:1, and Php 1:1 ) they were not distinct from them; but the two names were used promiscuously for the same persons. Not double-tongued Deceitful and dissembling, speaking one... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:8-13

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8-10

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Timothy 3:8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Timothy 3:8-9

Group of Brands