2. Deacon (3:8-13)

Deacon literally means “server” or “waiter” (see Ac 6:1-7). Likewise, as the overseer, the deacon should be of good character. The deep truths of the faith indicate the fundamentals of the faith, which have been revealed by God, as in 2:5-6. With a clear conscience reminds one of 1:5 and again attests to the sound character of the deacons. V.10, like 3:6-7, affirms the truth: Do not place people in leadership until they have served well first. Starting in v.11, Paul gets gender-specific and addresses women. The phrase in the same way indicates that qualifications follow. Hence the footnote “deaconesses” is to be preferred to the NIV translation their wives (their does not occur in the Greek text). In v.12 Paul turns to the male deacon and presents the same criteria as found in vv.2-4 for the overseer. Service as a deacon or deaconess will result in an increased sense of one’s security and significance in Christ and promote a bold witness (v.13).

For both the overseer and the deacon, Paul outlines the qualifications, not a job description. Character and reputation are most important in overseers and deacons.