1 Timothy 3:10
1 Timothy 3:10 in Multiple Translations
Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.
And let these first be put to the test; then let them become Deacons if there is nothing against them.
They should be tried out first, and if they can't be faulted then let them serve as deacons.
And let them first be proued: then let them minister, if they be found blameles.
and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.
Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless.
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime.
Like you do for the elders, you must examine ◄their character/how they conduct their lives► before you appoint them to serve. Then if they are without fault, let them serve as deacons.
You need to try them out before you make them church helpers, so first give them some little jobs to do, and if they do them properly, and if nobody complains about them, then you can make them helpers in the church. –
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Timothy 3:10
BAB
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1 Timothy 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
και
ουτοι
δε
δοκιμαζεσθωσαν
πρωτον
ειτα
διακονειτωσαν
ανεγκλητοι
οντες
και
kai
G2532
and
Conj
ουτοι
ohutos
G3778
this/he/she/it
Dem-NPM
δε
de
G1161
then
Conj
δοκιμαζεσθωσαν
dokimazō
G1381
to test
Verb-PPM-3P
πρωτον
prōton
G4412
first
Adv-S
ειτα
eita
G1534
then
Adv
διακονειτωσαν
diakoneō
G1247
to serve
Verb-PAM-3P
ανεγκλητοι
anegklētos
G410
irreproachable
Adj-NPM
οντες
eimi
G1510
to be
Verb-PAP-NPM
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Timothy 3:10
και
kai
G2532
"and"
Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ουτοι
ohutos
G3778
"this/he/she/it"
Dem-NPM
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
δε
de
G1161
"then"
Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
δοκιμαζεσθωσαν
dokimazō
G1381
"to test"
Verb-PPM-3P
To test or try something, like refining metal, to see if it's genuine. This is seen in 1 Peter 1:7 where faith is tested like gold. It's about proving something is true.
Definition: δοκιμάζω (δόκιμος), [in LXX chiefly for בָּחַן ;] __1. primarily of metals (Pro.8:10 17:3, Sir.2:5, Wis.3:6), to test, try, prove (in the hope and expectation that the test will prove successful, see reff. s. Syn.): χρυσίον, 1Pe.1:7; other things, Luk.12:56 14:19, 2Co.8:8, Gal.6:4, 1Th.2:4 5:21; τὰ διαφέροντα, Rom.2:18, Php.1:10 (R, mg., but see infr.); πνεύματα, 1Jn.4:1; of men, 1Ti.3:10 (pass.); ἑαυτόν, 1Co.11:28, 2Co.13:5; before subst. clause, Rom.12:2, 1Co.3:13, Eph.5:10 __2. As the result of trial, to approve, think fit: Rom.1:28 14:22, 1Co.16:3, 2Co.8:22, 1Th.2:4 (δεδοκιμάσμεθα); τὰ διαφέροντα, Rom.2:18, Php.1:10, R, txt. (but see supr.; cf. διαφέρω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-)prove, try See also: 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Peter 1:7.
πρωτον
prōton
G4412
"first"
Adv-S
The word for first in time, place, or importance, used in Ephesians 4:22 and John 7:50. It can also mean before or formerly, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:15 and Hebrews 4:6.
Definition: πρῶτον, πρῶτος, see: πρότερος A. Compar., πρότερος, -α, -ον, [in LXX for רִאשׁוֹן ,לִפָנִים, etc. ;] before, of time, place, rank, etc.; in NT always of Time, before, former: Eph.4:22. Adverbially, πρότερον, before, aforetime, formerly: Jhn.7:50, 2Co.1:15, Heb.4:6; opposite to ἔπειτα, Heb.7:27; τὸ π., Jhn.6:62 9:8, Gal.4:13, 1Ti.1:13; αἱ π. ἡμέραι, Heb.10:32; αἱ π. ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.1:14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 60 NT verses. KJV: before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all) See also: 1 Corinthians 11:18; Luke 10:5; 1 Peter 4:17.
ειτα
eita
G1534
"then"
Adv
The Greek word for 'then' shows sequence or time, like in Mark 8:25 and 1 Timothy 3:10. It can also mean 'moreover' or 'next' in a list. This word helps us understand when and how events happen in the Bible.
Definition: εἶτα adv., denoting sequence; __1. of time; then, next: Mrk.8:25, Luk.8:12, Jhn.13:5 19:27 20:27, 1Ti.3:10, Jas.1:15; before genitive abs., Mrk.4:17; in enumerations, 1Co.15:5 15:7 15:24, 1Ti.2:13. __2. In argument; __(a) therefore, then, __(b) furthermore: Heb.12:9 (cf. εἶτεν).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: after that(-ward), furthermore, then See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; James 1:15; Hebrews 12:9.
διακονειτωσαν
diakoneō
G1247
"to serve"
Verb-PAM-3P
To serve means to attend to someone's needs, like a host or teacher, as Jesus did in Mark 10:45. It is about helping others and doing good for them.
Definition: διακονέω, ῶ (δίακονος); __1. generally, to minister, serre, wait upon, especially at table, to do one a service, cure for one's needs: absol., Mat.20:28, Mrk.10:45, Luk.10:40 22:26, 27, Jhn.12:2, 1Pe.4:11; ὅσα διηκόνησεν, 2Ti.1:18; with dative of person(s), Mat.4:11 8:15 25:44 27:55, Mrk.1:13, 31 15:41, Luk.4:39 8:3 12:37 17:8, Jhn.12:26, Act.6:2 19:22, Rom.15:25, Phm 13, Heb.6:10. __2. to serve as deacon: 1Ti.3:10, 3:13. __3. C. accusative of thing(s), to minister, supply, supply by ministration: 1Pe.1:12 4:10; pass., 2Co.3:3 8:19, 20.† SYN.: λειτουργέω, which see (Cremer, 179). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: (ad-)minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon See also: 1 Peter 1:12; Luke 10:40; 1 Peter 4:10.
ανεγκλητοι
anegklētos
G410
"irreproachable"
Adj-NPM
In the Bible, this word means being blameless or irreproachable, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:8 and Colossians 1:22. It describes someone who is without fault. This concept is important in Christian living.
Definition: ἀν-έγκλητος, -ον (ἀ-, ἐγκαλέω), [in LXX: 3Ma.5:31 * ;] not to be called to account, unreprovable: 1Co.1:8, Col.1:22, 1Ti.3:10, Tit.1:6-7.† SYN.: ἄμεμπτος, ἀνεπίλημπτος (see Tr., Syn., § ciii; Cremer, 742; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: blameless See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Colossians 1:22; Titus 1:7.
οντες
eimi
G1510
"to be"
Verb-PAP-NPM
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
Study Notes — 1 Timothy 3:10
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- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Timothy 3:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
- Sermons on 1 Timothy 3:10
Context — Qualifications for Deacons
8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
9They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 5:22 | Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 3:13 | For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 3 | Titus 1:6–7 | An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 3:2 | An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
| 5 | Acts 6:1–2 | In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 3:6 | He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 1:8 | He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 8 | Colossians 1:22 | But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— |
| 9 | 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. |
1 Timothy 3:10 Summary
[This verse means that before someone can serve as a deacon, they need to be tested to make sure they are living a good life and following God's teachings, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:8-9. It's like a trial period to see if they are trustworthy and have good character. The Bible teaches that leaders in the church should be examples of faithfulness and integrity, as mentioned in Titus 1:6-9. By being 'above reproach,' deacons can show others what it means to live a life that honors God, and this should encourage all believers to strive for a similar lifestyle, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:1-3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'tested' as mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:10?
Being tested refers to a period of observation and evaluation to ensure the individual is qualified and suitable for the role of a deacon, as seen in the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-9 and supported by the principle of testing found in 1 Corinthians 11:28-32.
How can someone be 'above reproach' as required in 1 Timothy 3:10?
Being above reproach means living a life of integrity, moral purity, and consistency with the teachings of Scripture, such as those found in Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 3:1-7, demonstrating a clear commitment to following Jesus Christ.
Is the testing mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:10 a one-time event or an ongoing process?
While the verse suggests an initial testing, the concept of being 'above reproach' implies an ongoing lifestyle of integrity and faithfulness, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:1-3 and Colossians 1:10, requiring continuous surrender to God and commitment to His Word.
How does the testing of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:10 relate to the broader concept of discipleship?
The testing of deacons is part of the discipleship process, where individuals are taught, mentored, and held accountable to live out their faith, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Timothy 2:2, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in serving others.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life need testing and evaluation to ensure I am living a life above reproach?
- How can I, like the deacons mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:10, demonstrate a clear commitment to following Jesus Christ in my daily life?
- In what ways can I surrender to God's will and Word to ensure I am living a life of integrity and moral purity?
- How can I hold myself and others accountable to the standards of Scripture, especially in leadership roles within the church?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be proved,.... Not that they should be tried in any part of the deacon's office, to see how capable they are of performing it; but their internal and external characters are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
The higher officers ought to be proved, ( as well as these of a lower order), as by examination or conference, so (which possibly is here more intended) by an observation of their lives and conversation, for some time before they were admitted into this employment. Then, being found blameless, they were to be admitted into this employment.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Ver. 10. Being found blameless] The world will look round about them, and expect (though unjustly) an angelical perfection. Let them use the office of a deacon] Diaconus is said to come of êïíéò, which signifieth dust, to show that such should be "dustily diligent."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
(10) And let these also first be proved.—No formal investigation, either in public before the congregation, or in private before Timothy and his fellow presbyters, is here referred to. What is most probably the meaning of the word is—the deacon should for a time perform many of the various duties on probation, to test his fitness before he was formally set apart for the holy office. So much of the work belonging to these officials of the early Church necessarily partook of a partially secular character, that such a trial of their fitness could well be made. Then let them use the office of a deacon.—Better rendered, let them serve as deacons, if, after the trial, inquiry, and period of probation, they be found blameless.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
Verse 10. Let these - be proved] Let them not be young converts, or persons lately brought to the knowledge of the truth. This is the same in spirit with what is required of the bishops, 1 Timothy 3:6. Let no man be put into an office in the Church till he has given full proof of his sincerity and steadiness, by having been for a considerable time a consistent private member of the Church. Being found blameless.] ανεγκλητοιοντες. Being irreproachable; persons against whom no evil can be proved. The same as in 1 Timothy 3:2, though a different word is used. See the note there.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 3:10
10. And let these also] These, as well as the presbyters, for whom 1 Timothy 3:7 defines a very searching test. Bp Ellicott s note, rightly explaining that the first conjunction is ‘Also,’ ‘Moreover,’ and the second ‘and’ in this phrase, shews that the stress must be on ‘these,’ the force of the first conjunction being necessarily limited to it. Yet Alford quotes the note while saying ‘there is no connexion by means of the conjunctions with the former requirements concerning presbyters.’ The test or proof here too is the judgment of the general community. Cf. 2 Timothy 3:12 for the same conjunctions.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be proved - That is, tried or tested in regard to the things which were the proper qualifications for the office.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:10
10. Proved—Not by prefixing a period of probation; but by the scrutiny of the Church and eldership, carefully noting their life, character, and qualifications, and making them a matter of free
Sermons on 1 Timothy 3:10
| Sermon | Description | |
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If the Community Is a Large One by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of selecting brethren of good repute and holy life to serve as deans within the community, responsible for upholding God's commandm |
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Dead to Sin; Alive to God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young doctor who is faced with a difficult situation. The doctor is treating a man who has lost four fingers, but the possibility |
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Ephesians (Part 3) by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the recent General Election and the impact it had on the defeated candidate. He emphasizes that in the church, power and authority should no |
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Leadership Questions and Answers by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of workers in the church and the importance of equipping the saints. He shares an example of two brothers who were relied upon too h |
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(1 Timothy) Instructions for Church Leaders by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of patience and caution in the ministry. He advises against hastily laying hands on anyone, as it can lead to sharing in their |
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Prepare Your Heart by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our minds and hearts by filtering what we watch, read, and engage in. He references Philippians 4:8, which encoura |
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Perilous Times Shall Come by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth, even at the cost of one's life. He references the story of Leonard Ravenhill, who sang praises to God |