1 Timothy 3:9
Verse
Context
Sermons
William MacDonald
Evan Schaible
Charles Finney
George Fox
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holding the mystery of the faith - Instead of της πιστεως, the faith, one MS. (the readings of which are found in the margin of a copy of Mill's Greek text in the Bodleian library, and which is marked 61 in Griesbach) reads αναστασεως, of the resurrection. This reading, like many others in this MS., is found nowhere else; and is worthy of little regard, but as expressing what appeared to the writer to be the apostle's meaning. One of the greatest mysteries of the faith was undoubtedly the resurrection of the dead; and this was held in a pure conscience when the person so exercised himself as to have a conscience void of offense towards God and towards men. See Act 24:16. What has been since called Antinomianism, that is, making void the moral law, by a pretended faith in the righteousness of Christ, is that which the apostle has here particularly in view.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the mystery of the faith--holding the faith, which to the natural man remains a mystery, but which has been revealed by the Spirit to them (Rom 16:25; Co1 2:7-10), in a pure conscience (Ti1 1:5, Ti1 1:19). ("Pure," that is, in which nothing base or foreign is intermixed [TITTMANN]). Though deacons were not ordinarily called on to preach (Stephen and Philip are not exceptions to this, since it was as evangelists, rather than as deacons, they preached), yet as being office-bearers in the Church, and having much intercourse with all the members, they especially needed to have this characteristic, which every Christian ought to have.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Holding the mystery of the faith,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, called the "faith", because it contains things to be believed; proposes Christ the object of faith; is the means by which faith comes, and is unprofitable without it: it is called "the mystery", because it is of divine revelation, and could have never been discovered by human reason; and now it is revealed, the modus of many things contained in it remains a mystery; several of the doctrines of it are mysterious ones, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity; and which the ancient Jews call by this very name, (a) , "the mystery of faith"; the incarnation of the Son of God, the union of the saints to Christ, and their communion with him, and the resurrection of the dead, with others. Now this mysterious doctrine of faith is to be held by deacons; they are to profess it, and to hold fast the profession of it and that in a pure conscience; with a conscience sprinkled by the blood of Christ; with a conscience void of offence both towards God and man; with a suitable life and conversation; a conversation becoming the Gospel of Christ, and by which it is adorned: and this part of their character is necessary, that such may be able to instruct and establish those who are weak in the faith, and oppose and refute the erroneous, and also recommend the Gospel by their own example; otherwise should their principles or practices be bad, their influence on others might be very pernicious and fatal. (a) Zohar in Gen. fol. 12. 4. & 13. 1, 2. & in Exod. fol. 66. 3.
1 Timothy 3:9
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Repentance: It's Origin, Nature and Design
By Evan Schaible0MAT 3:8ACT 3:192CO 5:17PHP 2:131TI 3:9Evan Schaible delves into the origin, nature, and design of repentance, emphasizing that repentance is a divine gift granted by God to sinners, leading to a change of mind and life. He highlights the importance of understanding that repentance is not a condition of salvation but a result of looking to Jesus and experiencing inward regeneration by God. Schaible stresses the need to preach the insufficiency of man and the sufficiency of God in the process of repentance, guiding sinners to cry out for God's mercy and grace.
Having a Good Conscience
By Charles Finney0ConscienceMoral IntegrityPRO 28:1ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:51TI 3:92TI 1:3HEB 13:181PE 2:191PE 3:16Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, explaining that it involves moral awareness, enlightenment, and obedience to its dictates. He outlines the conditions necessary for a good conscience, including the need for divine light and the importance of indulging and obeying one's conscience. Finney argues that a good conscience is essential for self-respect, peace of mind, and usefulness in society, while also being indispensable for salvation. He warns that those who neglect their conscience become a nuisance to society and are ultimately odious to God and others. The sermon concludes with a call to heed the conscience, as it is vital for spiritual well-being and moral integrity.
Epistle 154
By George Fox0Spiritual WarfareChastityISA 61:10HAB 1:3PHP 3:141TI 3:9JAS 1:27JAS 3:15JAS 4:12PE 2:141JN 2:16REV 19:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of living a chaste and pure life, warning against the dangers of lust and unchasteness that lead to strife and contention. He encourages believers to remain in the truth and light of God, which fosters unity and peace among the family of God. Fox highlights that the lusts of the flesh are contrary to spiritual fellowship and can lead one away from God, urging the faithful to keep their hearts and eyes pure. He calls for a life adorned with holiness, which is essential for true communion with Christ, the Lamb. Ultimately, Fox reminds his listeners that true peace and dominion come from living in accordance with God's spirit and power.
The Mystery of the Gospel
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthThe Mystery of the GospelROM 1:3EPH 3:3EPH 3:9EPH 4:13EPH 6:12PHP 1:27COL 1:271TI 3:9T. Austin-Sparks explores 'The Mystery of the Gospel', emphasizing that the Gospel is more than its individual components like atonement and forgiveness; it is the fullness of God's redemptive plan through Christ. He argues that the current spiritual state of Christians reflects a need for a deeper understanding of the Gospel, which is rooted in the mystery of Christ's incarnation and the call to sonship. Sparks highlights that the conflict faced by believers is centered around their spiritual growth and maturity, which is essential for overcoming the challenges posed by the enemy. He asserts that the true essence of the Gospel is not merely about salvation but about becoming a living expression of God's nature through Christ in us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed apprehension of the Gospel to fulfill God's purpose in the world.
On Reserve in Communicating Religious Knowledge (Continued)
By J.H. Newman0PRO 25:2MAT 13:11ROM 16:251CO 2:71CO 4:11CO 13:122CO 3:6EPH 3:9COL 1:261TI 3:9The preacher, Origen, delves into the testimony of the Ancient Church, emphasizing the principle of reserve in revealing religious truths, which is not based on heathen practices but on Scripture alone. The early Church's testimony and practices align with this principle, seen in the Disciplina Arcani and the interpretation of Scripture with hidden meanings. The Ancient Church's reverence and caution in handling sacred truths are perfectly analogous to Jesus' example of revealing truths gradually. Origen and other Fathers connect this principle not only to Scripture but also to the mysteries of creation and sacraments, reflecting a great religious principle and rule of conduct.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holding the mystery of the faith - Instead of της πιστεως, the faith, one MS. (the readings of which are found in the margin of a copy of Mill's Greek text in the Bodleian library, and which is marked 61 in Griesbach) reads αναστασεως, of the resurrection. This reading, like many others in this MS., is found nowhere else; and is worthy of little regard, but as expressing what appeared to the writer to be the apostle's meaning. One of the greatest mysteries of the faith was undoubtedly the resurrection of the dead; and this was held in a pure conscience when the person so exercised himself as to have a conscience void of offense towards God and towards men. See Act 24:16. What has been since called Antinomianism, that is, making void the moral law, by a pretended faith in the righteousness of Christ, is that which the apostle has here particularly in view.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the mystery of the faith--holding the faith, which to the natural man remains a mystery, but which has been revealed by the Spirit to them (Rom 16:25; Co1 2:7-10), in a pure conscience (Ti1 1:5, Ti1 1:19). ("Pure," that is, in which nothing base or foreign is intermixed [TITTMANN]). Though deacons were not ordinarily called on to preach (Stephen and Philip are not exceptions to this, since it was as evangelists, rather than as deacons, they preached), yet as being office-bearers in the Church, and having much intercourse with all the members, they especially needed to have this characteristic, which every Christian ought to have.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Holding the mystery of the faith,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, called the "faith", because it contains things to be believed; proposes Christ the object of faith; is the means by which faith comes, and is unprofitable without it: it is called "the mystery", because it is of divine revelation, and could have never been discovered by human reason; and now it is revealed, the modus of many things contained in it remains a mystery; several of the doctrines of it are mysterious ones, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity; and which the ancient Jews call by this very name, (a) , "the mystery of faith"; the incarnation of the Son of God, the union of the saints to Christ, and their communion with him, and the resurrection of the dead, with others. Now this mysterious doctrine of faith is to be held by deacons; they are to profess it, and to hold fast the profession of it and that in a pure conscience; with a conscience sprinkled by the blood of Christ; with a conscience void of offence both towards God and man; with a suitable life and conversation; a conversation becoming the Gospel of Christ, and by which it is adorned: and this part of their character is necessary, that such may be able to instruct and establish those who are weak in the faith, and oppose and refute the erroneous, and also recommend the Gospel by their own example; otherwise should their principles or practices be bad, their influence on others might be very pernicious and fatal. (a) Zohar in Gen. fol. 12. 4. & 13. 1, 2. & in Exod. fol. 66. 3.