8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:8–10 (ESV)
Today’s text strongly indicates deacons are to have the same character as elders (Acts 6:3; I Tim. 3:1-7). Deacons are also to evidence their godly character by their godly behavior. What is true for all believers in Christ (Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 2:10) is especially so for these servant leaders. In carrying out their practical servant duties on behalf of believers in Christ, how are deacons to behave?
First, they must be dignified (σεμνούς; semnous). This means deacons are to be worthy of respect. In other words, they are to be honorable, gracious, and respectable men. They are to view their lives in Christ, as well as their deaconship before Christ on behalf of believers in Christ, as an honorable calling.
Second, deacons are not to be double-tongued (διλόγους; dilogous). To be double-tongued is to be insincere in what you say. It refers to saying one thing and meaning another. Or, it refers to saying something but not being truthful in what you said.
“To be dignified is to be serious in mind and character; not silly or flippant about important matters. To not be double-tongued means deacons must not say one thing to some people and something else to others; their speech must not be hypocritical, but honest and consistent,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Thirdly, deacons must not be addicted to much wine (οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας; oino pollo prosechontas). This phrase refers to being presently and actively attentive to drinking alcohol.
Fourth, they are not to be greedy for dishonest gain (αἰσχροκερδεῖς; aischrokerdeis). The Authorized Version translation uses the phrase “guilty of filthy lucre.” This means deacons are not to be men who have an insatiable appetite for wealth and ready to procure it by disgraceful means.[1]
“Like elders (see I Tim. 3:3), deacons must not abuse their office to make money. Such a qualification was especially important in the early church, where deacons routinely handled money, distributing it to those in need,” continues Dr. MacArthur.
Fifth, Paul stated deacons “must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” In Paul’s epistles, mystery (μυστήριον; mysterion) refers to the mysteries of God, of his will, of Christ, of the gospel, of iniquity, the mystery kept secret or hidden away. To have a clear conscience (καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει; kithara syneidesei) means to have an ethically clean understanding and awareness of the Gospel. It is the Gospel for which the deacon must presently and actively hold (ἔχοντας; echontas). He can never depart from the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
“Although the deacon is tasked primarily not with teaching the people of God but with mercy ministries such as caring for widows and orphans (Acts 6:1–6), there are many occasions in which deacons will offer instruction. Assisting a family who is suffering a severe budget crisis involves the distribution of funds and advice in how to wisely use the family’s finances. In this case, the deacon will undoubtedly rely on the wisdom and principles of Scripture to help the family learn how to manage their money. When the opportunity comes to help non-Christians, the deacon may very well be called upon to explain the Christian faith and the motivation it provides for doing “good to everyone” (Gal. 6:10). These situations and many others that can possibly arise require deacons to be solidly grounded in the truths of the Bible,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Deacons must hold the mystery of faith “with a clear conscience” (1 Tim. 3:9). In other words, their consciences should not accuse them of lying when they profess the Christian faith. A deacon’s confession must not be mere lip service but something that he embraces with both mind and heart. The deacon without a clear conscience lacks the integrity needed to do his job well. More importantly, he lacks saving knowledge of the One whom he claims to serve.”
Sixth, deacons must finally be tested (δοκιμαζέσθωσαν; dokimazesthosan). This means God commands elders to continually examine and approve active, and potential, deacons.
It should be clearly evident men who serve as deacons must meet these qualifications. If they do not, they cannot serve in this office.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 4 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887), 234.
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