“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.” (1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV)
Today’s text ushers in the frequently debated subject regarding whether the Apostle Paul was speaking just of the wives of deacons, or the possibility of women serving as deaconesses. God calls all believers in Christ into service (I Peter 4:10-11), but does I Timothy 3:11 allow for service in the office of deaconesses?
A key component to this discussion is the word Paul used in referring to these women (γυναῖκας; gynaikas). This plural noun means an unmarried adult women or an adult female wife of an adult male in the immediate context of I Timothy 3:8-10.
“In the requirements for those who would serve on the diaconate, Paul in today’s passage comments on the deacons’ “wives,” as the English Standard Version translates the Greek word gynaikas in 1 Timothy 3:11. But this word can also be rendered as “women,” which would make this passage have a significantly different meaning. If the passage is to be read as talking about the wives of male deacons, then the office of deacon, like the office of elder, is limited to men alone. Yet if gynaikas means “women,” then Paul is talking about female servants or deaconesses, opening up the diaconate to women as well as men. Unfortunately, it is hard to determine the apostle’s meaning because the contextual details provide little help in choosing the most appropriate translation,” explains one commentator.
What are the arguments “for” the office of deaconess? The following positive opinions are offered for consideration.
First, Paul gave no qualifications for elders’ wives (I Tim. 3:1-7). As such, there is no parallel for deacons’ wives. This at least suggests the office of deaconess is in view.
Second, an argument for deaconesses are the requirements given in verse 11, which will be examined later on in this essay. These requirements are the same as those mandated of male deacons (see vv. 8–10).
Third, supporters of deaconesses cite Romans 16:1. The Apostle Paul called Phoebe a diakonon, a version of the Greek word often translated as “deacon” (diakonos). Since Scripture interprets Scripture, this lends credence for the existence of deaconesses in the early church.
Finally, there is no specific command for women not having authority. What Paul wrote preventing women serving as church elders (1 Tim. 2:12–15; 3:1-7), he does refer to in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 barring women from the diaconate.
“The Greek word gynē can mean either “wife” or “woman. Paul likely here refers not to deacons’ wives, but to the women who serve as deacons. The use of the word “likewise” (cf. v. 8) suggests a third group in addition to elders and deacons. Also, since Paul gave no requirements for elders’ wives, there is no reason to assume these would be qualifications for deacons’ wives,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
What are the alternative arguments against women serving as deaconesses? Opponents of women serving as deaconesses give several reasons why Paul would give qualifications for deacons’ wives and not those of elders’ wives.
First, deacons serve in ministries of mercy. They often have close contact with people on occasions when a woman’s assistance is needed. It would be awkward for male deacons to aid sick women in many instances. However, their wives could help bathe, dress, or even care for women with such needs.
Second, those opposed to Paul allowing for female deacons do not think it is significant the apostle called Phoebe a diakonon. The term can simply mean “servant,” not an ordained office.
While the debate continues as to whether the Scriptures support deaconesses, the qualifications for these wives was clearly stated. There are four highlighted behavioral qualities these women were to possess.
First, they were to be dignified as their husbands (I Tim. 3:8). To be dignified (σεμνάς; semnas) means a woman who was serious and worthy of respect.
Second, they must not be slanderers (διαβόλους; diabolous). A slanderer is an individual who is malicious in their speech. It is a title frequently given to Satan (Matt. 4:5, 8, 11; 13:39; Luke 4:3, 5–6, 13; 8:12; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 2:10; 12:9, 12; 20:2, 10).
Third, they must be sober-minded (νηφαλίους; nephalious). To be sober-minded means temperate and not one associated with wine or alcohol.
Fourth, they must be faithful in all things. To be faithful (πιστὰς; pistas) means to be committed to, dependent upon, trusting in and honoring the Lord Jesus Christ. These women were to be trustworthy in their lives and ministries.
“Reformed Christians who affirm Scripture’s final authority continue to differ over whether women may be ordained as deacons. What is not up for debate is that the traits Paul lists in 1 Timothy 3:11 should be true of all Christian women, regardless of one’s position on deaconesses,” concludes Dr. R. C. Sproul.
If you are a Christian woman, are you making a concerted effort to be dignified, to avoid slander, to be seriously minded about godliness, and to be faithful? If you are a man, are you encouraging the women in your life in these qualities?
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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