The Strand Study Bible

Written From Macedonia During Paul’s Release From House Arrest In Rome I TIMOTHY means “ loving that which is good ” ( I Cor 15:33 ). A pastor who “hangs with questionable people” should not pastor. 21. just (Titus 1:8) – This word ( just ) comes from the Greek word δ L κα Lο ς ( dikaios ) and means “ to be in accordance with what is right .” A pastor who fails to “want what is right” should not pastor. 22. holy (Titus 1:8) – This word ( holy ) comes from the Greek word ‘ οσLο ς ( hosios ) and means “ to be religiously right; to have the character of Christ (Acts 2:27 & 13:35).” A pastor who fails to be “ CHRIST -like” should not pastor. 23. temperate (Titus 1:8) – A pastor who fails to exercise “self-control” should not pastor. This word ( temperate ) is the Greek word ενκρ Dτ η ( enkrate ) and means “ to practice having strength from within ” (I Cor 9:25). 24. holding fast (Titus 1:9) – A pastor who fails to “defend the faith” should not pastor ( Phil 1:17 ). 25. a witness for CHRIST (II Tim 4:5) NOTE – Pastors are human like everyone else, and will fail from time to time. However, pastors, who are truly called, will strive to adhere to these requirements. 3:5a According to the original Greek, the parsing (or, break down) of this word “ he ” is third person singular ( he ), and masculine in gender. Meaning: That although there may be many pastors within a local church, only one has the God-given right to lead spiritually and rule the church. Most churches are people led (deacon boards, committees, elders, etc.) instead of pastor led. Sad but true, most churches want puppets, not pastors. Whereas a pastor leads, a puppet is led. Woe to churches led by people and their puppets, instead of led by God and His pastors (Jere 3:15). 3:5b This word ( take care ) is the Greek word επιµελησεται ( epimelesetai ) and means “ to care for those who cannot care for themselves ” (Lk 10:34-35). God views his people as sheep in need of a shepherd (pastor); in need of being led ( Heb 13:7a , 17 , I Thess 5:12 -13 and I Tim 5:17 ). 3:6 Pride is the sin that turned angels into devils, and is the blinding snare Satan sets for men (vs 7 and I Jn 2:16). 3:8 The requirements ( Likewise must ) of a deacon (servant) are as follows. He must be: 1. grave (vs 8) – This word ( grave ) is the Greek word σ εμνους ( semnous ) and means “ to be reverend; to have a seriousness of purpose. ” A deacon who jokes around all the time should not be a deacon. Also, a deacon who is not serious about witnessing for CHRIST (like the first deacons) should not be a deacon. 2. not doubletongued (vs 8) – This word ( doubletongued ) is the Greek word δ L λ ο γ ο υς ( dilogous ) and means “ to say one thing to one person and give a different view to someone else .” A deacon who speaks out of both sides of his mouth should not be a deacon. 3. not given to much wine (vs 8) – A deacon who fails to abstain from all appearances of evil should not be a deacon. 4. not greedy of filthy lucre (vs 8) – A deacon who loves “money” should not be a deacon. 5. holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (vs 9) – A deacon must be a man of spiritual depth, whose conduct is consistent with his professed beliefs. In other words he must not profess one thing but practice another. 6. blameless (vs 10) – This word ( blameless ) is the Greek word D νεγκλη τοL ( anegkletoi ) and means “ above reproach; irreproachable; not open to censure or scandal ” (vs 2). 7. their wives (vs 11) – A deacon’s wife must be qualified as well. She must be reverend and have a seriousness of purpose (grave - σ ε P ν D ς, i.e., self-respect in conduct), not a gossip ( not slanders - P η δ LDEο λ ο υς), spiritually awake ( sober - νη \D λεους, i.e., to be temperate; free from the influence of intoxicants), full of faith ( faithful - π LστD ς) 8. the husband of one wife (vs 12) – The original Greek reads “ a one-woman man .” A deacon is to be the husband of one wife; not having given a bill of divorce to one, and then marrying another. NOTE - This passage does not exclude single men from deaconing. The issue Paul is addressing here is divorce, not singleness. 9. ruling their children and their own houses well (vs 12) – A deacon who fails to “control” his home should not be a deacon. 10. male (Acts 6:1-3 and Rom 16:1 ) – A deacon should be a man. 11. non-prejudice (Acts 6:1) 12. servant (Acts 6:1-2) 13. honest (Acts 6:3) 14. Spirit-filled (Acts 6:3 and Acts 4:13 ) 15. wise (Acts 6:3) – This word ( wisdom ) is the Greek word σο\LD ς ( sophias ) and means “ to apply truth to life; to have practical wisdom in spiritual matters .” 16. meet needs (Acts 6:3) 17. faithful (Acts 6:5 and I Tim 3:11) NOTE – Deacons are human like everyone else, and will fail from time to time. However, deacons, who are truly desire to serve others, will strive to adhere to these requirements. 3:11 a Although some have argued that Romans 16:1 indicates that women can be deaconesses, verse 12 clearly limits the office of deacon (and pastor) to men ( I Tim 2:11 -14). Really now, how can a woman deacon be the husband of one wife (vs. 12)? 3:11b This word ( slanderers ) is the Greek word διαβολους ( diabolous ), from which we draw our English word “Devil.” Diabolous means “ to malign ; to accuse, whether falsely (Job 1:6-12, II Timothy 3:3 and Titus 2:3) or justly (Zech 3:1).” It is but one of many names attributed to Satan ( Job 1:6 ). 3:15 Because the local church is the support and foundation of the truth , the behavior of the believer within the leadership of the local church is of the utmost importance. 3:16 a The mystery of godliness is CHRIST in us, via the HOLY SPIRIT (Colo 1:26-27). 3:16 b This phrase ( seen of angels ) means that angels attended Jesus’ incarnation (Lk 2:11-14), his temptation (Mt 4:1-11), his agony (Lk 22:39-43), his death (Mt 26:53), his resurrection (Mt 28:1-6), and his ascension (Acts 1:10-11). 2025