Teks -- 1 Timothy 3:8 (NET)

3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: 1Ti 3:8 - Deacons

Deacons ( diakonous ).

Accusative case of general reference like the preceding with dei einai understood. Technical sense of the word here as in Phi 1:1 which see (two classes of church officers, bishops or elders, deacons).

Robertson: 1Ti 3:8 - Grave

Grave ( semnous ).

See note on Phi 4:8. Repeated in 1Ti 3:11; Tit 2:2.

Robertson: 1Ti 3:8 - Not double-tongued

Not double-tongued ( mē dilogous ).

Rare word (dis , legō ) saying same thing twice. Xenophon has dilogeō and dilogia . In Pollux, but lxx has diglōssos (double-tongued, Latin bilinguis ). Only here in N.T. One placed between two persons and saying one thing to one, another to the other. Like Bunyan’ s Parson "Mark. Two-Tongues."

Robertson: 1Ti 3:8 - Not given to much wine

Not given to much wine ( mē oinōi pollōi prosechontas ).

"Not holding the mind (ton noun understood as usual with prosechō , 1Ti 1:4) on much wine"(oinōi , dative case). That attitude leads to over-indulgence.

Robertson: 1Ti 3:8 - Not greedy of filthy lucre

Not greedy of filthy lucre ( mē aischrokerdeis ).

Old word from aischros (Eph 5:12) and kerdos (Phi 1:21). "Making small gains in mean ways"(Parry). Not genuine in 1Ti 3:3. In N.T. only here and Tit 1:7 (of bishops).

Vincent: 1Ti 3:8 - Deacons

Deacons

The office of Deacon appears in the Pastorals, but not in Paul's letters, with the single exception of Phi 1:1, where the Deacons do not represent an ecclesiastical office, though they remark an advance toward it. Clement of Rome ( ad Corinth . xlii., xliv.) asserts their apostolic appointment. But the evidence at our command does not bear out the view that the institution of the diaconate is described in Act 6:1-6. The terms διάκονος and διακονία are, in the Pauline writings, common expressions of servants and service either to Christ or to others. Paul applies these terms to his own ministry and to that of his associates. Διακονία is used of the service of the apostles, Act 1:25; Act 6:4. Διάκονος is used of Paul and Apollos (1Co 3:5); of Christ (Gal 2:17; Rom 15:8); of the civil ruler (Rom 13:4); of ministers of Satan (2Co 11:15). The appointment of the seven grew out of a special emergency, and was made for a particular service; and the resemblance is not close between the duties and qualifications of deacons in the Pastorals and those of the seven. The word δὶ±́κονος does not appear in Acts; and when Paul and Barnabas brought to Jerusalem the collection for the poor saints, they handed it over to the elders.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:8 - In like manner

In like manner ( ὡσαύτως )

Rare in Paul (Rom 8:26; 1Co 11:25). Frequent in Pastorals.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:8 - Grave

Grave ( σεμνούς )

In Paul only Phi 4:8. See on σεμνότης gravity , 1Ti 2:2.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:8 - Double-tongued

Double-tongued ( διλόγους )

N.T.o . o lxx, o Class. Saying one thing and meaning another, and making different representations to different people about the same thing.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:8 - Given to much wine

Given to much wine ( οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας )

See on 1Ti 1:4. Total abstinence is not enjoined, even on a deacon. Comp. 1Ti 5:23.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:8 - Greedy of filthy lucre

Greedy of filthy lucre ( αἰσχροκερδεῖς )

N.T.o . o lxx. The adverb αἰσχροκερδῶς in a base , gain - greedy way , 1Pe 5:2. From αἰσχρός disgraceful and κέρδος gain . Comp. Hdt. i. 187: εἰ μὴ ἄπληστός τε ἔας χρημάτων καὶ αἰσχροκερδής if thou hadst not been insatiable of wealth and ready to procure it by disgraceful means . Aristoph. Peace , 622, alludes to two vices of the Spartans, ὄντες αἰσχροκερδεῖς καὶ διειρωνόξενοι sordidly greedy of gain , and treacherous under the mask of hospitality . Similarly Eurip. Androm . 451. Comp. turpilucricupidus , Plaut. Trin . 1, 2, 63.

Wesley: 1Ti 3:8 - Likewise the deacons must he serious

Men of a grave, decent, venerable behaviour. But where are presbyters? Were this order essentially distinct from that of bishops, could the apostle have passed it over in silence? Not desirous of filthy gain - With what abhorrence does he everywhere speak of this! All that is gained (above food and raiment) by ministering in holy things is filthy gain indeed; far more filthy than what is honestly gained by raking kennels, or emptying common sewers.

JFB: 1Ti 3:8

The deacons were chosen by the voice of the people. CYPRIAN [Epistle, 2.5] says that good bishops never departed from the old custom of consulting the people. The deacons answer to the chazzan of the synagogue: the attendant ministers, or subordinate coadjutors of the presbyter (as Timothy himself was to Paul, 1Ti 4:6; Phm 1:13; and John Mark, Act 13:5). Their duty was to read the Scriptures in the Church, to instruct the catechumens in Christian truths, to assist the presbyters at the sacraments, to receive oblations, and to preach and instruct. As the "chazzan" covered and uncovered the ark in the synagogue, containing the law, so the deacon in the ancient Church put the covering on the communion table. (See CHRYSOSTOM [19], Homily on Acts; THEOPHYLACT on Luke 19; and BALSAMAN on Canon 22, Council of Laodicea). The appointing of "the seven" in Act 6:1-7 is perhaps not meant to describe the first appointment of the deacons of the Church. At least the chazzan previously suggested the similar order of deacons.

JFB: 1Ti 3:8 - double-tongued

Literally, "of double speech"; saying one thing to this person, and another to that person [THEODORET]. The extensive personal intercourse that deacons would have with the members of the Church might prove a temptation to such a fault. Others explain it, "Saying one thing, thinking another" (Pro 20:19; Gal 2:13). I prefer the former.

JFB: 1Ti 3:8 - not greedy of filthy lucre

All gain is filthy (literally, "base") which is set before a man as a by-end in his work for God [ALFORD] (1Pe 5:2). The deacon's office of collecting and distributing alms would render this a necessary qualification.

Clarke: 1Ti 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons

Likewise must the deacons - The term deacon, διακονος, simply signifies a regular or stated servant: from δια, through or emphatic, and κονεω, to minister or serve. See it explained in the note on Mat 20:26. As nearly the same qualifications were required in the deacons as in the bishops, the reader may consult what is said on the preceding verses

Clarke: 1Ti 3:8 - Grave

Grave - Of a sedate and dignified carriage and conduct

Clarke: 1Ti 3:8 - Not double-tongued

Not double-tongued - Speaking one thing to one person, and another thing to another, on the same subject. This is hypocrisy and deceit. This word might also be translated liars

Clarke: 1Ti 3:8 - Not given to much wine

Not given to much wine - Neither a drunkard, tippler, nor what is called a jovial companion. All this would be inconsistent with gravity

Clarke: 1Ti 3:8 - Not greedy of filthy lucre

Not greedy of filthy lucre - See on 1Ti 3:3 (note).

Calvin: 1Ti 3:8 - Likewise the deacons // Grave, not double-tongued

8.Likewise the deacons There is no reason why the diversity of interpretations should lead us to entertain any doubt. It is certain that time Apostle speaks of those who hold a public office in the Church; and this refutes the opinion of those who think that domestic servants are here meant. As to the view given by others, that it denotes presbyters who are inferior to the bishop, that is without foundation; for it is manifest from other passages, that the term bishop belongs alike to all presbyters. ⁶³ All are constrained to acknowledge this; and more especially a passage in the first chapter of the Epistle to Titus proves clearly that this is the meaning. (Tit 1:7.) It remains to be stated that we understand “the deacons” to be those who are mentioned by Luke, (Act 6:3,) and who had the charge of the poor. But those who wish to have a more full account of the duties of deacons may consult the Institutes. ⁶⁴

Grave, not double-tongued The first four virtues, with which he wishes them to be endowed, are of themselves sufficiently well known. Yet it ought to be carefully observed that he advises them not to be double-tongued; because it is a vice which it is difficult to avoid in the discharge of that office, and yet ought, more than anything else, to be kept at a distance from it.

TSK: 1Ti 3:8 - the deacons // be // doubletongued // not given

the deacons : Act 6:3-6; Phi 1:1

be : 1Ti 3:4

doubletongued : Psa 5:9, Psa 12:2, Psa 50:19, Psa 52:2; Rom 3:13; Jam 3:10

not given : 1Ti 3:3; Lev 10:9; Eze 44:21

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 1Ti 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave // Not double-tongued // Not given to much wine // Not greedy of filthy lucre

Likewise must the deacons be grave: the term deacon signifies the same with one that ministereth, and is applicable to any that have any service in the church. But it is also a term peculiar to the office of those who serve tables, that is, took care of the poor, for which purpose these officers were first instituted, Act 6:3 ; and thus the term is taken, Rom 12:7,8 Php 1:1 ; and so it here must be interpreted, being distinctly mentioned from the other officers, whose qualifications were before expressed, nor is it required of these officers that they should be didaktikoi , apt to teach. Indeed both Stephen and Philip did preach, but the latter was an evangelist, and it was a time of persecution, when even the more private brethren went every where preaching the gospel. Of these officers he requires, that they should be persons not of light, airy tempers, but serious and composed, men of a modest, seemly carriage.

Not double-tongued not excessive talkers, or men that regarded not what they said, but talked any thing, according to the place or company they were in or with.

Not given to much wine not too much attending taverns, and places where wine was sold or drank.

Not greedy of filthy lucre not greedy of gain, any sordid, base way.

PBC: 1Ti 3:8

For comments on 1Ti 3:8-13 See GG: 19,26 June 27, 2004

With one exception, "apt to teach," I’d be inclined to define the qualifications for the office of deacon almost exactly the same as for the office of a minister. If we compare the two lists, we will enlighten both with added clarity. For example, can you imagine a preacher who is apt to teach standing in the pulpit and trying to deliver a sermon when he does not have a "pure conscience"?

We hold that God calls a man to the ministry. Paul referred to the Lord "putting" him into the ministry. {1Ti 1:12} We note that he did not here refer to his apostleship, but to his "ministry." Based on this and other passages that refer to God’s appointment or calling of preachers, I believe it is appropriate to add this point to the distinctions between the two offices. There is no passage that indicates a similar calling to the office of deacon. When the apostles first established the office of deacon, {Ac 6:1-15} they did not instruct the church to seek out men who gave evidence of God putting them into the position or function. They focused on men who met the specific qualifications listed. If the men qualified, the apostles ordained them to the work. Conduct qualifies a man for the office of deacon. Conduct, teaching ability, and calling qualifies a man for the office of ministry.

See also PB: 1Ti 3:1

275

Haydock: 1Ti 3:8 - Deacons

Deacons, &c. By the Greek, grave, sober, &c. But why does he pass from bishops to deacons, not naming priests? St. John Chrysostom answers, that priests were comprehended under the name of bishops, their functions being much the same, except as to the ordination of the ministers of God. (Witham) ---

After speaking of bishops he passes on to deacons, because priests are included in the former title; and every thing that he has said of the first, is applicable to them. (Estius)

Gill: 1Ti 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave // not doubletongued // not given to much wine // not greedy of filthy lucre

Likewise must the deacons be grave,.... The apostle proceeds to give the qualifications, and so the rules for choosing another sort of officers in the church, deacons; whose work and business is, not to preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances; but to take care of the secular affairs of the church, and particularly to serve tables; to provide the bread and wine for the Lord's table, to attend at it, and distribute the elements from the minister to the people, to collect for it, defray the charges of it, and divide what remains among the poor; and they are to take care of the minister's table, that he is provided for in a comfortable way, and to stir up the members to their duty in this respect; and to take care of the poor's table, and distribute what the church collects for them, with simplicity and cheerfulness; and are to be helps to the pastor, in observing the walk of members, in composing differences between them, in visiting the sick and poor, and in preparing matters for church meetings. Their characters are, that they be "grave"; in their speech, gesture, and dress; honest, and of good report among men; and chaste in their words and actions; all which may be signified by the word here used; and the latter may be rather hinted at, because of Nicholas, one of the first deacons, who was charged with uncleanness:

not doubletongued; whose hearts and tongues do not agree together; and who, being a sort of middle persons between the pastor and the members of the church, say one thing to one, and another to the other; which to do is of bad consequence: or who speak well to the poor when they apply to them, and promise them to do them all the service they can, and when it comes to the upshot speak against them:

not given to much wine; which impairs the health, stupefies the mind, and so renders unfit for any such office, as well as wastes the temporal estate; and may lead them to embezzle and consume the church's stock:

not greedy of filthy lucre; for such would withhold from the poor that which is meet for them, and make use of money in their hands, to their own advantage.