1 Timothy 3:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

NIV: In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

NASB: Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money,

CSB: Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,

NLT: In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.

KJV: Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

NKJV: Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,

This verse transitions from leadership qualifications for elders to those of deacons. The root word used in this passage is diakonos, literally meaning a "servant". Though Acts 6:1–7 does not refer to specific men as "deacons," that event appears to be the first time a similar group was created. It should be noted that Paul begins this list with the word "likewise," meaning deacons were to share many of the similar qualifications as elders. Not all of the same ideas are repeated, but those that are should be applied in similar ways.

First, deacons are to be "dignified," a word meaning respected or honorable. As with elders, this speaks to their reputation both inside and outside the church.

Second, they are not to be "double-tongued" or literally "speaking double." The idea seems to be one of a hypocrite or liar. It can also refer to those who put on a different "face" for different groups of people—showing a deceptive or dishonest streak. A man known for this practice was unfit for the role of deacon.

Third, a deacon was not to be "addicted to much wine." As with elders (1 Timothy 3:3), drunkenness was not fitting for a church leader. Note, again, that Paul does not take this obvious opportunity to condemn all alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol was permitted and sometimes even encouraged (1 Timothy 5:23). Drunkenness, however, is clearly a sin and those prone to addiction are not suitable for the role of deacon. The Old Testament includes many examples of godly men who became drunk and suffered negative consequences, such as Noah and Samson.

Like elders, deacons cannot be greedy. Both groups of leaders steward the resources of the church and must be able to operate free from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10).

First Timothy 3:8–13 gives qualifications for those who wish to serve as ''deacons,'' or ''servants,'' within the church. Many of these are duplicates of the requirements given for elders, including a good reputation and a respectable control over their own homes. Deacons are also prohibited from being those with a reputation for being two-faced, greedy, or prone to addiction. Unlike elders, who have probably already been ''tested,'' Paul says deacons should submit to a time of testing and be installed when they prove themselves ''blameless.''

First Timothy chapter 3 expresses requirements for two different levels of church leadership. The first are ''elders'' or ''overseers.'' These men are to be experienced Christians, respectable, capable teachers, with a good reputation and a well-ordered family life. The second group are ''servants,'' or ''deacons,'' who share many of the same expectations. Unlike elders, however, deacons are not necessarily called on to teach. And, they are expected to be ''tested'' prior to taking on their role.

Chapter 3 concludes Paul's general statements about church structure and behavior. In chapters 1, 2, and 3, he has laid out some broad concepts which Timothy needs to enforce in his congregation. This chapter specifically deals with the qualifications for leaders, including both elders and deacons. The next chapters will transition to Paul's warnings about certain dangers lurking around the Christian church.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.