1 Timothy 3:13
New International Version
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

New Living Translation
Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

English Standard Version
For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
For those having served well acquire a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

King James Bible
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

New King James Version
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

NASB 1995
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

NASB 1977
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Legacy Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Amplified Bible
For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.

Christian Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version
For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
Those who serve well as officers will earn a good reputation and will be highly respected for their faith in Christ Jesus.

English Revised Version
For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation and will have confidence as a result of their faith in Christ Jesus.

Good News Translation
Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

International Standard Version
Those ministers who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah Jesus.

Majority Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

NET Bible
For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
For those who have served well as deacons gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Webster's Bible Translation
For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
For those who have filled the deacon's office wisely and well, are already gaining for themselves an honourable standing, and are acquiring great freedom of speech in proclaiming the faith which rests on Christ Jesus.

World English Bible
For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for those who ministered well acquire a good step to themselves, and much boldness in faith that [is] in Christ Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
For those having served well acquire a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
for those who did minister well a good step to themselves do acquire, and much boldness in faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Smith's Literal Translation
For they having served well, acquire to themselves a good step, and much freedom of speech in the faith which in Christ Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For they that have ministered well, shall purchase to themselves a good degree, and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For those who have ministered well will acquire for themselves a good position, and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

New American Bible
Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For those who minister well earn good recognition for themselves and grow more familiar with the faith of Jesus Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For those who serve well purchase a good rank for themselves and much boldness in the faith of Yeshua The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For those who have filled the office of a deacon well, gain for themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
For those having ministered the office of a deacon beautifully procure to themselves beautiful progress, and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
For they who discharge the office of a deacon with propriety, acquire to themselves a respectable station in the church, and great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ.

Mace New Testament
for they who duly discharge that office, prepare their way to a higher degree, and may promote the christian faith with the greater freedom.

Weymouth New Testament
For those who have filled the deacon's office wisely and well, are already gaining for themselves an honourable standing, and are acquiring great freedom of speech in proclaiming the faith which rests on Christ Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
For those serving well as deacons acquire for themselves a noble standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Worsley New Testament
For they, that discharge the office of a deacon well, gain to themselves a good degree of honor, and much freedom in promoting the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Qualifications for Deacons
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household. 13For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things…

Cross References
Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Acts 6:8
Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Matthew 25:23
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:10
Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

1 Peter 5:1-4
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ...

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Romans 11:13
I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

2 Timothy 2:15
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.


Treasury of Scripture

For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

they.

Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 16:10-12
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much…

Luke 19:17
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

used.

Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Romans 12:7,8
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; …

1 Corinthians 16:15
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

degree.

Acts 21:35
And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

great.

Acts 6:5,8,15
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: …

Acts 7:1
Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

Philippians 1:14
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Jump to Previous
Acquiring Already Assurance Boldness Christ Confidence Deacon Deacons Degree Excellent Faith Fear Filled Free Freedom Gain Gaining Good Great High Honourable Jesus Ministered Obtain Office Position Proclaiming Purchase Served Speech Standing Themselves Used Wisely Work
Jump to Next
Acquiring Already Assurance Boldness Christ Confidence Deacon Deacons Degree Excellent Faith Fear Filled Free Freedom Gain Gaining Good Great High Honourable Jesus Ministered Obtain Office Position Proclaiming Purchase Served Speech Standing Themselves Used Wisely Work
1 Timothy 3
1. How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;
14. and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.
15. Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.














For those who have served well as deacons
The role of a deacon in the early church was one of service and support, primarily focused on meeting the practical needs of the congregation. This phrase emphasizes the importance of fulfilling this role with diligence and integrity. The Greek word for deacon, "diakonos," means servant or minister, highlighting the servant leadership model exemplified by Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45). The early church in Acts 6:1-6 provides a context where deacons were appointed to ensure fair distribution of resources, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.

acquire for themselves a high standing
Serving well as a deacon leads to a respected position within the church community. This "high standing" is not about worldly status but about spiritual influence and moral authority. It reflects the biblical principle that humility and faithful service lead to exaltation by God (James 4:10). The respect gained is both from God and the church body, as seen in the commendation of faithful servants in Matthew 25:21.

and great confidence
This confidence is a deep assurance and boldness in one's faith and service. It is the result of a clear conscience and a life lived in accordance with God's will. Hebrews 10:35-36 speaks to the importance of maintaining confidence in the faith, which leads to receiving God's promises. This confidence is not self-derived but is rooted in the assurance of God's approval and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

in the faith that is in Christ Jesus
The faith mentioned here is specifically centered on Jesus Christ, the foundation of Christian belief. This phrase underscores the centrality of Christ in the life and service of a deacon. It is a reminder that all Christian service is ultimately about pointing others to Christ and building His kingdom. The faith in Christ is both the source and the goal of a deacon's service, as seen in passages like Colossians 3:17, which calls believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with organizing the church and ensuring sound doctrine.

3. Deacons
Church leaders responsible for serving the congregation, distinct from elders, with a focus on practical service and administration.

4. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges in maintaining Christian doctrine.

5. Christ Jesus
Central figure of the Christian faith, in whom believers find their confidence and standing.
Teaching Points
The Value of Service
Serving well as a deacon is highly esteemed in the church and before God. It is a role that requires dedication and integrity.

Spiritual Growth through Service
Engaging in service builds spiritual maturity and confidence in one's faith. It is a practical way to live out the teachings of Christ.

Leadership and Humility
True leadership in the church is marked by humility and a willingness to serve others, following the example of Christ.

Confidence in Christ
The confidence gained through faithful service is rooted in a deeper relationship with Christ, not in personal achievements.

Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders
Those aspiring to leadership roles should focus on serving well in their current capacities, trusting that God will honor their faithfulness.(13) For they that have used the office of a deacon well.--Better rendered, for they that have served well as deacons. It was with good reason that the Apostle laid great stress on the many and varied qualifications necessary for one undertaking the duties of a deacon of the Church--for very great indeed was the reward reserved for the true, loyal deacon when his work was over and done (and if for the man who had performed well his work in the lower office, a fortiori for the one who should faithfully fulfil the yet higher duties of an elder or overseer in the Church).

Purchase to themselves a good degree.--Some scholars have suggested as a better rendering, "are acquiring (or gaining) to themselves a good standing. The old translation perhaps is best. Alford writes strikingly on the change of tense: "They that have used are acquiring or purchasing." The Apostle having begun by placing himself at the great day of retribution, now shifts the scene and deals with their present conduct. "Those who shall then be found to have served well, &c. . . . are now, &c."

The "good degree" they are now purchasing by earnest, patient work may refer to advancement to the higher ministries of the Church, but, more probably, has reference to their future position in the blessed life to come. This is one of the passages not unfrequent in St. Paul's Epistles, where degrees of glory among the redeemed are clearly spoken of. The plain words of St. Paul and his Master teach the people of God that although the great act of redemption alone belongs to Christ, that through His merits only men obtain salvation, still His own, will in a great measure determine, by their works and days on earth, the position they will occupy in His kingdom.

And great boldness.--The true and faithful deacons not only will in the life to come win the great reward, but here the result of their loyal, earnest service would be, that before men they would do their work with serene, fearless confidence, and would at the same time be encouraged to approach that heavenly Father at all times with the loving trustfulness of children.

In the faith which is in Christ Jesus.--Faith was the foundation of the "great boldness," and the faith rested on Jesus Christ.

Verse 13. - Served well as deacons for used the office of a deacon well, A.V.; gain to themselves a good standing for purchase to themselves a good degree, A.V. Served... as deacons (διακονήσαντες); as in ver. 10. In this technical sense only found in these two passages; which well agrees with the late date of this Epistle, when the technical sense of διάκονος was established. Gain to themselves a good standing. The sense of the passage depends a good deal upon the exact meaning of βαθμός. In 1 Samuel 5:4, 5, in the LXX., βαθμός is the rendering of מִפְתָּן (rendered αἴθριον in Ezekiel 9:3; Ezekiel 10:4), a somewhat unusual word for a "threshold." In 2 Kings 20:9, 10, 11, it is the rendering of מַעֲלָה, "a degree on the sun-dial." This latter seems to suit better the verb περιποιοῦνται, they gain or acquire, which suggests the idea of advancement. It does not follow that St. Paul had in his mind their advancement from the "inferior office" to "the higher ministries in the Church" (Ordination Service); he may merely have meant to say that the discharge of the duties of a deacon in an efficient and exemplary manner raised a man to high estimation in the Church, and so gave him confidence in confessing the faith of Jesus Christ both by word and deed. Gain to themselves (περιποιοῦνται); acquire by purchase or otherwise. Frequent in the LXX.; but only elsewhere in the New Testament in Acts 20:28. Boldness (παρρησίαν); very common in the New Testament (comp. Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Ephesians 6:19; Philippians 1:20, etc.), where it is especially applied to boldness in preaching the gospel of Christ. This seems to imply that St. Paul contemplated preaching as a part of the deacon's work. We know that Philip the deacon and Stephen the deacon were both preachers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

those who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

have served
διακονήσαντες (diakonēsantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.

well [as deacons]
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

acquire
περιποιοῦνται (peripoiountai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4046: To acquire, earn, purchase, make my own, preserve alive.

for themselves
ἑαυτοῖς (heautois)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

a high
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

standing
βαθμὸν (bathmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 898: A step (of a stairway); hence: a stage in a career, a position. From the same as bathos; a step, i.e. grade.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

great
πολλὴν (pollēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

confidence
παρρησίαν (parrēsian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3954: From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] faith
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

that [is]
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:13 For those who have served well gain (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 3:12
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