1 Timothy 3:12-13 12Make sure deacons are husbands of only one wife, good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul returns to more character qualities needed in deacons. The mention of women in verse 11 may have prompted him to focus his list on the families of deacons. The list here is similar to the one for overseers in verses 2 and 4 but briefer. Verse 12 shows that the relationship of a deacon to his family directly impacts his ministry effectiveness.
Like overseers, deacons should have only one wife (see verse 2), which would indicate their faithfulness to marriage commitment. Christian marriages should be to one person and for one’s entire lifetime. Christian love is not conditional. Committed lifetime love does not happen by accident but takes work and nurture. Deacons should also know how to manage their children and households (see verse 4). If a deacon could not care for his own family, how could he care for God’s family? This verse does not require a deacon to be married or have children, but if he does, then this is how he should live. Although these verses refer to a deacon in the male sense, they apply also to female ministers. Paul’s language and social context were limited, and so we must take the timeless principles of this chapter and apply them more broadly as needed.
Verse 13 gives a broad principle that could include all three groups mentioned in this chapter, though the focus is still on the deacons. The emphasis is on serving well and doing a good job in fulfilling one’s call in minister and leadership. The only way this is possible is by learning to trust in God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Those who serve well receive two rewards: a good standing and great confidence. The first is related to the people around and the second is within a person. Before whom is the good standing is not mentioned. It could be before the church, outsiders, God, or, more likely, all three. A life of faithfulness to Christ is a shining light to the people around. Confidence (parrēsian) can mean assurance or boldness. With mountain persecution and many obstacles before them, deacons’ confidence and reliance upon Christ would be very important. Their boldness did not come from their own abilities but through the faith in Christ. This faith is resources in Christ Jesus. As the deacons gave more of their self to Christ in consecration and daily commitment, they would find their confidence for ministry growing.
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