Paul gives special encouragement to deacons and deaconesses that those who have served well.
- An excellent standing: They will have an excellent standing before fellow Christians. The work of deacon appears to be unattractive as they have to perform menial jobs too. But they will be used of very effectively in the ministry.
- A great boldness in the faith. The deacons could be elevated to pastoral ministry depending upon their spiritual maturity. Many churches and assemblies have raised their deacons as pastors. Because of their sincere faith, they would be used of God to build the church.
Some Negative qualifications which make him unsuitable to become a deacon are given below:
- He must not be a drinker: (3:8b): Paul advocates that the pastor should not be a drunkard. In the first-century, they were taking fresh vine which would even serve as a medicinal purpose. But too much of it would make them lose their senses. The drinking is OK for their culture, but our (Asian) culture does not permit it. A pastor must keep away from drinking.
- He must not be greedy: (3:8c): A pastor must depend upon God for his needs. He must not be greedy. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” We have several examples: The rich young man was deprived of God’s kingdom, Ananias and Sapphira.
Paul’s instructions to Timothy as a shepherd: (3:14-15):
Paul thought that it was important and necessary to write to Timothy even though he would be released and come to see him face to face. In case his release is delayed, he wants to make doubly sure that Timothy would monitor and run the church which is God’s household. It appears that Timothy would be in Ephesus for a short time as Paul’s representative. He gives some insight into the definition and purpose of the church. The church in Greek word is “Ekklesia” which is nothing but an assembly of people or God’s people. The church is the house of God because:
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- The Lord is the builder and architect.
- The Lord lives in it.
- The pillar and foundation of the church is the truth.
- The Lord’s name is honoured in the church.
The main truth to which a church should bear witness is the person and work of Jesus Christ. The living God has called His people together for His purpose. When the church stands boldly and preaches the Word of God, it is the pillar of truth manifested to all.
A brief summary of Jesus’ earthly ministry: (3:16):
Paul summarizes Jesus’ humanity and divinity
- Jesus appeared in body: (3:16a): The truth about Godliness was hidden or it was a mystery, but now it is revealed to all. Jesus Christ the third person of trinity appeared in flesh not only at His birth, but during His entire earthly ministry of 33 1/2 years.
- He was vindicated by the Spirit: (3:16b): The Lord Jesus was vindicated in the Spirit, though His own people rejected Him. He was empowered to do miracles and even to raise Himself from the dead (Rom.1:4).
- He was seen by angels: (3:16c): The Lord Jesus was seen by the elect angels. When Jesus was resurrected, angels were with Him. He died for the sinners (Lk.19:10).
- He preached to the nations: (3:16d): The Gospel is being preached to the entire world. This calls all the believers to seriously take the commission that the Lord gave to His church.
- He was believed through the generations: (3:16e): “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). The Gospel was spread to the entire world in geometrical progression. How wonderful it is to see when people believe Him and take the name of the Lord in their hearts and lips. Right from the first century, the Gospel was handed over from generation to generation, which is the greatest mystery and work of the Lord in spite of Satan’s continued intervention.
- He was taken up in glory: The Lord Jesus has ascended to heaven in the full view of men of Galilee. He went to sit at the right hand of God to intercede for us. What a wonderful God He is! All glory and honour to Him who gave us everything.
One day he will come to take back His church to share that glory. Again He will come back not as a redeemer, but as a judge to judge all the sinners.