They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Summary: It turns out that testing deacons is very similar to testing overseers. They have a lot in common.
This is an intriguing passage! How do you “test” someone who aspires to be a deacon?
In verse eight, Paul moves from his instructions about overseers into a discussion about deacons. He begins with the words, “In the same way…”
Presumably, he means, “In the same way [as you test the overseer, test also the deacon.]” So let’s take a look back at Paul’s “tests” for an overseer and see if they apply to deacons as well.
In general, an overseer must be “above reproach.” That makes sense.
He must be faithful to his wife. Yes … and an unfaithful deacon would be a bad example for the congregation.
He must be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, and hospitable. Yes. All without question.
Able to teach? That would be nice, but it is not required of a deacon.
A deacon shouldn’t be a drunk, or violent, or quarrelsome. Agreed.
“Not a lover of money.” This one is especially important. Deacons have to deal with the worldly side of an organization.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he lists eight different roles in church leadership. The seventh is “guidance,” also translated as “administration” or “leadership.” It is this role that appears to be split between overseer and deacon; the overseer provides spiritual leadership while the deacons provide administrative support.
Dealing with the administration of church business is almost always going to involve money, so not being a “lover of money” is a critical criterion. Later in his letter, Paul addresses this more directly when he says, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Returning to Paul’s list of criteria for overseers, the next “test” is how a man manages his family.
Finally, there is the requirement that he not be a recent convert so that he is not tempted by the authority of his position.
The “tests” Paul provides are both comprehensive and generally easy to use. The only difference is that the overseer needs to be able to teach, something that is highly placed in Paul’s list for the Corinthians, as well.
Application: Aspire to pass the test even if you don’t aspire to serve as a deacon.
Food for Thought: What other kinds of tests might Paul have had in mind?
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Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:10 – The Test”
