1 Timothy 3:13

Used the office of a deacon. Gr. diakoned, “to serve” (see on Acts 6:1). The entire phrase reads literally, “they who served,” or “they who ministered.” Paul now summarizes vs. 1-12 and presents an incentive for all to serve faithfully in their appointed offices — bishops, elders, deacons, and deaconesses. Even though by this time the term diakonos, “deacon,” was beginning to assume its more specific, technical meaning, it was still employed to describe all who served the church in any capacity. Paul, though an apostle, frequently described himself (see 1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4; 11:23; Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:23) and Timothy, pastor of the Ephesus church (see 1 Tim. 4:6), as diakonoi (plural of diakonos).

Purchase. Gr. peripoied, “to gain,” “to preserve” (see on Eph. 1:14). Faithful service results in an increased capacity to serve even more faithfully in the future.

Degree. Gr. bathmos, “step,” “threshold,” that is, rank, status, or standing among people. Growing efficiency in church work is evidence of deepening fellowship with God, and results in increased respect in the community. Paul does not represent the performance of church duties as a means of securing personal salvation, or work faithfully done on earth as earning one a more exalted status in eternity.

Boldness. Gr. parresia, “fearless confidence,” “cheerful courage” (see on Acts 4:13).

Paul frequently uses parresia to describe the confidence all church members should have in the success of the gospel plan and in their own personal achievements through a vital connection with Christ by faith (see Eph. 3:12; Phil. 1:20; Heb. 3:6; 4:16; 10:19, 35). When a church officer is united with Christ, no problem, whether personal or professional, should cause him to become discouraged. Doing well each assigned task will result in serenity and confidence, and prepare a man to meet more difficult problems in the future.

The faith. That is, the Christian faith, which finds its center in Christ.