1 Timothy 3:8 - Robertson's Book Notes (NT)

1 Timothy 3:8

6 not a¹ novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the ^asnare of the devil.

Qualifications of Deacons

8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, ^anot given to much wine, not greedy for money,

9 holding the¹ mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not¹ slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For those who have served well as deacons ^aobtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Book Notes:

Robertson's Book Notes (NT)

I Timothy

Assuming the Pauline authorship the facts shape up after this fashion. Paul had been in Ephesus (I Timothy 1:3) after his arrival from Rome, which was certainly before the burning of Rome in AD 64. He had left Timothy in charge of the work in Ephesus and has gone on into Macedonia (I Timothy 1:3), possibly to Philippi as he had hoped (Philippians 2:24). He wishes to help Timothy meet the problems of doctrine (against the Gnostics), discipline, and church training which are increasingly urgent. There are personal touches of a natural kind about Timothy's own growth and leadership. There are wise words here from the greatest of all preachers to a young minister whom Paul loved.