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If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And these also, let them be tested first; then let them serve, being blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being <i>found</i> blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being <i>found</i> blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless <i>and</i> beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They must first prove themselves. Then if no one has anything against them, they can serve as officers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Let them also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, if they are blamesless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And they must also be well-tried men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And these also, let them be tested first; then let them serve, being blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And let these also first be tried; then let them perform the office of footman, being blameless.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And these things should be proven first, and then they may minister, being without offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let these first be examined, and then let them minister after they have been found blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And those who are such should be first proved and then let them serve, being without fault.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And let these also be first proved, then let them become deacons, being blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And let them also first be proven; then let them minister the office of deacon, being irreproachable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And let these also be first proved, and if found blameless, then let them enter on the deacon?s office.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />let them be first examin'd, and if they are without reproach, let them enter upon their office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And they must also be well-tried men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, being without reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />(And let these also first be proved, then let them take the office of deacons, if they be <i>found</i> blameless.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=398" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Qualifications for Deacons</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Additionally,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtoi (DPro-NMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">they</a> <a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazesthōsan (V-PMM/P-3P) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">must first be tested.</a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly."></a> <a href="/greek/1534.htm" title="1534: eita (Adv) -- A particle of succession, then, moreover.">Then,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">if they are</a> <a href="/greek/410.htm" title="410: anenklētoi (Adj-NMP) -- Irreproachable, blameless. Unaccused, i.e. irreproachable.">above reproach,</a> <a href="/greek/1247.htm" title="1247: diakoneitōsan (V-PMA-3P) -- From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.">let them serve as deacons.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">11</span>In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a></span><br />Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6-9</a></span><br />An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. / Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">2 Corinthians 8:22</a></span><br />And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a></span><br />but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">1 Corinthians 4:2</a></span><br />Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a></span><br />not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">2 Timothy 2:2</a></span><br />And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Philippians 2:22</a></span><br />But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a></span><br />No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a></span><br />We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a></span><br />And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a></span><br />Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Proverbs 25:4</a></span><br />Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.</p><p class="hdg">let these.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6</a></b></br> Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a></b></br> Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></b></br> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.</p><p class="hdg">use.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">1 Timothy 3:13</a></b></br> For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1,2</a></b></br> And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration… </p><p class="hdg">being.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a></b></br> A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">1 Corinthians 1:8</a></b></br> Who shall also confirm you unto the end, <i>that ye may be</i> blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a></b></br> In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Character</a> <a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Deacon</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Deacons</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-13.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Found</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Office</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Proved</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">Test</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-13.htm">Unblameable</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Unblemished</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-8.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-7.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-13.htm">Character</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Deacon</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Deacons</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-17.htm">Found</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Office</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Proved</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-18.htm">Test</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-14.htm">Unblameable</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-19.htm">Unblemished</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Additionally, they must first be tested.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of proving one's character and abilities before assuming a leadership role in the church. The concept of testing is consistent with biblical principles found throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a>, which encourages believers to "test all things." In the early church, this testing likely involved observing a candidate's faithfulness, moral integrity, and ability to handle responsibilities. The testing process ensures that those who serve are genuinely committed to the faith and capable of upholding the church's values. This aligns with the wisdom literature in Proverbs, which often speaks to the importance of discernment and proving one's worth (<a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a>).<p><b>Then, if they are above reproach,</b><br>Being "above reproach" means living a life that is free from any legitimate accusation of wrongdoing. This standard is not about perfection but about maintaining a consistent and blameless character. In the cultural context of the early church, where Christians were often scrutinized by both Jewish and Roman authorities, maintaining a good reputation was crucial for the witness of the church. This requirement is echoed in other pastoral epistles, such as <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6-7</a>, where similar qualifications are listed for elders. The idea is that leaders should exemplify Christ-like behavior, serving as models for the congregation.<p><b>let them serve as deacons.</b><br>The role of deacons in the early church was primarily one of service, as seen in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a>, where the first deacons were appointed to manage the distribution of food to widows. The term "deacon" comes from the Greek word "diakonos," meaning servant or minister. This role is distinct from that of elders or overseers, focusing more on practical service and administration within the church community. The historical context of the early church, with its communal living and shared resources, necessitated such roles to ensure the well-being of all members. Deacons, by their service, reflect the servanthood of Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve" (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with organizing the church and appointing leaders.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/deacons.htm">Deacons</a></b><br>Church leaders responsible for serving the congregation, distinct from elders, with a focus on practical service and administration.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was leading the church, known for its diverse population and challenges in maintaining doctrinal purity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a></b><br>The context in which these instructions were given, emphasizing the need for order and integrity in church leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_testing.htm">The Importance of Testing</a></b><br>Before serving as deacons, individuals must be tested to ensure their faithfulness and integrity. This process helps maintain the church's purity and effectiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/being_above_reproach.htm">Being Above Reproach</a></b><br>Leaders in the church must have a blameless reputation, reflecting Christ-like character in their personal and public lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_deacons.htm">Role of Deacons</a></b><br>Deacons play a crucial role in the church by serving others and supporting the ministry, allowing elders to focus on teaching and spiritual oversight.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/character_over_competence.htm">Character Over Competence</a></b><br>While skills are important, the primary focus for church leaders should be on their character and spiritual maturity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_leadership.htm">Accountability in Leadership</a></b><br>The testing and approval process for deacons underscores the need for accountability and transparency in church leadership.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/elders_and_deacons'_qualifications.htm">What are the qualifications for elders and deacons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_1_tim_3's_morality_universal.htm">If human scientific understanding shows that morality is culturally influenced, how can 1 Timothy 3's moral standards be absolutes for all cultures and eras?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_deacons_do_in_church.htm">What are deacons' responsibilities in the church?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_roles_do_men_have_in_the_church.htm">What roles do men have in the church?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">And let these also first be proved.</span>--No formal investigation, either in public before the congregation, or in private before Timothy and his fellow presbyters, is here referred to. What is most probably the meaning of the word is--the deacon should for a time perform many of the various duties on probation, to test his fitness before he was formally set apart for the holy office. So much of the work belonging to these officials of the early Church necessarily partook of a partially secular character, that such a trial of their fitness could well be made.<p><span class= "bld">Then let them use the office of a deacon.</span>--Better rendered, <span class= "ital">let them serve as deacons, </span>if, after the trial, inquiry, and period of probation, they be found blameless.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> <span class="accented">Serve as deacons</span> for <span class="accented">use the office of a deacon</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">if they be</span> for <span class="accented">being found</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">And let these also</span>, etc. There is an ambiguity in the English here. It is not" these also" - these in addition to others, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the bishops before named - but "these be also first proved." Their general character, as described in vers. 8, 9, must not be taken upon loose hearsay, but must be put to the test by examination, by special testimony, by inquiry, and then, if they are <span class="greek">ἀνέγκλητοι</span>, not accused, not open to just blame, <span class="accented">blameless</span>, let them be admitted to serve as deacons (see <span class="accented">ver</span>. 13, note). The Church of England scrupulously acts up to these directions by requiring written testimonials, by personal inquiries made by the bishop, by the <span class="accented">Si quis</span>, by the appeal to the congregation in the Ordination Service, "Brethren, if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment, or notable crime, in any of these persons presented to be ordained deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to that office, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is;" as well as by the careful examination of the candidates. <span class="cmt_word">Blameless</span> (comp. <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6, 7</a>); <span class="greek">ἀνέγκλητος</span>, rendered in the Vulgate <span class="accented">nullum crimen habentes</span> (which seems to explain the "notable crime" of the Ordination Service), and in <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a> "unreprovable" both in the A.V. and the R.V. The whole passage, from ver. 2 to ver. 13, shows the supreme importance of a holy and blameless conversation in the clergy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Additionally,</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="grk">οὗτοι</span> <span class="translit">(houtoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">must first be tested.</span><br /><span class="grk">δοκιμαζέσθωσαν</span> <span class="translit">(dokimazesthōsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶτα</span> <span class="translit">(eita)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1534.htm">Strong's 1534: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of succession, then, moreover.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if they are</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄντες</span> <span class="translit">(ontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">above reproach,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνέγκλητοι</span> <span class="translit">(anenklētoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Irreproachable, blameless. Unaccused, i.e. irreproachable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let them serve as deacons.</span><br /><span class="grk">διακονείτωσαν</span> <span class="translit">(diakoneitōsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1247.htm">Strong's 1247: </a> </span><span class="str2">From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-10.htm">1 Timothy 3:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/3-10.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:10 Let them also first be tested (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>