There is a battle that often rages in local churches concerning the authority structure of the church. Some churches are set up in such a way that the Deacons have ultimate authority in the church, and nothing can be done without their consent. In other churches, the authority lies with various committees. Some churches are completely controlled by the congregation to the point that even one dollar cannot be spent without a church vote. There are also many churches that may have a proper authority structure on paper, however, in reality they are controlled by a small minority typically one or two families that are the ‘powers that be.’ There are also those churches that get it. They follow a true Biblical model for authority in the church with Christ as the head and the pastor or pastors as the under-shepherds leading the flock. It is clear by Paul’s instructions to Timothy in comparison to other passages of scripture that the authority structure of the church starts with Christ as the head and continues to the Pastor and staff and supported by the Deacons.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “Like overseers, deacons (cf. Phil. 1:1) must also be men of quality, even though their function in the congregation is significantly different. The word translated “deacon” (diakonos) means literally a “humble servant.” The role of the deacons is to carry out, under the elders’ oversight, some of the more menial tasks of the church so that the elders can give their attention to more important things.”^[1] It is important to remind ourselves that the overseer (bishop) and elder is one office, the office of pastor. The Deacons are to serve under the direction of the pastor to serve the families of the church and take care of various tasks as directed by the pastor so that he can give most of his attention to prayer and the preaching of the Word. The example for such a structure in the church is given in Acts 6:1-6. Certain men as called by God are to serve in a role that supports the pastor by taking some of the workload off his shoulders so that he can tend to those things that must take priority.

The Deacons are to men of high quality with similar characteristics as those who hold the office of pastor. Warren Wiersbe says, “Even though deacons are not given the authority of elders (pastors), they still must meet certain qualifications.^[2]

Grave. To be ‘grave’ is to be worthy of respect. A deacon should be a man that others can follow and pattern their life after. To be ‘grave’ also refers to being serious. Deacons are to be serious, mature men that take their responsibility as deacons very seriously.

Not doubled-tongued. A deacon is to be a man that is not a gossip. He does not say one thing to one person and something different to another person. He is one that is honest and straightforward.

Not given to much wine. Just like the pastor, the deacon should not partake in any substance that has the potential of intoxication and impending his decision making and ability to do his job well. There is also the issue of testimony. A deacon should not partake or participate in anything that could harm his testimony and hinder the cause of Christ. He is to abstain from all appearances of evil.

Not greedy for filthy lucre. A deacon is to be one who can be trusted with the church’s finances. He should not be one that is greedy for money or personal gain.

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. Deacons are to be men who are doctrinally sound. They should be students of the Bible and have a good understanding of the scriptures. Warren Wiersbe says, “A deacon who does not know the Word of God cannot manage the affairs of the church of God. A deacon who does not live the Word of God, but has a “defiled conscience,” cannot manage the church of God. Simply because a church member is popular, successful in business, or generous in his giving does not mean he is qualified to serve as a deacon.”^[3]

Proved. A deacon is to be a man that has proven himself. He has been proven as a man of integrity and godly character. He does not become a deacon overnight, however, there is a season of watching and learning and proving before he is accepted as a deacon. In this process, he is to be a man that is found blameless. He is not to be easily accused of wrong-doing or deceitful behavior.

Has the home in order. Verses 11-12 speaks about the deacon’s home. His wife is to be one that is mature, serious, and respectable. His children are to be well behaved and live honorable lives. The deacon must be a man that rules his house well.

Be involved in the work. Verse 13 speaks of the deacon serving well and in doing so God will use him greatly. Wiersbe says, “He is to use the office, not just fill it.”^[4] As the deacon is in good standing before God and others, he will be used of God to build and strengthen the church.

It is a very serious and important calling to serve the Lord in one of these high offices of the church. Being a pastor or deacon comes with great responsibility and a heavy burden. It takes men of high quality to serve in these roles.

Paul concludes this section on orderly conduct in the church in verses 14-16. He tells Timothy that he will hopefully be able to come see him soon to provide more encouragement on these matters. Paul tells Timothy that he is giving him these instructions so that they will know how to behave in the house of God in contrast to the pagan and idolatrous world around them.

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^[1] Litfin, A. D. (1985). 1 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 737). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 221). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 222). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 222). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.