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"Not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things."

Text: 1 Timothy 3:11

QUALITIES OF THE FEMALE DEACONS

If we understand the text as a reference to female deacons, then the following description about their qualities would make perfect sense.

“Likewise, (the female deacons) must be reverent,
not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.”

1 Timothy 3:11

1. Why it is unlikely to be a description of wives

a) If a deacon is already married this advice would have come “too late”.

b) The word “likewise” would have no comparison (counterpart).

c) The wives of elders were not mentioned thus there is no way to use the word “likewise” effectively.

2. Why it is more likely to be a description of female deacons

a) Because the qualities of the male deacons and the female deacons are being compared here.

b) The comparison is striking and effective.

3. The qualities highlighted:-

a) “Must be reverent”

i) This was required of male deacons. 1 Timothy 3:8

ii) It is similarly required of female deacons. 1 Timothy 3:11

b) “Not slanderers”

i) This has to do with the tongue 1 Timothy 3:8

ii) A deacon must not be double-tongued 1 Timothy 3:8

c) “Temperate”

i) This has to do with self-control. This word may also be translated “sober”.

ii) This may be compared to the self-control of the deacon with reference
to drinking of wine (1 Timothy 3:8).

d) “Faithful in all things”

i) Faithfulness is a quality that is expected of the elder and the deacon.

ii) Faithfulness with things pertaining to knowledge of faith in the Lord.

iii) Faithfulness with reference to duties entrusted.

iv) Faithfulness is another way of describing “blamelessness” (1 Timothy 3:10).

The points of comparison are truly quite compelling!