Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
Parallel translations
- WEB Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless.
- KJV And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
- BSB Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
- NKJV But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
- NASB These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Deacons should first be tested, then serve if found blameless. It calls for proven character before official service.
Overview
Paul directs that deacon candidates be examined before appointment. Only those shown to be 'blameless' should serve. The principle protects the church by ensuring leaders are tested, not hastily installed.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- 1 Tim 5:22Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure.
- 1 Tim 3:13For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Titus 1:6–7if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.
- 1 Cor 1:8who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Tim 3:6not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
- Acts 6:1–2Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
- 1 Tim 3:2The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;
- Col 1:22yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him,
- 1 Jn 4:1Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
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There is 'one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all' — the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.
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Original language
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