Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Read it in contextDeacons and related qualifications
Start reading at 1 Timothy 3:8 (1 Timothy 3:8 to 1 Timothy 3:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Further requirements connect service with a good conscience, faithful conduct, and proven responsibility.
3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
3:9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
3:10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
3:11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
3:12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
3:13For 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 1:1–3:16): Paul addresses Timothy, urged to remain at Ephesus, about false teaching, prayer, conduct, and the qualifications of overseers and deacons. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Deacons and related qualifications. Read 1 Timothy 3:8 through 1 Timothy 3:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Further requirements connect service with a good conscience, faithful conduct, and proven responsibility. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Deacons and related qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8 to 1 Timothy 3:13).
Start reading at 1 Timothy 3:8. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeThe requirements emphasize tested character, responsible household conduct, and a good testimony rather than ambition for status.
Connection to the wholePaul explains that these directions concern conduct in God's house and closes the chapter with the KJV's confession that God was manifest in the flesh.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.