Thursday, December 09, 2010
Deacons/deaconess and I Timothy 3
This is the passage that says more about Deacons than anywhere else. You have discussions of the kind of men who are to be elders, then in verses 8-10 it speaks of Deacons. Verse 11 talks about women, then verses 12 and 13 about deacons.
I am not a scholar. And there are lots of theologians who debate what this passage means, but let me share some observations and questions.
Deacons are called men in verse 8 and are to be the husband of one wife according to verse 12. That sure seems to mean men. If verse 11 is about female deacons, I have to assume they do not need to be married since there is no mention of one husband.
Almost all translations say "wives", not "women".
It would seem to be the most natural interpretation.
However... why is there no discussion of elder's wives? And if this is about wives of both elders and deacons, it is in an unusual place.
If God wanted this to refer to female deacons, why use the word for women/wife? Why not just say Deaconess?
If this does refer to a position held by women, then it is clear that women can not be elders because chapter 2 has the instruction about women not teaching or having authority over a man. Of course, a Deaconess would be a position of service, not authority.
If it does refer to a Deacon's wife, would that make them a Deaconess? In other words, is a married Servant couple a Deacon and Deaconess.
Now, feel free to answer, question, or rebut (or agree) with any and all. I learn lots from your comments.
I am not a scholar. And there are lots of theologians who debate what this passage means, but let me share some observations and questions.
Deacons are called men in verse 8 and are to be the husband of one wife according to verse 12. That sure seems to mean men. If verse 11 is about female deacons, I have to assume they do not need to be married since there is no mention of one husband.
Almost all translations say "wives", not "women".
It would seem to be the most natural interpretation.
However... why is there no discussion of elder's wives? And if this is about wives of both elders and deacons, it is in an unusual place.
If God wanted this to refer to female deacons, why use the word for women/wife? Why not just say Deaconess?
If this does refer to a position held by women, then it is clear that women can not be elders because chapter 2 has the instruction about women not teaching or having authority over a man. Of course, a Deaconess would be a position of service, not authority.
If it does refer to a Deacon's wife, would that make them a Deaconess? In other words, is a married Servant couple a Deacon and Deaconess.
Now, feel free to answer, question, or rebut (or agree) with any and all. I learn lots from your comments.
