Bible Strands
1 Timothy 3:13
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy to outline church leadership qualifications, specifically addressing deacons, while noting his intention to visit the congregation soon.
The words — καλῶς (kalōs) means well, and βαθμὸν (bathmon) denotes a standing or step.
The thread — The pattern of faithful service yielding divine recognition appears in Matthew 25:21, Hebrews 6:10, and Matthew 20:28.
Why it lands — The text states that deacons who serve well acquire a high standing and great confidence in the faith. Readers must measure their own ministry against this standard rather than pursue office for personal prestige.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For 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.
Cross-references
- Matthew 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
- Luke 16:10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
- Luke 19:17 His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
- Acts 6:5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
- Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
- Acts 6:15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
- Acts 21:35 When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.
- Romans 12:7 if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;