Devotional Notes Romans 16

 

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Paul’s Personal Greetings

D1 Phoebe, a deaconess

E1 I wrote an article about this: A Few Thoughts About Deaconesses

E2 Robertson’s Word Pictures comment on Romans 16:1:

Who is a servant of the church (ousan diakonon tēs ekklēsias). The etymology of diakonos we have had repeatedly. The only question here is whether it is used in a general sense or in a technical sense as in Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. In favour of the technical sense of “deacon” or “deaconess” is the addition of “tēs ekklēsias” (of the church). In some sense Phoebe was a servant or minister of the church in Cenchreae. Besides, right in the midst of the discussion in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Paul has a discussion of gunaikas (1 Timothy 3:11) either as women as deaconesses or as the wives of deacons (less likely though possible). The Apostolic Constitutions has numerous allusions to deaconesses. The strict separation of the sexes made something like deaconesses necessary for baptism, visiting the women, etc. Cenchreae, as the eastern port of Corinth, called for much service of this kind. Whether the deaconesses were a separate organization on a par with the deacons we do not know nor whether they were the widows alluded to in 1 Ti 5:9.

E3 The Roman believers were to help her in every way possible. This is referring to her ministry. Note, that she has been a helper to many. We should always be willing to help (if we are able) fellow believers especially if they are engaged in ministry.

D2 Priscilla and Aquila

E1 See Acts 18 and 1 Corinthians 16:19

E2 A few articles

F1 Who were Priscilla and Aquila?

F2 Priscilla and Aquila

D3 Epaenetus, the first Achaia convert. See here.

D4 Verse 6, Mary. Adam Clarke writes: Who this Mary was, or what the labor was which she bestowed upon the apostles, we know not. Her works, though hidden from man, are with God; and her name is recorded with honor in this book of life.

D5 Andronicus and Junia.

E1 Not Apostles but well known and highly regarded by the Apostles. Some articles on controversies about them:

F1 Junia Among the Apostles: The Double Identification Problem in Romans 16:7

F2 Was Junia/Junias a female apostle?

F3 Romans 16:7 at Bible Hub. Multiple translations and some comments.

E2 Two men or husband and wife? Most likely, it is husband and wife as in most translations.

D6 Amplias. See Bible Hub and Net Bible Dictionary.

D7 Verse 9,

E1 Urbane. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Stachys. Bible Hub entry.

D8 Verse 10,

E1 Apelles. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Aristobulus. Bible Hub entry.

D9 Verse 11,

E1 Herodion. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Narcissus. Bible Hub entry.

D10 Verse 12,

E1 Tryphena and Tryphosa. Most likely, they are sisters serving Christ. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Persis. Another sister in Christ. Bible Hub entry.

D11 Verse 13, Rufus. Bible Hub entry.

D12 Verse 14-15. See Haldane’s Commentary.

D13 Verse 16, showing greetings and the Christian fellowship of one family in Christ.

D14 Verse 17, two types of people to avoid.

E1 The Greek word avoid is ἐκκλίνω ekklínō. It means to turn away from even to shun.

E2 Those who create dissensions.

F1 This is mainly referring to doctrine. Many want to change the Christian doctrine taught by Jesus and the Apostles. Some ignore it. Some redefine it. Some apply a philosophical justification to come up with an unrecognizable teaching. It is best to not speculate but accept the plain, normal sense of Scripture.

F2 It applies to those who do not agree with Paul’s Roman letter.

F3 Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

E3 Those who create opportunities for sin.

F1 Sin begins in the heart, blossoms, and finally a person gives in, sins, and faces the consequences. See James 1:14-15.

F2 Often people separate for reasons not required by Scriptures. Let us be very careful.

F3 1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV but now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

F4 2 Thessalonians 3:6 NIV In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

F5 Titus 3:9-11 NIV but avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

D15 Verse 18, the motive for the errors noted in verse 17.

E1 Selfish interests and goals are common errors.

E2 Note how they believe they are serving the Lord Jesus but definitely are not serving Him.

E3 Notice their method of swaying people to their opinion. They use pleasant speech and flattery. Barclay remarks:

There are two interesting words in this passage. There is the word we have translated plausibility (chrestologia, Greek #5542). The Greeks themselves defined a chrestologos (see Greek #5542) as "a man who speaks well and who acts ill." He is the kind of man who, behind a facade of pious words, is a bad influence, who leads astray, not by direct attack, but by subtlety, who pretends to serve Christ, but in reality is destroying the faith. There is the word we have translated untainted with what is evil. It is the word akeraios (Greek #185) and it is used of metal which has no suspicion of alloy, of wine and of milk which are not adulterated with water. It describes something which is absolutely pure of any corruption. The Christian is a man whose utter sincerity must be beyond all doubt.

E4 They show great interest and kindness to others, but it is only to groom them for some evil.

E5 They flatter them and make them believe they are special to this teacher.

D16 Verse 19 refers to the Roman believers having a good testimony in society.

D17 Verse 20. God does punish. He does not say when. We must be patient. God gives us grace to be patient.

D18 Verse 21-23 are some of the believers with Paul who send their greetings and blessings to the Roman believers.

C2 Paul’s Blessing and Prayer for the Roman Christians

D1 Verse 24, Paul’s confidence in the Lord Jesus to help them.

D2 Verse 25, God has both the power/strength and desire to help us live steadfastly in the faith.

E1 We must believe God. James 5:8 CSB You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near.

E2 The ministry of all to teach what we believe and why and how we live and why is SO important. Colossians 2:5-7 CSB For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ. 6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

D3 Verse 25, the mystery is the clearness of the Gospel and the life God wants for us who live in God’s kingdom in spirit and someday in presence. It also refers that God’s blessings of salvation are not only for Jews but also Gentiles.

D4 Verse 26,

E1 The importance of prophecy

E2 God is everlasting

E3 The obedience of faith.

F1 God gives the command to believe. Mark 1:15 NLT the time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!"

F2 We can resist or not resist after the Holy Spirit frees our blindness and deadness. The Holy Spirit enables what was not enabled because of the sin nature.

G1 Resist:

H1 2 Thessalonians 1:8 CSB when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

H2 1 Peter 4:17 NKJV for the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

G2 Not resist:

H1 Acts 16:14 RSV One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul.

H2 Isaiah 50:5 RSV The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward.

G3 Luke 24:45 RSV Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

D5 Romans 16:27 WEL [May] praise [be given] to God, who alone is wise, through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

E1 Praise to God alone.

F1 Exodus 20:3 NLT You must not have any other god but me.

F2 John 4:23 NLT but the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.

E2 God is the only one with full and complete wisdom.

F1 Psalm 147:5 NLT How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!

F2 Isaiah 40:28 NLT Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

E3 Through Jesus Christ. All honor is His.

F1 Philippians 2:10-11 NLT that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

F2 John 17:1 NLT After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? To love the brothers and sisters, be faithful, trust in God’s grace to remain steadfast and faithful to the end.

Resources:

B1 For an in-depth commentary on Romans 9-11 from an Arminian viewpoint, see Romans Blog Series.

B2 Precept Austin

C1 Romans Verse by Verse(Scroll down)

C2 Romans resources

A Few Thoughts About Deaconesses

Updated 22 May 20

Is it Scriptural?

Definition

One who serves the church of God (the believers in Jesus Christ) under the direction of the pastors/elders.

Scriptures

B1 Romans 16:1-2 WEL I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea, 2 So you may welcome her in the Lord in a worthy manner as saints and assist her in whatever matter she has need of you, for she has been a helper to many including me.

B2 Other Scriptures mention deacons but otherwise not much is said. It is safe to imply the qualifications of deacon to be applied to deaconess.

Other ancient literature

B1 Pliny in his letter to the Emperor Trajan:

Even this, they affirmed, they had ceased to do after my edict by which, in accordance with your instructions, I had forbidden political associations. Accordingly, I judged it all the more necessary to find out what the truth was by torturing two female slaves who were called deaconesses.

B2 Likewise a number of times in the Apostolic Constitutions as here:

For let the bishop preside over you as one honoured with the authority of God, which he is to exercise over the clergy, and by which he is to govern all the people. But let the deacon minister to him, as Christ does to His Father; and let him serve him unblameably in all things, as Christ does nothing of Himself, but does always those things that please His Father. Let also the deaconess be honoured by you in the place of the Holy Ghost, and not do or say anything without the deacon; as neither does the Comforter say or do anything of Himself, but gives glory to Christ by waiting for His pleasure. And as we cannot believe in Christ without the teaching of the Spirit, so let not any woman address herself to the deacon or bishop without the deaconess. (ii 26)

Notes

B1 Duties of deacons/deaconess

C1 A helper for their fellow Christians. Phoebe was a helper to Paul and the local church. Note that she was of the church, so probably she was a church recognized church leader.

C2 Assist with financial matters of church, that is, believers.

C3 Assist sick, helpless, homeless, etc.

C4 Teach the Gospel, what we believe (doctrine), and how we should live (worldview and lifestyle). This is according to Scriptures as given by Jesus Christ directly or through the Apostles, prophets, and prophetesses of the New Testament era (only so because the Apostles could authenticate the teaching because they had personally been taught by Jesus).

C5 Evangelize (aren't we all?)

B2 Qualifications:

C1 Godly character: 1 Timothy 3:8-12 WEL In the same way, deacons must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to lots of wine, not greedy for filthy money, 9 Keeping the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 Let these also first be proven, then, if found blameless, let them have the position of a deacon. 11 In the same way, women must be dignified, not slanderers, free from the influence of wine, totally faithful. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

D1 Dignified, that is, of good character.

D2 Sincerity, that is, not two-faced

D3 Not addicted to alcohol

D4 Not greedy, that is, does not have the love of money

D5 Know, acknowledge, be committed to the truth of Biblical Christianity as taught by the Lord Jesus

E1 Knowledge of Bible

E2 Knowledge of Theology

E3 Knowledge of Practical Theology

E4 Knowledge of God’s rules in the New Testament

E5 Knowledge of how to live the Christian life

E6 Knowledge of godly counsel

E7 Knowledge of finances

E8 Knowledge of how to study, apply, live, and teach the Bible

E9 Knowledge of the faith in order to defend the faith

D6 Be tested, that is, not a new Christian, but one who has lived the Christian life for a few years and has faced the trials of life and remained faithful. The Apostles were with the Lord Jesus for 3 years, so was Paul.

D7 If married, the spouse must also be committed to Jesus Christ.

E1 Good character,

E2 Not be a gossiper

E3 Sober (not addicted to alcohol or drugs) God wants us to have a clear mind at all times, so that we will be alert to make good decisions and to recognize spiritual and physical dangers.

E4 Honest in everything,

E5 Only one spouse

E6 If children, then obedient.

D8 Full of wisdom (not worldly wisdom but Godly wisdom)

C2 Godly wisdom: James 3:17-18 WEL But the wisdom that is from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, approachable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and without hypocrisy. 18 Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

D1 Pure

E1 Pure has the idea of pure in God’s eyes and opinion. Pure is purged and made clean. The only pure is something that is down by God alone.

F1 Acts 15:9 NIV He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

F2 Hebrews 9:13-14 NRSV For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

E2 It is consistent thinking and acting according to God’s rules. 1 Corinthians 15:58 BSB Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

E3 It is a purity of thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D2 Peaceful, that is, not a bully or trying to start a fight

D3 Gentle Even when needing to rebuke. The object is to have one see the error of their ways, repent, and be restored. We must think like Jesus.

D4 Willingly to yield, instead of being stubborn and pushy for one’s own thinking.

D5 Compassion, that is showing mercy, not giving what one deserves.

D6 Full of good deeds.

E1 This would be helping the brethren with needs. Some examples would be moving, house cleaning, mowing, driving to an appointment, balancing a checkbook, etc. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod describes their ministry as:

Where do deaconesses serve?

Deaconesses serve primarily in three settings:

Missions — both foreign and domestic;

Congregations — teaching, visiting the sick and imprisoned, or serving in family or other caring ministry; and

Institutions — serving as chaplains in hospitals, prisons, retirement communities, and facilities that care for people with developmental disabilities.

In order for a deaconess to be endorsed as an LCMS institutional chaplain, she first must complete a master’s degree in theology along with four units of clinical pastoral education (CPE). As an institutional chaplain, a deaconess provides valuable spiritual care to those she encounters, complementing the Word and Sacrament ministry of an ordained pastor.

E2 Remember the deacons are to be ready for this, too. If they cannot themselves, they arrange for someone to help.

D7 Free from prejudice. They need to treat all with compassion and according to God’s standard of loving our neighbor.

D8 Free from hypocrisy

C3 Not having earthly wisdom

D1 James 3:14-16 WEL If you have bitter envying and self-ambition in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This [kind of] wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, sensual, [and] devilish. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there [is] disorder and every evil work.

E1 Jealous (of others in any way but especially abilities, etc.)

E2 Bitterness (long-standing anger may result in bitterness)

E3 Selfish

E4 Arrogant about one’s own wisdom(?) as compared to God’s wisdom.

E5 Leads to disorder and every kind of evil.

D2 Philippians 3:17-20 GW Brothers and sisters, imitate me, and pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you.18 I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 In the end they will be destroyed. Their own emotions are their god, and they take pride in the shameful things they do. Their minds are set on worldly things. 20 We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Jesus Christ coming from heaven as our Savior.

E1 Their real god is themselves and pleasure.

E2 Pride of what they should be ashamed of

E3 Thinking of things belonging to this world (power, fame, glory)

C4 Full of the Holy Spirit (that is submitted to Jesus Christ and willing to obey the Scriptures at all cost).

D1 Full in the sense of the fruit of the Holy Spirit

D2 Full in the sense of dedication to God, His kingdom, and all His ways (thus God’s character traits, likes and dislikes, attitudes, desires, etc.)

D3 Full in the sense of ministry effect. Is there just emotional dedication and change from their ministry, or is there a life changing dedication and change from their ministry?

Guidelines

B1 Counsel and console

C1 Counsel by the help of the Holy Spirit:

D1 Proverbs 18:4 NLT Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

E1 They know how to listen, ask wise questions, and evaluate the real intent and problem.

E2 When asked, or occasionally offered, give godly advice.

D2 Proverbs 20:5 GNB A person's thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.

D3 Proverbs 8:12-14 NIV I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

D4 This would include financial, emotional, spiritual, etc.

D5 The so-called Biblical Counseling is abusive. A true deacon/deaconess will avoid it.

E1 Biblical Counseling and Domestic Abuse

E2 Your Christian counselor may destroy your marriage (Abuse series part 8)

C2 Console

D1 This is prophesied of the Messiah Yeshua, but the Holy Spirit gives a measure that all of us can do the following. God gives the grace. A deacon/deaconess will have a greater ministry in this area because of the graces given by the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.

D2 Philemon 1:7 GNB Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people.

C3 Counsel believers regarding any afflictions, situations, difficulties, and questions that they may have.

C4 Counsel believers on financial matters that the Bible teaches about.

B2 Be church administrator, be responsible for church finances, and other helps in the church.

B3 Work in and for the church/assembly/congregation. Philippians 4:3 NKJV And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Objections

B1 No Bible verse explicitly mentions the office of deaconess.

C1 Roman 16:1 is highly suggestive of it, plus verses speaking of women who have helped in the furtherance of the Gospel. Phoebe is addressed officially.

C2 The word “servant” used here is diakonos and is used in the letters that Paul wrote consistently referring to church officials.

C3 The word their is not in the Greek. Likewise, refers to both a deacon and a deaconess; they are parallel.

B2 The passage in 1 Timothy 3 refers to men only (husbands of one wife).

C1 So? The argument from silence that is, since it is not mentioned means it is wrong is possible.

C2 Again the word “their” as in “their wives” is not in the Greek. If it is their wives, then why aren't the wives of elders mentioned?

C3 Wilbur Pickering notes:

That's what the Text says, just 'women'—no article and no possessive pronoun. Because Paul returns to the deacons in verse 12, most versions take the reference here to be to their wives, but the grammatical construction of verse 11 is parallel to that of verse 8, which is parallel to verse 2. I take it that the grammar obliges us to see a third office in the congregation, one filled by women—deaconesses, or something of the sort. Counseling women can be dangerous for a man; certain matters are best handled by a mature, sanctified woman; if she has an official standing in the congregation, so much the better.

C4 I might add that women do understand women better than men.

B3 1 Timothy 3 was written late in the first century, so there can’t be deaconesses? Huh?

Articles

B1 Deacons and deaconesses by Gregory Brown

B2 This article has much information, but as always beware. Why Have Women Deacons?

B3 deaconesses

B4 For further reading how the deaconesses minister is here.

Conclusion

B1 Christian women can be deaconesses.

B2 It is practical.

B3 It is spiritual for meeting the needs of the saints.

1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:1-13

B1 God’s Undershepherds, His leaders

C1 Jesus is Supreme in the church: Ephesians 1:22-23 WEL He has put everything under his feet and given him to be the head of everything in the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything of everything.

C2 Jesus is supreme teacher and leader: Matthew 23:8-12 WEL But you are not to be addressed as Rabbi, because one is your Teacher, the Messiah, and you are all brothers. 9 "Do not address anyone as your "Father" on this earth, because one is your Father, who is in heaven. 10 "Also do not be addressed as "Teachers", because one is your Teacher, the Messiah. 11 "Instead he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 "And whoever will exalt himself will be humbled, but he who will be humble will be exalted.

C3 Jesus’s rules/commands are supreme: John 14:15 WEL If you love me, obey my commandments.

C4 Jesus appoints the offices: Ephesians 4:11-12 WEL He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

C5 Jesus has plurality of elders in every church:

D1 Acts 14:23 WEL After they had chosen elders in every church and after praying with fasting, they committed them to the Lord on whom they had believed.

D2 Acts 20:17 WEL At Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

B2 Pastors, Deacons, and Deaconesses

C1 Qualifications

D1 A true believer (this is different than just a believer, for some might be able to say or teach the correct doctrine but their life is not matching the New Testament)

D2 The list is further things beyond salvation. I count 18 in the list. Another person may count differently.

E1 First grouping is character traits. These are desire, blameless, vigilant, self-controlled, good behavior, not quarrelsome, not greedy, gentle, not contentious, not covetous

E2 Second is marital status. He is to be a one woman man. He does not HAVE to be married, though.

E3 Third is  abilities. He is to be hospitable, able to teach, and a good manager at home.

E4 Fourth is addictions. He is not to be addicted to wine. He is also not to be addicted to porn, gambling, drugs, sports, work, etc. It is the addiction that is evil.

E5 Fifth is length of time he has been a Christian.

E6 Sixth is standing in society. He has to have a good reputation in society, with Christians, non-Christians, government, education, etc.

D3 Even though many might have these qualifications, if the calling of God is present, the person will show pastor like desire and actions.

C2 Responsibilities

D1 Preach the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 1:17 WEL For Christ didn't send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom in words lest the cross of Christ be ineffective.

D2 Read, exhort, and teach. The teaching would be teaching the Bible, doctrine, and how to live Christian life : 1 Timothy 4:13 WEL Until I come apply yourself to reading [of Scripture], exhortation, and to teaching.

D3 Teach the doctrines of the faith: 1 Timothy 4:6 WEL If you remind the brethren of these things you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and good teaching to which you have carefully followed.

D4 Assist in the congregation’s direction in Christian life and outreach: 1 Peter 5:2 WEL Feed the flock of God, which is among you. Take the oversight voluntarily, not by being forced, not for money's sake but with a willing heart.

D5 Be examples. We have to live the same life we teach others to do: 1 Peter 5:3 WEL Do not lord it over God's heritage, but be examples to the flock.

D6 Practice shepherd leadership. This is seen in the example and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many who say they provide this, but by their life, words, and actions are controlling. The controlling pastor is most likely a false convert to Christianity (Read 3 John about Diotrephes). 1 Peter 5:3 WEL Do not lord it over God's heritage, but be examples to the flock.

D7 Teach other qualified men: Acts 14:23 WEL After they had chosen elders in every church and after praying with fasting, they committed them to the Lord on whom they had believed.

D8 They need to use discernment: 2 John 1:10 WEL If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house, nor greet him.

C3 The qualifications for deacons and deaconesses are similar.

D1 Character traits are respectable, not deceitful, not addicted to substances, and not greedy for money.

D2 Spiritual traits are known and fully believe the doctrines of the Christian faith in such a way to be consistent in their words and lifestyle.

D3 Also, they need to be tested (examined, evaluated) as to their spiritual traits.

D4 A blessing from God for faithful service is boldness (to live and preach the Gospel) and respect from others (reputation).

D5 The example is Stephen in Acts 6-7.

1 Timothy 3:14-16

B3 Reasons for church conduct

C1 We learn from this that our fellow Christians are family members with us. We are together as family in God’s family.

C2 We are not together for a similar purpose, reason, or goal, but we are together as a family.

C3 The church is to be the light in this world in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. We are to honor God by obeying His rules in the New Testament.

C4 Our religion is a mystery to the unsaved.

C5 The Lord Jesus was revealed in the flesh. He is the God/man. Many translations foul this Scripture. Wilbur Pickering PhD states in his Bible notes: Instead of 'God', 1% of the Greek manuscripts read 'who', and most modern versions follow this 1%. But 'who' is nonsensical (in the context), so most of them take evasive action: NEB and NASB have "he who"; Phillips has "the one"; NRSV, Jerusalem, TEV and NIV render "he". Berkley actually has "who"! In the Greek Text the relative pronoun has no antecedent, so it is a grammatical 'impossibility', besides being a stupidity—what is so mysterious about someone being manifested in flesh? All human beings have bodies. The pronoun can be accounted for as an easy transcriptional error, a simple copying mistake, so why not stay with the 98.5%? "God was manifested in flesh"—now there you have a mystery!

B4 Applications

C1 There are to be pastors, deacons, and deaconesses.

C2 There are requirements in order to be one. Being a great business person or leader in society counts for nothing in God’s church.

C3 We must be consistent in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

C4 We are a family. We are to love and live as a family, The house we live in is God’s house. This is not referring to communal living.