1 Timothy 3:8 – The servants

Servants, similarly, are to be…

After Paul has given Timothy a profile of “the supervisor”, he now continues in the same line with regard to “the servants”. The concept of ‘servant’ (Gr. diakonos) is a broad concept. For example, Paul was a “dispenser (diakonos) of the new covenant” (2 Cor. 3:6) and “of the Good News” (Col. 1:23) and “of the ecclesia” (Col. 1:25).

It should not escape our notice that in 3:2 an outline was given of “the supervisor” (singular), while verse 8 speaks of “the servants” (plural). That is not without reason. Scripture does not recognize the idea of ​​a multi-headed leadership, and insofar as it is mentioned at all, such a thing is called a dragon (Rev.12:3). Just as there is one captain on a ship, so there is “one flock, one shepherd” (cf. John 10:16). Remember that the supervisor does not rule over the flock, but leads it (1 Peter 5:3). He oversees the word taught in a place. Not less, but especially not more than that.

Of course, all believers can contribute to the ecclesia and serve it, but according to the context, this concerns servants who assist the supervisor. Together they form a team (see also Philp.1:1) and therefore similar qualities are expected of them (“similarly”). Everything serves the Word that may sound.

Delen: