by Bret Capranica | Aug 4, 2006 | Deacons, Ecclesiology
1 Timothy 3:8-13 The final New Testament passage directly addressing the role and function of deacons is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The context of the passage lists the office of deacon along with the office of overseers. As Fee notes, “To designate these men as deacons as over against overseers does not imply that they were not “Ëleaders’ as well.”[1] The overarching emphasis of 1 Timothy 3 is the qualifications needed for those who should serve as overseers and deacons. The qualities are character based rather than functional.[2] These qualifications bear directly upon the subject of the basis of a church’s selection of their leaders. In this article, I will not review all of the details regarding the qualifications of a deacon. Others have done that very well (cf. MacArthur’s commentary on 1 Timothy 3 for a good overview). However, I will pursue specific treatment of two specific issues brought up in the passage, namely, the testing of deacons in verse ten and the subject of “wives/women” in verse 11. Verse ten, as translated in the New American Standard Bible, states, “And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.” Of note is the fact that Paul indicates that deacons are to be tested “also.” Clearly by including the “also” Paul had in mind another group who was tested in addition to the deacons. In the context, this no doubt refers to the overseers mentioned in verses one through seven. Therefore, there is to be a period or manner of testing the character of those who desire to serve...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 13, 2006 | Ecclesiology
Between Two Worlds: 50 Most Influential Churches in the US Who knows the criteria for what determines “influence” in this list. This may be more of a “50 Most Popular Personalities in American Christianity” list. Read the list and see what you...
by Bret Capranica | Jun 30, 2006 | Ecclesiology, Southern Baptist Issues
Conventional Thinking : Baptist Colleges and Baptist Churches Who Threatens Whom? My DMin project has to do with Baptist Colleges – interesting read.
by Bret Capranica | Jun 30, 2006 | Southern Baptist Issues
m o r r i s c h a p m a n . c o m Morris Chapman, the Executive Director of the SBC, poses some probing questions. Could he also be frustrated with the cronyism of the past number of...
by Bret Capranica | Jun 30, 2006 | Ecclesiology
paleoevangelical: Purpose Driven Synagogue Update: Rick Warren’s New Liberalism? Go figure.
by Bret Capranica | Jun 30, 2006 | Blogging, Ecclesiology, General Theology
The Kettering Fellowship Here is a new blog I will be following. Michael Smith, one of the contributors, is a dear brother and has become a good friend. He and I will be finishing our final Doctor of Ministry seminary today. I look forward to his future contributioins to the blogosphere – meaning, YOU HAVE TO POST SOMETHING,...
