Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 3:13

13 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 .

A good degree of honour, so that none hath reason to decline, or to despise that office. This seems rather to be the sense, then what pleaseth some better, viz. That they purchase to themselves an higher degree in the Ministry of the Church, for though it be very probably true, and but rational, that the Primitive Church did out of their Deacons, chuse their higher officers for the Church, yet neither was this done universally as to all persons, chosen into those higher employments, nor as to all those that used the office of a Deacon well, there doubtless, being many who had done so, who yet were not [non-Latin text not transcribed] fitted with an ability sufficient to be preachers, without which fittingness the Primitive Church would not chuse any to such employment.

By the well performance also of the office of a Deacon, many obtained a great liberty, or freedom of speech, [non-Latin text not transcribed], as to the Doctrine of the Faith of Christ, For by the exercise of the Deacons office, they had much converse both with the Pastors and Members of the Church, which converse did not only improve their knowledge in the Doctrine of Faith, but took off that excessive bashfulness which possesseth many till they come to be fully acquainted with the thing of which, and the persons before which they are to speak, which we see by dayly experience. Or, the Apostle intends that courage that arises from a good conscience. Those that are careless and unfaithful in the discharge of their Duty, guilt makes them timerous, but the good and faithful Servant of God enjoys that liberty and courage which Fa[illegible: 1 letter]th in the Lord Jesus gives, and without fear discharges all the parts of his Office.

Marginal references: see Matth. 25.21.; Or, ministred.