3:11 {4} Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

(4) Regard must also be had for the pastor's and deacon's wives.

3:11 Even so [must their] wives [be] grave. The word in the Greek word gune may mean women or wives. It is rendered wife in 1Ti 3:12. The Revised Version says, Women in like manner [must be] grave. I believe that the Common Version is nearer right. The duties of women generally are not spoken of in the midst of a discussion of elders and deacons. Either deaconesses are meant, or the wives of bishops and deacons; more likely the latter. We know that an injudicious wife may mar the work of a church officer.

Not slanderers. Not given to tattling.

3:11 Faithful in all things - Both to God, their husbands, and the poor.

3:8-13 The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists were among them. The deacons had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are found fit for the business with which they are to be trusted. All who are related to ministers, must take great care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.



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