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Likewise must the deacons be grave: the term deacon signifies the same with one that ministereth, and is applicable to any that have any service in the church. But it is also a term peculiar to the office of those who serve tables, that is, took care of the poor, for which purpose these officers were first instituted, Act_6:3; and thus the term is taken, Rom_12:7,8 Php 1:1; and so it here must be interpreted, being distinctly mentioned from the other officers, whose qualifications were before expressed, nor is it required of these officers that they should be didaktikoi, apt to teach. Indeed both Stephen and Philip did preach, but the latter was an evangelist, and it was a time of persecution, when even the more private brethren went every where preaching the gospel. Of these officers he requires, that they should be persons not of light, airy tempers, but serious and composed, men of a modest, seemly carriage.
Not double-tongued; not excessive talkers, or men that regarded not what they said, but talked any thing, according to the place or company they were in or with.
Not given to much wine; not too much attending taverns, and places where wine was sold or drank.
Not greedy of filthy lucre; not greedy of gain, any sordid, base way.