In Alexander Strauch’s excellent book “The New Testament Deacon” he takes the position that the women mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:11 are simply the wives of those who serve the church as deacons. Others have concluded that these were just female “deacon assistants.” A third view asserts that there were actually women who were recognized as model servants in the church (i.e., “deaconnesses”). This is admittedly a difficult passage, and each of the views has problems or questions from the text that work against it.

I was forced to think through this sticky issue during an expository series through the book, as well as during a topical study of office of deacon last year. I would like to share the fruit of my study for your edification.

Click here to read my conclusions and explanation .

Alexander Strauch has written a helpful book on the study of deacons. I, along with the other elders at our church, are leading a study through the book. As we progress in the bookstudy, I will offer a review of the book.

As you read my review of the book you will find, in general, that we agree with Strauch’s understanding, though we do differ at some points.