Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 3:8-13

"Deacons in like manner [must be] grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless. Women in like manner [must be] grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling [their] children and their own houses well. For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." — 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ASV)

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 placed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fitting that public responsibilities should be entrusted to anyone until they are found fit for the work with which they are to be entrusted. All who are associated with ministers must take great care to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.