Two benefits or rewards of those deacons who serve well are mentioned in this verse: they gain a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith. A good standing is literally “a step,” used here as a figure with three possible meanings: (1) promotion to a higher rank, that is, to that of a bishop; (2) influence, reputation, and esteem within the believing community; and (3) standing before God. Once again a literal translation would be ambiguous; if the ambiguity is resolved, it should probably be done in favor of the second alternative, although a combination of the second and third alternatives is possible. Alternative translation models are: “gain a good reputation,” “gain much face,” or “are highly esteemed by their fellow Christians and by God.”

Faith here is to be taken as trust in and commitment to Christ Jesus. The word for confidence is also the word that is often translated “boldness.” This gives rise to three possible interpretations: (1) boldness to speak about their faith in Christ Jesus (as in Good News Translation); (2) greater assurance and confidence in their faith (as in New International Version “great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus”); and (3) the confidence that others will have in them because of their faith (for example, Contemporary English Version “and will be highly respected for their faith in Christ Jesus”). If (1) is followed by a translator, one may also express this as “and they are able to speak confidently about how they believe in Christ Jesus.” But if (2) is chosen, one may express this as “and they continue to believe in Christ Jesus very confidently.” If, however, (3) is chosen, one may also translate “and other people will highly respect them for their strong trust in Christ Jesus.” All three options are possible, but since the word for confidence is used elsewhere in relation to proclaiming one’s faith, the first option seems more appropriate in this case.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .