1 Timothy 3:13

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well, etc.] With diligence and faithfulness, with simplicity and cheerfulness; taking good care of the minister and poor, and of the discipline of God's house: purchase to themselves a good degree; not an higher office, as that of presbytery or episcopacy, which is a sense calculated to serve a hierarchy; nor a degree in glory and happiness hereafter; but rather an increase of gifts and grace; or a degree of respect and honour in the church: or the sense is, they possess and enjoy, which is the meaning of the word rendered “purchase”, a very honourable office in the church; and which is so to them, they using it well, and discharging it in an…”

“purchase to themselves a good degree--literally, "are acquiring . . . a . . . step." Understood by many as "a higher step," that is, promotion to the higher office of presbyter. But ambition of rising seems hardly the motive to faithfulness which the apostle would urge; besides, it would require the comparative, "a better degree." Then the past aorist participle, "they that used the office of deacon well," implies that the present verb, "are acquiring to themselves boldness," is the result of the completed action of using the diaconate well. Also, Paul would not probably hold out to every deacon the prospect of promotion to the presbytery in reward of his service. The idea of moving upwards…”

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well - Margin, “ministered.” The Greek word is the same as deacon, meaning ministering, or serving in this office. The sense would be well expressed by the phrase, “deaconizing well.” The “word” implies nothing as to the exact nature of the office. Purchase to themselves - Procure for themselves; see this word explained in the notes on Acts 20:28. A good degree - The word here used (βαθμός bathmos) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, “a step,” as of a stair; and the fair meaning is that of going up higher, or taking an additional step of dignity, honor, or standing. So far as the “word” is concerned, it may mean either…”

“They purchase a good degree - Or step, toward some higher office. And much boldness - From the testimony of a good conscience. 1 Timothy 3:15”

“they: Mat 25:21; Luk 16:10-12, Luk 19:17 used: or, ministered, Mat 20:28; Rom 12:7, Rom 12:8; Co1 16:15; Heb 6:10; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 degree: Act 21:35 \*Gr. great: Act 6:5, Act 6:8, Act 6:15, 7:1-53; Phi 1:14; Th1 2:2; Ti2 2:1 1 Timothy 3:14”