ACC ~ 1 Timothy 3 v13

DESERVED ADVANCEMENT. CHRYSOSTOM: “They that use the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree,” that is, heavenly advancement, “and much boldness in the faith of Jesus Christ”; as if he would say, that those who have been found vigilant in the lower degree will soon ascend to the higher. HOMILIES ON 1 TIMOTHY 11.

A HEAVENLY REWARD. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: A “good reward” refers to a future, heavenly good, since earthly promotion would have required the idea of “better reward.” COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

HELD ACCOUNTABLE. JEROME: Woe to him who, when he has received a talent, has bound it in a napkin; and while others make profits, only preserves what he has received. His angry Lord shall rebuke him in a moment. “You wicked servant,” he will say. “Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I could have collected it with interest?”That is to say you should have laid before the altar what you were not able to bear. For while you, a slothful trader, keep a penny in your hands, you occupy the place of another who might double the money. Thus as one who ministers well purchases to himself a good degree, so one who approaches the cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. LETTERS 14.8.

CAREFUL OF HIS OWN SOUL. BENEDICT OF NURSIA: The keeper of the wine cellar for the community shall be chosen out of the community, discreet, mature in his behavior and sober. If a brother chance to demand anything unreasonable of him, he is not to be contemptuous in his refusal but to refuse reasonably and humbly. He is to be careful of his own soul and remember that St. Paul says: “He that has done his duty well, gains for himself a good degree.” He is to show a particular concern for the sick, children, strangers and the poor, as being accountable for them at the day of judgment. RULE 31.