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1 Timothy 3 · a question people ask

"gain for themselves a good standing" (3:13). A good standing with whom?

In the text

The verse says, "For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (3:13). It doesn't say with whom the standing is, or what it is beyond the word, and these notes don't either.

The verses

“For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 3:13 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3: A good work

Good and well run through 1 Timothy 3: "a good work" (3:1), "good testimony" (3:7), and those who have "served well gain for themselves a good standing" (3:13). And the verb behind take care of God’s assembly (3:5) is the one in Jesus's story in Luke 10, where the Samaritan "took care of him" (Luke 10:34).

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions