<p>3:13 <i>For they that have served well as deacons </i><i>gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus</i>- The &quot;for&quot; connects with the previous verse, talking about ruling in one&rsquo;s own family. The idea may be that if they have served as deacons in their own family first, then they will be qualified to do so in the church. In the process of being a deacon, faith is developed. The very process of service and obedience leads to greater faith in practice in the upward spiral of spirituality. The &ldquo;good standing&rdquo; is surely before God and not men.</p>