John Chrysostom

"For they that have used the office of a Deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." "They that use the office of a Deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree," that is, 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.

Homily on 1 Timothy 11 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"Degree," that is, advancement. For those who showed themselves sober-minded in the lower offices soon attain the higher ones as well, so as to have great boldness in the faith; that is, to be more glorious not in worldly dignities, not in wealth, but in the faith, that is, in all words and deeds according to the faith. Thus those who served well as deacons were afterward glorious also in the degrees of the presbyterate and the episcopate.

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

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. …

Letters 14.8 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then he exhorts them to rule their whole house well, i.e., their family, namely, with gentleness: be not as a lion in your house, terrifying them of your household and oppressing those who are under you (Sir 4:35). And he gives the reason for this when he says, for they who have ministered well shall purchase to themselves a good degree. As if to say: what you expect of bishops is reasonable, because they are prelates. But why from a deacon, who is a minister? …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗