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Deacons in the Bible
Origin of the Office
Acts 6:1-6
1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. NASB
NOTE: Here we see the beginning of the office of deacon. It was born out of necessity to have a plurality of servant-leaders. Notice that the apostles recognized their role as teachers and prayers. It is not that they viewed themselves as above serving widows, but rather, they recognized that they could not do it all themselves. They recognized that God gifted all
believers for ministry and so they publicly apportioned this particular ministry of service to these seven men. Also notice that the apostles told the congregation to pick seven men from among them. Here is the first time in the Church that God's leaders were picked by the congregation and not directly by Himself. Of course, it could not have been any seven people, but "men full of the Spirit and wisdom" and "from among yourselves."
The word deacon (διακονια) in the Greek language means "servant."
Biblical Requisites for the Office
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. NASB
NOTE: This is the only statement in the NT on
requisites for the office of deacon. Not much is said in the
Scriptures about the duties, except the general statement in
Acts 6 that they should wait on tables. Again, the NT word
means servant, so the duties can be different per church and
per deacon.
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