We
find the need for deacons (servants) in the church arose in the early days of
the church in Jerusalem in the 1st Century. As you can see, from the scripture passage below from the book of Acts, chapter 6, the seven men
selected, were chosen for the purpose of serving to make sure the material needs of all of the widows in the church were met.
Even though the Greek word "diakonos" (attendant or servant) is not used here it is important to note that these men were chosen to be servants of the church, and not the "governing board" of the church, nor are they anywhere referred to as pastors, bishops, overseers, or elders. The job description is simple and straightforward.
We see that the Apostles gave instructions as to the qualifications of the men to be chosen. They were quite simple as well - they were to select men with:
* A good reputation
* A Spirit filled life
* Wisdom
* (and, by implication) A heart and willingness to serve
Seven men were chosen and "ordained" to do the work.
The results were that a divisive issue in the church was settled, the pastors (Apostles) were freed up spend more time in prayer and the ministry of the Word, and most importantly, the "word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith".
Wow!
Here is how Luke reported it in the Scriptures:
(1) Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (2) And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (4) But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (5) And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. (6) These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:1b-7(ESV)
Now, in Paul's first letter to Timothy (chapter 3) he points out the qualifications for Bishops and for Deacons. The are listed here and rather easily understood.
(8) Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. (9) They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (10) And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (11) Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. (12) Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (13) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:8b-13(ESV)
Since the office of Deacon itself is a servant position we should be reminded that servants are not chosen to be exalted or honored. Their duty is to humbly do those lowly jobs that need to be done, but not to receive glory, power or position. However, Notice that verse 13 does tell of the reward for faithfully fulfilling the office.
"For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
Even though the Greek word "diakonos" (attendant or servant) is not used here it is important to note that these men were chosen to be servants of the church, and not the "governing board" of the church, nor are they anywhere referred to as pastors, bishops, overseers, or elders. The job description is simple and straightforward.
We see that the Apostles gave instructions as to the qualifications of the men to be chosen. They were quite simple as well - they were to select men with:
* A good reputation
* A Spirit filled life
* Wisdom
* (and, by implication) A heart and willingness to serve
Seven men were chosen and "ordained" to do the work.
The results were that a divisive issue in the church was settled, the pastors (Apostles) were freed up spend more time in prayer and the ministry of the Word, and most importantly, the "word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith".
Wow!
Here is how Luke reported it in the Scriptures:
(1) Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (2) And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (4) But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (5) And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. (6) These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:1b-7(ESV)
Now, in Paul's first letter to Timothy (chapter 3) he points out the qualifications for Bishops and for Deacons. The are listed here and rather easily understood.
(8) Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. (9) They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (10) And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (11) Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. (12) Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (13) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:8b-13(ESV)
Since the office of Deacon itself is a servant position we should be reminded that servants are not chosen to be exalted or honored. Their duty is to humbly do those lowly jobs that need to be done, but not to receive glory, power or position. However, Notice that verse 13 does tell of the reward for faithfully fulfilling the office.
"For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
I thank God for humble men who are willing to serve God through the local church when their church calls, and for men who realize they are called to "wait tables" not to "manage the restaurant".
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