I. Definitions

The Greek word 'diakonos' is variously translated "servant", "deacon", "minister" in our NT. The basic concept involved is serving, and the word occurs frequently with this general meaning; cf. Rom. 13:5; 15:8; 16:1.

However, like many other words in Scripture, the word is also invested with a special technical meaning to meet a specific need, i. e. , "deacon." Acts 6:1-7; Phil. l:l, and I Tim. 3:8-13. (In Acts 6 the word is found in vs. 2 "serve.")

Note that "deacon" like "elder" is a local charge or function not to be confused with a spiritual gift. The deacon serves in temporal matters as the elder works more with spiritual needs.

II. Appointment of Deacons

1. Men who are to serve the assembly in this capacity must first be proved. I Tim. 3:10 (lit. test for genuineness)
2. The deacons are chosen by the people on the basis of qualities known to them (honest, spirit-filled, wise) and of whom they are witnesses. Acts 6:3
3. Those chosen by the people are appointed by the elders (apostles). See Acts 6:3, 6

Note: It is very important that this last point be understood. Although the people in the assembly take part in this selection process, the authority by which the deacons act in the assembly rests in their appointment by the elders.

III. Number of Deacons

The number is always plural in Scripture. Acts 6; Phil. 1:1

IV. Qualifications of Deacons

• Grave -- serious and sensitive; not silly
• Not double-tongued -- consistent in word; honest
• Not given to much wine -- no excess and intemperance
• Not greedy of filthy lucre -- a man who desires to accumulate wealth is not fit to serve
• Holds the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience -- not only knows the truth but practices it
• Must first be proved -- See II. 1.
• Their wives (or possibly "The women") -- grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things
• Husband of one wife -- polygamy forbidden
• Ruling their own homes well -- the man who would have authority in the assembly shows by example in that sphere, where he does already have authority, how well he can bring godliness and order to a group.

V. Duties of Deacons

As in the case with elders, the emphasis is on the work rather than the office. The deacon is to serve the assembly's temporal needs, serve as assistants to the elders by relieving the pressure of mundane and temporal affairs, and probably to handle the bulk of the financial concerns of the assembly.

Note: According to the account in Acts 6, the deacons were responsible to control, administrate, regulate, disperse funds of the whole assembly: They were not appointed to raise funds for the widows. The principle here is: The assembly must realize that it is unscriptural to "unload" unpopular or difficult jobs on the deacons. Rather, deacons administrate where all the saints are involved in the actual provision. Because some authority and control is needed, deacons are invested with authority and placed over such ministries.

VI. Reward

• Christian principle: faithfulness in small things qualifies for responsibility in larger things.
• Promotion by God: Acts 21:8 - example
• A good step up: I Tim. 3:13 (It seems likely that the reference is to a step toward spiritual work in the assembly, i. e. , elder. )
• Great boldness in the faith: I Tim. 3:13