Biblical Deacons

Deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning “servant, waiter, attendant, or minister.” Of course, every member of the church is to serve the whole in one way or another, but clearly the term deacon is reserved in Scripture only for some.

Although not specifically named as such, many consider Stephen and the other men chosen in Acts 6 to be the first deacons. This is because they were appointed to relieve the apostles of the responsibility to “wait on” (Greek verb, diakoneo) tables, thereby enabling the apostles to give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1-7).

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

— Acts 6:1-7 NLT

QUALIFICATION FOR DEACONS

These seven men were chosen on the basis of being “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). However, when considering the qualifications for deacons, attention is usually given to 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The requirements there are surprisingly similar to those for elders, and can again be summarized as character, capability, and confirmation (click here to read more about these qualifications and Biblical Eldership). However, it is important to note that the ability to teach and defend the faith is not a requirement for deacons, and unlike elders, their function in the church is not governmental.

THE APPOINTMENT OF DEACONS

In Acts 6, the deaconing role emerged from a practical need that was causing problems in the church and threatening to take the leaders away from their primary responsibilities. We might, therefore, conclude that deacons are not merely appointed for the sake of having them, but to meet particular needs that arise from time to time.

Secondly from Acts 6, we might conclude that people are appointed as deacons when their ability to serve stands out beyond the normal. The deaconing role has sometimes been thought of as a less ‘spiritual’ function, one that can be left to more “practical” types. This is certainly not the basis on which the Seven were chosen. Indeed, it requires servants who are empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce the sort of fruit subsequently seen in that instance:

“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 6:7

Therefore, as with elders, we must first look for the anointing of the Holy Spirit when appointing deacons. This must be seen and confirmed by the congregation, who must also be aware that the candidates fulfill the requirements set out in 1 Timothy 3. The elders will then pray for them and lay hands on them, as the apostles did with the Seven.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS

Deacons operate on behalf of the elders and are accountable to them. Their responsibilities in the church are not general, but are limited to their designated area of service, which may be administrative (e.g., organizing aspects of the life and ministry of the church) or more shepherding (dealing with specific needs, working with small groups, children’s work, etc.). Though they do not carry governmental authority, their responsibilities will no doubt include administering and directing others in areas of service. Because they are known to be acting on behalf of the elders, and because they are respected for who they are and what they do, they will receive the willing co-operation of those working with them.

A NURTURED CHURCH

Jesus is referred to in 1 Peter 2:25 as “the Shepherd and Guardian” of our souls. He has fully provided for the maturing and equipping of His Church by giving His Word and His Spirit. However, He did not stop there. He has brought an intimate care to each local congregation by establishing elders to lead and deacons to serve His people on a daily basis.

Be thankful for them and be determined to make their work as easy as possible. They need your love, help, and prayerful support!