A Study of Deacons

What is a Deacon? From διάκονος (diakonos) A servant, attendant, helper or minister Used about 30 times in NT Distinguished from δοῦλος (doulos) referring to one’s relationship to his master; diakonos is relationship to his work

What is a Deacon? A deacon is a qualified and appointed servant entrusted with certain works in a congregation so that the elders can give their time to shepherding the flock.

What is a Deacon? It is an office! Servant is a general term, but this is an office distinguished from simple service Phil. 1:1 1 Tim. 1:8-13, qualifications imply a distinction.

What is a Deacon? Deacons serve under elders Acts 6:1-7, 7 men appointed to help the apostles relieve needy widows. While not called deacons, they serve as examples entrusted with work under spiritual leaders.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Reverent – fitting behavior, with dignity and respect. One who is serious and mature. A deacon must be dependable and take his tasks seriously

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Not double-tongued – not a hypocrite. Consistent in their lives. He keeps his word and is honest. A deacon must have the confidence of the elders and congregation to do his tasks. He must also be able to keep quiet when needed.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Not given to much wine – a need for sobriety at all times. Demonstrates self-control. 1 Peter 1:13, 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:6-8, cf. Isaiah 28:7 A deacon must be able to do his tasks well and with good judgment.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Not greedy for money – content, one who is not corrupt and cannot be bribed. Not a craver of money. Phil. 4:11, 1 Tim. 6:8, 10 A deacon will very likely be dealing with resources of the congregation. Must be trustworthy in this. He must be unselfish

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Holding the mystery of the faith with a good conscience – he needs firm convictions. Genuine faith that is demonstrated in his life A deacon must genuinely believe in what he is doing and love the Lord’s church he is serving. NOTE: This does NOT say he has to be a skilled teacher!

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 First tested, then serve – while “not a novice” is not listed, he must have a degree of understanding and development. He has proven himself to be godly. A deacon will be handling resources and might be dealing with delicate matters. He should have some experience.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Blameless – like elders (Titus 1:6-7), his character is such that accusations cannot be verifiably made. A deacon lives a godly life and that is what the congregation sees.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Husband of one wife – must be a scripturally married man. This helps to prove his character in dealing with others

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Ruling his children and house well – children that are under control. Again, this helps to prove his character as he demonstrates the ability to manage his family. He fulfills his role as God determines. NOTE: Unlike elders, their being “faithful” is not required, simply respectful and under control.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Wives must be reverent – the word in the Greek can mean a woman or a wife. This has caused some to say that the office of “deaconess” is scriptural. Such cannot be proved by scripture and goes against other passages dealing with the role of women and wives.

Qualifications for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Wives must be reverent – the point is that their wives demonstrate a godly character as well – reverent, not slanderers (gossips), faithful in all things and temperate

The Work of Deacons 1 Timothy 3:13 They obtain for themselves a good report As the word implies, they serve! Matt. 20:25-28 The congregation, at the bidding of the elders 1 Thess. 5:12-13, they are to be recognized and highly esteemed.

May we never take this (or any) work lightly! As with the work of elders, the work of deacons is important. May we never take this (or any) work lightly!