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.” (1 Timothy 3:8–10 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul transitioned from the character and qualifications of elders/pastors (I Tim. 3:1-7) to the character and qualifications of deacons. The office of deacon is the second ministerial office of the church.
“Scripture actually says very little about the duties of a deacon, but the office finds its origin in Acts 6:1–7, even though none of the seven men chosen for service were ever officially called diakonos, which is the Greek term we translate as “deacon.” But it is appropriate to refer to these men as deacons since the Greek verb for service in verse 2 (diakone ō) is a cognate (a similar word) for diakonos. In any case, it is clear from Acts that the deacons are to focus mainly on mercy ministries, such as the assistance of widows, while elders are tasked primarily with “prayer” and “the ministry of the word” (vv. 2–4),” explains one commentator.
A widow, who is a member of the church where I serve as an elder, recently invited my wife and I to her home for dinner. It was a delightful time of good food and even better fellowship. During our delightful conversation, she mentioned the name of one of our church’s deacons. She also remarked this man was the deacon assigned to her by the church’s deacon board.
It was this one, of the church’s twenty deacons, who particularly ministered to her how and when necessary; regarding any practical needs she may have. Oner such recent need was the replacement of a dining room window of her home. While she purchased the window, it was this deacon who oversaw the replacement of it. Such is an example of God’s calling for a church’s deacons.
Paul began today’s text with the masculine, plural noun deacons (Διακόνους; diakonous). The word means a servant, minister or one who helps believers in Christ. It refers to men who serve, without necessarily having the office of deacon (Matt. 20:26; Rom. 16:1; Eph. 6:21; 1Thess. 3:2. It literally means a waiter of tables.
The apostle then used the word likewise (ὡσαύτως; hosautos), which means in like manner or in the same way. Within the immediate context, deacons are to serve and be like the church’s elders and pastors. In other words, the deacon’s character is to be just like the church’s pastor’s and elders.
“From the account of Stephen’s teaching in Acts 6:8–7:60 and the fact that even Jesus can be described as a diakonos (Mark 10:43–45), it is clear that deacons are not barred from teaching. But since an aptitude for teaching is the only qualification for eldership that does not overlap with the things to look for in deacons, we know that deacons do not direct their attention to the formal instruction of God’s people. Instead, they are to allocate wisely the church’s resources, feeding and sheltering the needy in the congregation, helping them to get back on their feet and making sure the local assembly never neglects the pure and undefiled religion of visiting widows and orphans (James 1:27).”
For the next several days, we will examine the qualifications set forth in Scripture concerning deacons. While they are to be like elders in character, there are also other behavioral qualities deacons must possess, distinguishing them from the church’s congregation. Therefore, men within a church are not qualified to be deacons just because they know how to use a cordless nail gun, replace a window, or mow a lawn and trim hedges. They are to be men of godly character and behavior as they live for the Lord and perform practical tasks benefiting those within the church congregation.
The “Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matt. 20:28) and so to be called to serve the church as a deacon is one of the highest callings Christ can give to us. But even those of us who are not ordained as deacons must always be looking for ways we can serve the people of God and our neighbors if we are to imitate Jesus. What is one need in your church that you are uniquely equipped to meet? Are you seeking to meet this need?”
Are you such an individual? Does your church possess such qualified deacons? I am grateful to God the church where I serve has such men.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 