Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7715 deacons

7715 deacons

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7700 Leadership and the people of God » 7715 deacons

Those who “serve” in the Christian community, assisting the elders or overseers (bishops). The Greek word which the NIV translates four times as “deacon” occurs a further 25 times in the NT, where it is translated as “servant”. It seems that all Christians have a general servant role, whereas some (deacons) are called to a specific office of service within the church.

The Seven: assistants to the apostles

Why they were needed

Acts 6:1-4 The verb “wait” means “to serve”.

Their qualifications and selection

Acts 6:3

Their names and appointment

Acts 6:5-6 Although the Seven are not actually called “deacons”, they were probably the earliest example of Christians carrying out the tasks which came to be linked with deacons.

Deacons were assistants to overseers in Philippi

Philippians 1:1 All Christians are “saints” (that is, set apart for God), but overseers and deacons have specific roles assigned to them.

Qualifications for men and women deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13 There is no NT description of the precise role of deacons (although Ac 6:1-4 may imply a certain role). These qualifications would be appropriate for people responsible for financial management, administration, and social service, such as that offered to widows ; 1 Timothy 3:11 The women may be deacons' wives (NIV text), or deaconesses (NIV footnote).

Phoebe, a deaconess

Romans 16:1 NIV footnote.