Bible Studies
The Work of Deacons as Defined by the Terminology
Series: The Service of DeaconsIntroduction:
1. In the previous class period we defined the need that we have for this study. This falls under two basic areas . . .a. We have a need to rejuvenate this area of our work both because of resignations and because of our appointment of additional elders which has diminished those serving as deacons.
b. There is a lack of clarity on what the work of deacons is. There are many reasons for this, but I accept partial responsibility for this for not having taught as thoroughly on this in the past as I should have.
2. It is my hope that this class can move us forward in this area. Our objectives are:a. To improve ourunderstanding so that we are clearer on what the work is
b. To be better able to verbalize that understanding
c. To actually execute the selection and appointment of individuals that are biblically qualified
d. And that those deacons then serve in the way the Lord would have them to.
3. In this class period we will overview Acts 6:1-6 and give consideration to the terminology used in the N.T. to describe the work of deacons.Discussion:
I. Overview of Acts 6:1-6. (Previously noted Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8ff.)A. Some question whether the seven appointed were “deacons” in the official sense of the term for they are never referred to specifically as “deacons.”
B. Yet the work that they do is the work of service (“diakonia,” v. 1). And they are to serve (“diakonein”) tables (v. 2).
C. While “diakonia” is used of the apostles service of the word (v. 4) this is unique service different from the service performed by the seven.
D. Realizing that Acts 6 describes a circumstance early on in the beginning of the church at Jerusalem there may not have been an office of deacon yet, but what they did may have been the precursor to the office. If there was an office of deacon or if this is only a precursor to the office in either case this text gives us much insight into the nature of the work. (In fact there may not have been any elders yet in Jerusalem. The apostles seem to be serving as the main leadership in the congregation.
E. In this class we will consider Acts 6:1-6 as a key passage in the study of deacons both from the standpoint of the qualifications of the seven and the work that they did.
II. The term(s) used to describe the work.A. The term used in Phil. 1:1 is “diaconois” (noun, dative masculine plural). Same word as used in Jn. 2:5 of those servants who served the wine at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee.
B. The term in 1 Tim. 3:8ff is “diaconoi” (noun, nominative masculine plural).
C. “Diakonos” (noun) is the singular form.
1. The English, deacon, is a transliteration. Cf. the word “baptismos” = “baptism.” A transliteration is not the same as a translation. But an assigning of English letters to the Greek term. It is an Anglicizing of the Greek term. While the word baptism means to dip or immerse, transliteration merely assigns English letters to the Greek term. “Dip” or “immerse” would be translations; “baptism” is a transliteration.
2. W. E. Vine says it “primarily denotes a servant. It is probably connected with the verb dioko, to hasten after, pursue (perhaps originally of a runner).”
a. It occurs in the N.T. of domestic servants (Jn. 2:5, 9); the civil ruler (Rom. 13:4); Christ (Rom. 15:8; Gal. 2:17); the followers of Christ in relation to their Lord (Jn. 12:26; Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:7; 4:7); the followers of Christ in relation to one another (Matt. 20:26; 23:11 Mk. 9:35; 10:43); the servants of Christ in the work of preaching and teaching (1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4; 11:23; Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:23, 25; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:6); those who serve in the churches (Rom. 16:1; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12); false apostles, servants of Satan (2 Cor. 11:15).
b. Diakonos is, generally speaking, to be distinguished from doulos, a bondservant, slave; diakonos views a servant in relationship to his work; doulos views him in relation to his master.
D. Other words in the same word family.
1. “Diakoneo.” Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich identify 5 uses: 1) to wait on someone at table (Lk. 12:37); 2) to serve (Mk. 15:41); 3) to care for, take care of (Acts 6:2); 4) to help or support (Matt. 25:44; Rom. 15:25); 5) of the church office (1 Tim. 3:10).
2. “Diakonia.” Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich identify 5 uses: 1) service (Acts 6:4); 2) service necessary to the preparation of a meal (Lk 10:40); 3) service of the prophets and apostles (Acts 1:17); 4) aid, support, distribution of alms and charitable giving (Acts 6:1); 5) of the office of a deacon (Rom. 12:7). (This last use may not be a special reference to those in the office of deacon, but perhaps a more general gift of serving.)
E. What can we ascertain from the word family as to the meaning of deacon? A deacon is a servant, one who waits on others, and takes care of them. There may be the idea of an enthusiastic care represented in the verb dioko if it is used of a runner. There may be some element of “running after” another in order to care for them. Illustrate: mother running after a child to make sure they have their coat. Fits with Acts 6. You certainly would not want to appoint people who would further neglect the Hellenistic widows, but instead would be diligent about their task. Martha evidently evidences such diligence in her task even though it may have been misguided by comparison to Mary (Lk. 10:40).
III. Summary of how the term is used. It is used generally as a description for all kinds of service.A. Preparations for eating—the most concrete use of the term—to wait at table.
1. Martha describes herself as “serving” (Lk. 10:40).
2. The servant prepares for the master and serves him and afterwards he eats and drinks (Lk. 17:8).
3. The one who serves at table (Lk. 22:27).
4. At the wedding feast in Cana Mary spoke to the servants (Jn. 2:5).
B. Royal servants. Ex. The king said to his servants (Matt. 22:13).
C. Ministry of apostleship (Acts 1:17, 25; Rom. 11:13).
D. To refer to the special office in the church (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12, 13).
E. To secular rulers (Rom. 13:4).
F. Of Christ.
1. Rom. 15:17 used as a model to motivate us to accept one another or be a servant to each other.
2. Illustrated in the washing of the disciples’ feet (Jn. 13:1ff). Cf. Lk. 12:37.
3. “I am among you as one who serves” (Lk. 22:27).
G. Of the women who followed Christ and ministered to Him (Lk. 8:3; Matt. 27:55; Mk. 15:41).
H. Of feeding, clothing, sheltering and visiting (Matt. 25:44).
I. Generally of Christian service following the example of Christ (Matt. 20:20ff). Cf. Col. 1:24ff; Jn. 12:26.
Conclusion:
1. The terms used to describe the work of deacons conveys the idea of service. 2. It is used both generally and specifically in Scripture. It is used to refer to various forms of Christian service. It is a special use of the term when referring to the office of deacons. 3. A deacon is a servant, who waits on others, and takes care of them. He is diligent in his work.
