Part Two: Deacons
IN the last issue of Van-guard, we began a series looking at the subject of Ecclesiology — the study of the church. In this series, we intend (DV) to look at both the offices (elder, deacon) and roles (apostle, prophet, evangelist etc) that are supposed to exist in the local assembly. Last time, we looked at the subject of elders, and we noted the origins of this office in the Old Testament. We also noted characteristics of elders, and their function within the local assembly. This time, as we look at the subject of deacons, we are faced with an altogether different scenario, as this is a purely New Testament office, first ordained in the book of Acts. *1 The Biblical SourcesIn order to come to terms with the office of deacons, we must examine the following scriptures:Acts 6:1-7 — in which we see the appointment of the first deacons; the circumstances and manner of their appointment; the characteristics of those appointed and the resulting growth of the church. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 — in which Paul instructs Timothy in the qualities essential for the office of deacon. But first of all, let us look at the word itself — what does the word `deacon' mean? The Greek word diakonos refers to a `servant' in the context of his duties. The underlying nuance reflects more upon the task than the rank or status of the one performing it. Such nuances are discernible in English as well as in Greek. For example, the word `slave' immediately brings to mind the lowly status of the person, whereas `labourer' focuses more upon the work. Also, whereas `worker' suggests there is work to be done, `employee' implies submission to an `employer'. `Deacon' is a word intending to focus the mind of the reader upon the task — which is one of service. He has been appointed to perform specific acts of service for the local church. The important point to note here, however, is that a deacon does not have authority — he is under authority. The servant does not have authority — he has a duty to perform. Another word for `deacon' is `minister' — one who ministers or serves. It is strange that a word, which denotes submission to others, has assumed such an authoritative nuance in today's parlance. How often have you heard someone speak of a `minister' as someone we are meant to revere, as if he is God's representative in the church? This is a misuse of the word. The deacon (minister, servant) is someone under the authority of the elders of the assembly who has been appointed to serve those within the assembly. We are not to exalt him — he is a servant. But we are not to denigrate him — he is a servant only inasmuch as he has been appointed to perform a specific task for the benefit of the assembly. Purpose and appointment of Deacons (Acts 6:1-7)In Acts 6:1-7, we see the appointment of the first deacons. The infant church lacked an efficient administration, in relation to the distribution of charity to the church community. Such an administrative task would distract the twelve from their task — `it is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables' (Acts 6:2).The solution to this was simple — administrators were to be appointed. `Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business' (Acts 6:3). From this verse we note the following principles. Firstly, the administrators were to be chosen by the community of believers — `brethren, look ye out among you'. The `twelve' did not choose them — they relied upon the community to choose those they felt could be trusted to administrate well. This is rather important. Elders should not select deacons in private meetings behind closed doors. Such secrecy, so prevalent in many assemblies today, allows for political alliances, personal favours and mutual back slapping (or stabbing). The biblical pattern is clear. Deacons are chosen from among the body by the body. But if this is true, why do the `twelve' state that they will `appoint' the deacons? (Acts 6:3) The Greek word translated `appoint' in the KJV means to establish or set something in its place. This does not refer to selecting deacons, which is done by the body, but to establishing them in their ministry or service. We see this clearly in the following two verses: Acts 6:5 — `and the saying pleased the whole multitude and they chose...' Thus the community of believers chose the deacons. Acts 6:6 — `whom they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them'. Thus those chosen by the community of believers were then commissioned to their tasks by the laying of hands by the `twelve'. The appointment of these deacons allowed the `twelve' to give themselves `continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word' (Acts 6:4). Thus these administrators removed the burden of administration from those in authority (apostles in the infant church of Acts 6; elders in the more mature church). This does not mean, however, that they were not `spiritual'. Stephen was `full of faith and power,' and `did great wonders and miracles' (Acts 6:8). But the office of admin-istrator is primarily to relieve the elders of the administrative burden in order that they may function effectively as elders (see previous article for the function of elders). So we see that the church instituted a new office — that of the admin-istrator (or deacon). The result of this initiative was that `the word of God increased' (Acts 6:7) due to the apostles being given more opportunity to give themselves to the ministry of the word, and the infant church grew —`the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly' (Acts 6:7). The criteria for the office
Before we turn to 1 Timothy 3:8-13, we should note that there were four criteria given by the apostles in Acts 6:3 — `...men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom...' |
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