Role of Deacons in the Early Church

7 MIKE MAZZALONGO MIKE MAZZALONGO Elders, Deacons and the Church Part 2 I Timothy 3:8-13

Deacons Deacons Diakonos Diakonos Waiter Waiter

Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. - - Acts 6:1 Acts 6:1

2So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. - - Acts 6:2 Acts 6:2- -4 4

5The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. - - Acts 6:5 Acts 6:5- -6 6

Deacons Deacons A. A. Limited number Limited number

Deacons Deacons A. Limited number B. B. They were selected They were selected

Deacons Deacons A. Limited number B. They were selected C. C. They were men They were men

Deacons Deacons A. Limited number B. They were selected C. They were men D. D. They had charge They had charge

Deacons Deacons A. Limited number B. They were selected C. They were men D. They had charge E. E. The task was singular The task was singular

Deacons Deacons A. B. C. D. E. F. F. Specific Qualifications Specific Qualifications Good reputation Full of spirit and wisdom Take charge Limited number They were selected They were men They had charge The task was singular

Deacons Deacons A. B. C. D. E. F. G. G. Different kinds of men Different kinds of men Limited number They were selected They were men They had charge The task was singular Specific Qualifications

Deacons Deacons A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. H. Ordained / Commended Ordained / Commended Limited number They were selected They were men They had charge The task was singular Specific Qualifications Different kinds of men

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: - - Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:1

Deacon Deacon - -Summary Summary 1. 1.Spiritually mature, Spiritually mature, talented, appointed talented, appointed

Deacon Deacon - -Summary Summary 1. Spiritually mature, talented, appointed 2. 2.Selected by, from, Selected by, from, for congregation for congregation

Deacon Deacon - -Summary Summary 1. Spiritually mature, talented, appointed 2. Selected by, from, for congregation 3. 3.Authority is connected Authority is connected to service to service

Deacon Deacon - -Summary Summary 1. Spiritually mature, talented, appointed 2. Selected by, from, for congregation 3. Authority is connected to service 4. 4.No job / no deacon No job / no deacon

Deacon Deacon - -Summary Summary 1. Spiritually mature, talented, appointed 2. Selected by, from, for congregation 3. Authority is connected to service 4. No job / no deacon 5. 5.No group authority No group authority

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, - - I Timothy 3:8 I Timothy 3:8

Additional Qualifications Additional Qualifications Men of dignity grave Sincere Sober / sober-minded Earned a clean living

but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. - - I Timothy 3:9 I Timothy 3:9

Additional Qualifications Additional Qualifications Men of dignity grave Sincere Sober / sober-minded Earned a clean living Not religious hypocrites Not religious hypocrites

These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. - - I Timothy 3:10 I Timothy 3:10

Additional Qualifications Additional Qualifications Men of dignity grave Sincere Sober / sober-minded Earned a clean living Not religious hypocrites Proven Proven

Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. - - I Timothy 3:11 I Timothy 3:11

Arguments Arguments for forWomen as Deaconess Women as Deaconess Term can mean wife /women / servant Romans 16:1 Deaconess / servant Some early writing suggest this idea of women deacons

Arguments Arguments against againstWomen as Deaconess Women as Deaconess Paul does not use term deaconess Context suggests wives of deacons The only deacons in the Bible were men

Women servants in the New Testament Women servants in the New Testament Women supported Jesus ministry Luke 8:3 Women praying in the upper room Acts 1 Dorcas making clothes for the poor Acts 9

Women servants in the New Testament Women servants in the New Testament Mary (Mark s mother) offering hospitality Acts 12 Lydia housing Paul Acts 16 Priscilla s hospitality and evangelism Acts 18 Phoebe delivering a letter to Paul Romans 16

Qualifications of deacons wives Qualifications of deacon s wives Dignified Not malicious gossips Sober / sober-minded Faithful

Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. - - I Timothy 3:12 I Timothy 3:12

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. - - I Timothy 3:13 I Timothy 3:13

Rewards Rewards - -Deacons Deacons The blessings that come from a strong faith: Peace Confidence Joy Intimacy with God