A deacon is a servant of the church, tested and then trusted.
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
Deacon is the servant word. Paul lists deacons beside overseers. They must be dignified, not double-tongued, not drunk, not greedy, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. They are tested first, then serve. Their wives, or the women who serve, are likewise dignified. Philippi is greeted with the overseers and deacons. The seven chosen in Jerusalem to serve tables are the pattern of this work, even before the title is used. The church does not make the deacon a junior bishop. The work is service.
- Stephen and Philip are among the seven. Service at tables did not keep them from the word.
- A deacon who serves well gains a good standing and great confidence in the faith.
- The bishop teaches and oversees. The deacon serves. Both are held to a life.
Deacons likewise must be dignified.
Let them be tested first.
Those who serve well gain a good standing.
- Deacon means servant.
- The office is listed beside overseers, not under a later rank.
- They are tested before they serve.
- Clear conscience and the mystery of the faith are required.
- The seven in Acts are the table-service pattern.
- Serving well brings standing, not a ladder.
- The Word – Servant.
- The List – Dignified, not greedy.
- The Test – First, then serve.
- The Seven – Serving tables.
- The Pair – Overseers and deacons.
- The Reward – A good standing.
- 1 Timothy 3:8-10 – “Deacons likewise must be dignified… And let them also be tested first; then let them serve.”
- 1 Timothy 3:11 – “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.”
- 1 Timothy 3:12-13 – “Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.”
- Philippians 1:1 – “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”
- Acts 6:2-3 – “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Pick out seven men.”
- Acts 6:5-6 – “They chose Stephen… and they prayed and laid their hands on them.”
- Romans 16:1 – “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae.”
- 1 Timothy 3:9 – “They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
- Acts 6:8 – “Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.”
- Matthew 20:26-28 – “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant… the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”
Deacons likewise must be dignified.
Let them also be tested first; then let them serve.
Pick out seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.
A deacon is a tested servant. Not a junior overseer. The table and the faith are both in the charge.
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