Qualifications of Elders and Deacons
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Qualifications for church leadership
The first apostles were witnesses of Jesus Christ’s life and resurrection:
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(NASB95) — 21 “Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
(NASB95) — 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
(NASB95) — 1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
(NASB95) — 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
(NASB95) — 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
Qualifications for elders and deacons:
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(NASB95) — 3 “Therefore, 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.
(NASB95) — 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
(NASB95) — 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
(NASB95) — 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
(NASB95) — 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Ministry in the church
Synopsis
The regular ministry of officially appointed or recognised ministers is a particular instance of the duty and call of all God’s people.
The responsibilities of those in recognised ministry
As shepherds
(NASB95) — 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
See also
(NASB95) — 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
As watchmen
(NASB95) — 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
See also
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(NASB95) — 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
(NASB95) — 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;
As teachers
(NASB95) — 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
See also
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(NASB95) — 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
(NASB95) — 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
As examples
(NASB95) — 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
See also
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(NASB95) — 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
(NASB95) — 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
What believers owe to those with recognised ministries
Respect
(NASB95) — 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
See also
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(NASB95) — 29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard;
(NASB95) — 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Obedience
(NASB95) — 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
See also
(NASB95) — 15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
Support
Despite Jesus Christ’s command, Paul did not claim his rights in this matter, but supported himself as a tentmaker.
(NASB95) — 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.
See also
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(NASB95) — 7 “Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house.
(NASB95) — 6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
(NASB95) — 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
(NASB95) — 4 “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.
Prayer
(NASB95) — 30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
See also
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(NASB95) — 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
(NASB95) — 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
(NASB95) — 25 Brethren, pray for us.
(NASB95) — 18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.
Hospitality
(NASB95) — 29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
See also
(NASB95) — 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.
Imitation
(NASB95) — 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Recognised ministers should encourage the ministries of other believers
(NASB95) — 17 Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
See also
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The Holy Spirit allocates gifts and enables ministries. No individual has all the gifts; ministry is shared and mutual;
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(NASB95) — 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
(NASB95) — 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
(NASB95) — 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
(NASB95) — 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
The motivation of ministry is mutual love
(NASB95) — 13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
See also
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(NASB95) — 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
(NASB95) — 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
(NASB95) — 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
(NASB95) — 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
(NASB95) — 1 Let love of the brethren continue.
(NASB95) — 22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
(NASB95) — 23 This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
How love is expressed in mutual ministry
In humility
(NASB95) — 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
See also
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(NASB95) — 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
(NASB95) — 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
(NASB95) — 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
(NASB95) — 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
In patience
(NASB95) — 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
See also
(NASB95) — 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
In acceptance and forbearance
(NASB95) — 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
See also
(NASB95) — 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
In kindness, compassion and forgiveness
(NASB95) — 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
See also
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(NASB95) — 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
(NASB95) — 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
In burden-bearing
(NASB95) — 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
In encouragement
(NASB95) — 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
See also
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(NASB95) — 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
(NASB95) — 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
In teaching and admonition
(NASB95) — 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
See also
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(NASB95) — 14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
(NASB95) — 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
(NASB95) — 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
In prayer and confession of sin
(NASB95) — 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
In hospitality
(NASB95) — 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Elders in the church
Synopsis
In the NT a group of leaders responsible for managing and teaching a local church. As the name implies, they were normally men of experience and maturity. Although women played a very significant part in early Christian ministry, there is no specific NT evidence for women as elders.
Elders in the Jerusalem church
(NASB95) — 4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.
See also
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(NASB95) — 30 And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.
(NASB95) — 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
(NASB95) — 6 The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter.
(NASB95) — 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, 23 and they sent this letter by them, “The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.
(NASB95) — 4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.
(NASB95) — 18 And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
Elders are also called “overseers”
In
they are described as “elders”. Here they are “overseers”.
(NASB95) — 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
See also
(NASB95) — 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,
Elders are appointed by apostles or their delegates
Here, as always in the NT, people are appointed to a joint eldership. There is no NT example of a single elder leading a church.
(NASB95) — 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
See also
(NASB95) — 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
Qualifications for elders
As in
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, “elder” is here synonymous with “overseer”.
(NASB95) — 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
See also
(NASB95) — 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
The role of elders
As leaders
(NASB95) — 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
See also
(NASB95) — 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
As teachers
(NASB95) — 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
See also
(NASB95) — 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
As pastors and guardians against false teaching
(NASB95) — 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.
See also
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(NASB95) — 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
(NASB95) — 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
In the healing ministry
(NASB95) — 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
The remuneration and correction of elders
(NASB95) — 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
Elders are to receive respect and submission from church members
“leaders” is an alternative term for “elders”.
(NASB95) — 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
See also
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(NASB95) — 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
(NASB95) — 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
The twenty-four elders in heaven
The elders are seated on thrones
These elders may be angelic beings corresponding to the 24 orders of Levites (1Chronicles chapters 24-25) or symbolise Israel and the church (compare
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(NASB95) — 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.
See also
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(NASB95) — 5 and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” 6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
(NASB95) — 16 And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
(NASB95) — 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.
The elders worship God and the Lamb
(NASB95) — 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
See also
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(NASB95) — 8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” 13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
(NASB95) — 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?”
(NASB95) — 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”
Deacons
Synopsis
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
The verb “wait” means “to serve”.
(NASB95) — 1 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. 2 So 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. 3 “Therefore, 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. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Their qualifications and selection
(NASB95) — 3 “Therefore, 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.
Their names and appointment
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.
(NASB95) — 5 The 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. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
Deacons were assistants to overseers in Philippi
All Christians are “saints” (that is, set apart for God), but overseers and deacons have specific roles assigned to them.
(NASB95) — 1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:
Qualifications for men and women deacons
There is no NT description of the precise role of deacons (although
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;
The women may be deacons’ wives (NIV text), or deaconesses (NIV footnote).
(NASB95) — 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 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.
(NASB95) — 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
Phoebe, a deaconess
NIV footnote.
(NASB95) — 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;