Deacons. Qualifications and Clarifications.

διάκονος

διάκονος, διακονέω, διακονία

These words appear over 100 times in the New Testament.

Only two passages refer specifically to an official office in the church. (Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

The majority of the usage for these words are general about ministering and serving.

deacon — a person in the office of deacon who cares for the needs and livelihood of an assembly of believers.

There are many overlaps between Elders and Deacons, but the differences are important.

Elders must be able to teach 1 Timothy 3:2

Elders must be hospitable 1 Timothy 3:2

Elders must be gentle, not violent 1 Timothy 3:3

Deacons perform a different role in the church.

Qualifications

MacArthur says Paul provides five areas of qualifications.

Personal Character

A deacon must be dignified.

This is a person who is majestic of character, not silly or flippant, respectable.

Not double-tongued

A person who reveals secrets instead of keeping them

A deacon’s speech must not be hypocritical, but be characterized by integrity, consistency, and honesty. A man who tells different stories to different people will quickly lose their confidence, and manifest a duplicitous and manipulative motive. John MacArthur

Not addicted to much wine

A deacon is to be sober minded, controlled by the Gospel.

Not greedy for dishonest gain

“Not pursuing dishonest gain” is identical with a qualification for the elder in Titus 1:7. Greed is condemned throughout the Scriptures, including Paul’s writings. Diaconal service calls for a generous spirit, not a grasping, selfish, and mercenary approach to life. Robert Yarbrough

Spiritual Character

Hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience

This is not a teaching requirement, but it is a requirement to understand the Gospel.

Church workers must understand the teaching of the gospel; and as that gospel works its way out in their lives, their consciences should not condemn them of sin. Once again the connection between faith and practice, so common throughout the Pastoral Epistles, is brought to the forefront. Whereas much in this paragraph deals with outward behavior, this quality looks directly into the believer’s heart. All Christians, including deacons, should be able to explain their beliefs (1 Pet 3:15), but the official teaching role belongs to the overseers. It is not sufficient to have a grasp on the theological profession of the church; that knowledge must be accompanied with the appropriate behavior, in this case a conscience that is clear from any stain of sin. Once again Paul connects right belief with right behavior. Heresy and moral reprobation walk hand in hand. On καθαρὰ καρδία, “cleansed heart,” and ἀγαθὴ συνείδησις, “good conscience.” William D. Mounce

Christian Service

First, let them be tested.

This is not just a one-time event, but a continual process of evaluation by the church.

Moral Purity

Prove themselves blameless

Best understood as above reproach, nothing that they can be accused, arraigned or disqualified.

Home Life

Husband of only one wife

“one woman man”, being faithful in their marriage

Good managers of their children and households

Deacons are servant leaders who are responsible for serving the fellowship, how can they successfully accomplish this task if they cannot manage their own household

Wives or Women

Does verse 11 talk about the wives of deacons or women deacons?

Mac Arthur and Kostenberger state it is about women, not wives.

Women deacons are to be:

An example of spiritual devotion

Faithful in all things

They are not to be:

gossips

Addicted to wine

greedy

Reward

Paul concludes with a promise of those who serve well

They obtain a good standing or higher position

They gain confidence in the faith