|
DEACONS
Designation. The word deacon (Gk.
diakonos) is the common word that means “minister” or
“servant” and is used many times in the New Testament in a
non-technical sense (Matt. 20:26; Mark 9:35).
Office. Whereas it is not clearly stated, it
appears that the origin of the office began in Acts 6:1–6 where
seven men were selected to care for the material needs of widows
in the congregation. That allowed the apostles to devote their
time to prayer and ministry of the Word. This indicates the
function of deacons is to be subordinate and auxiliary to the
elders; while the elders teach the congregation, the deacons
care for the material needs of the congregation. The term
“double-tongued” suggests the deacons have house to house
contact (cf. 1 Tim. 3:8).
Qualifications. The qualifications of deacons are
given in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Deacons are to be typified by the
following eight characteristics. Men of dignity: they are
serious, worthy of the respect of others. Not double tongued:
they do not spread conflicting stories in the congregation. Not
addicted to much wine: they show moderation in the use of food
and drink. Not fond of sordid (or dishonest) gain: they are not
greedy for money and do not use their position for financial
gain. Holding to the mystery of the faith: they practice what
they proclaim. Tested: they have been observed and found to be
approved. One wife: they have not been divorced and remarried.
Good managers of their households: they are qualified to manage
church affairs because they can manage their own home affairs.
DEACONESSES
A debatable question is the office of deaconess. There are two
passages under consideration for the office. Romans 16:1 refers
to Phoebe as a “servant” (Gk. diakonon) of the church.
Diakonon could be translate d deaconess. The question is
whether the term is used in a technical sense of a church office
or in a nontechnical sense of the Christian ideal of servant
hood. Although it is difficult to give a firm answer to the
question, it appears Paul is using the term in a nontechnical
sense, consistent with his informal greetings at the end of the
letter (cf. 1 Cor. 16:15). Paul uses the term in a nontechnical
way in other passages (Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 4:6).
A second passage is 1 Timothy 3:11, which mentions “women” (Gk.
gunaikas). The question is whether women refers to
the deacons’ wives or whether it refers to a separate office of
deaconess. The context would suggest an unnatural break if this
refers to deaconesses; deacons would then be referred to in
verses 8–10 and 12–13, which appears somewhat awkward. Homer A.
Kent, Jr., on the other hand, argues strongly for 3:11 referring
to the office of deaconess.26
First Timothy 5:9–16 refers to the ministry of women in the
church. It does not state, however, if this is the ministry of
deaconesses.[1]
26 26. Kent, The Pastoral Epistles, pp. 135–37.
[1]Enns, P. P. (1989;
Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems,
1997). The Moody Handbook of Theology. Includes
indexes. (electronic ed.). Chicago: Moody.
|
