The Prototype of a Deacon
Richard Bradley
Acts 6:1-7
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Although the word “deacon” is never used in this passage, we assume that this is where the office of deacon came from. The word “deacon” is translated from the Greek word diakonos and is translated as “servant helper.” These men were not set apart to be administrators; they were not to be a select body to conduct the business of the church. They were to be servants who ministered to the practical needs of the church. Any church would be blessed to have men like this to serve its people.
In godly wisdom, Peter listed several qualifying characteristics which must be present in the life of any man who would serve as a deacon.
A DEACON MUST BE A MAN WHO HAS A GOOD REPUTATION (v. 3).
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation (“witness”), full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
The deacons who serve our church must be ...
Richard Bradley
Acts 6:1-7
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Although the word “deacon” is never used in this passage, we assume that this is where the office of deacon came from. The word “deacon” is translated from the Greek word diakonos and is translated as “servant helper.” These men were not set apart to be administrators; they were not to be a select body to conduct the business of the church. They were to be servants who ministered to the practical needs of the church. Any church would be blessed to have men like this to serve its people.
In godly wisdom, Peter listed several qualifying characteristics which must be present in the life of any man who would serve as a deacon.
A DEACON MUST BE A MAN WHO HAS A GOOD REPUTATION (v. 3).
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation (“witness”), full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
The deacons who serve our church must be ...
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