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The Works of Deacons
Written by Minister Ivu Boniface
According Easton Bible Dictionary, the word “deacon is an anglicized form of the Greek word diaconos, meaning a “runner,” “messenger,” “servant.” Its original meaning implied a helper, an assistant (Smith Bible Dictionary).
James Strong Exhaustive Concordance defines the term “Deacon” as a waiter and a servant. Scholars are in agreement that the deacons are “table servants.”
Origin of the Office of the Deacon in the Church
The narrative of Acts 6 is commonly referred to as giving an account of the institution of this office. For a long period, a feeling of mutual jealousy had existed between the “Hebrews,” or Jews proper, who spoke the sacred language of Palestine, and the “Hellenists,” or Jews of the Grecian speech, who had adopted the Grecian language, and read the Septuagint version of the Bible instead of the Hebrew. This jealousy early appeared in the Christian community. It was alleged by the Hellenists that their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution of alms. This spirit must be checked.
The apostles accordingly advised the disciples to look out for seven men of good report, full of the Holy Ghost, and men of practical wisdom, who should take entire charge of this distribution, leaving them free to devote themselves entirely to the spiritual functions of their office (Acts 6:1-6). This was accordingly done. Seven men were chosen, who appear from their names to have been Hellenists. The name “deacon” is nowhere applied to them in the New Testament; they are simply called “the seven” (21:8).
Among other qualifications they must also be “apt to teach” (1 Tim. 3: 8-12). Both Philip and Stephen, who were of “the seven,” preached; they did “the work of evangelists.”
How the Word “Deacon” is Used in Scriptures
A. Often Translated “Servant” or “Minister”
- Used of Jesus (Rom. 15:8)
- Used of Paul and Apollos (1Cor. 3:4)
- Used of Timothy (1Timothy 4:6)
- Used of any follower of Christ (John 12:26) 5. Used of Pheobe (Romans 16:1-2)
B. An office in the New Testament Church (Philippians 1:1)
Assistants to the apostles (Acts 6:1-4)
Qualifications given (Acts 6:3; First Timothy 3:8-13).
The Works of Deacons
The works (or duties) of deacons, as outlined in the New Testament and supported by biblical principles, center around serving the physical and administrative needs of the church to support the spiritual leadership of elders and promote unity in the body of Christ.
Here are the key works of deacons:
1. Serving the Church’s Physical Needs Deacons attend to practical matters, such as caring for the needy, distributing aid, and managing church resources. Acts 6:1–6 presents the prototype role of deacons in the Jerusalem church, where men were chosen to distribute food fairly among widows.
2. Supporting Church Administration Deacons help maintain order in the church by managing logistics, finances, facilities, and other administrative tasks, freeing up elders to focus on prayer and teaching.
3. Assisting in Worship and Church Services They may help prepare the elements for the Lord’s Supper, oversee baptisms, and handle the collection and disbursement of offerings.
4. Promoting Unity and Peace Deacons help resolve misunderstandings or complaints in the congregation, as seen in Acts 6, where their appointment helped quell murmuring.
5. Caring for the Sick and Needy They may visit the sick, elderly, or bereaved members and help organize benevolence activities.
6. Exemplifying Christian Character and Service Deacons must model godly living, as described in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Their character influences the congregation and supports church leadership.
7. Assisting the Elders Deacons work closely under the oversight of elders, carrying out delegated responsibilities effectively and faithfully.
Conclusion: Deacons are servants of the Church who are involved in handling the physical responsibilities of the Church. They should lead other Christians in offering relevant services in the Church.
