Deacons were appointed to fulfil practical roles within the church. Perhaps we would regard these positions as less spiritual, but Paul emphasises here that deacons must have an understanding of the deep truths of the faith (v 9). In Acts 6, where the first deacons were appointed to care for the practical needs of the church, the first qualification was that they were to be wise and full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3). 

Deacons, whether male or female, must be self-controlled in their behaviour and trustworthy in financial matters. They need to be above reproach in their behaviour and their relationships, especially with their family. In John 13, Jesus set an example of serving with an attitude of love for others.

The list of qualifications for a deacon matches that for leaders in verses 1–7, but Paul suggests two benefits of serving well (v 13) – they will earn respect (I wonder if that respect is from fellow believers, those outside the church, or from God himself?) and they will become more sure of their faith in Christ Jesus.

Lord, help me to see how passages like this can inform my life as a disciple.

Having considered those in leadership, Paul now focuses on those who serve within the church. Should we be involved in a local church, we may be familiar with the term ‘deacon’. However, the role of the deacon varies considerably between one tradition and another. The Greek word diaknos, commonly translated as deacon, could also be translated as ‘servant’. Naturally, as Christians we are all called to serve one another, but Paul is here referring to those with particular duties of service. In a similar way to how he laid out the qualifications for an overseer, Paul here lays out the prerequisites for deacons.

Stephen is perhaps the most easily recognised example of a deacon from Scripture. While not explicitly referred to as a deacon, Stephen was one of seven appointed to oversee the distribution of food for the Hellenistic widows. While this may seem a task-related role, needing perhaps those with a flair for administration and hospitality, Luke recalls qualities more commensurate with spiritual maturity.¹ Clearly, Stephen’s ministry extended beyond waiting on tables and ultimately led to his martyrdom. I wonder if the author of the letter we’re currently considering paused, as he wrote, to recall the martyrdom of perhaps the first deacon, of whose execution he had approved.²

In closing, John Stott reminds us that the words episkopos (overseer) and diakonos (servant) were both applied to Jesus within the New Testament.³ Peter referred to Christ as the ‘Overseer of your souls’⁴ and Jesus identified himself on many occasions as one who came to serve.⁵ What an honour is ours to be able to share in the ministry that Christ has exemplified for us.

Consider prayerfully the core qualities described over the past two days regarding self, family, relationships, treatment of others and faith. Ask God for help in any of these areas.

¹ Acts 6:3–5  ² Acts 8:1  ³ John Stott, The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, IVP, 1996, p102  ⁴ 1 Pet 2:25 ⁵ Eg Mark 10:45