Deacons in the Church Series
Part 2
Let These First Be Tested
Examining the Bible's Qualifications for Deacons
By Dave Redick
Hwy 20 Church of Christ
"When God’s word says that deacons (and other church leaders) must meet certain qualifications in order to serve, we will honor those instructions and appoint only those who are so qualified."
Introduction
Take out your Bibles please. We’re going to read from three passages of Scripture. All of them deal with the subject of deacons in the church. I began a short series on that topic last Sunday. Please pay attention. There will be a test afterward... Just kidding about that, however you do need you to pay close attention to the reading of these verses and to the rest of the message today. You are going to be asked to take action in the coming weeks on the things I teach you today.
Acts 6:1-7 (This was the text for last Sunday’s sermon)
6:1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3"But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4"But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." 5And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
1 Tim 3:8-13 (This will be our text today)
8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:1-2 (We will also refer to this verse in today’s message.
1:1Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We hope to appoint some more deacons in the church here in the near future. I showed you in last week’s message that the congregation is to be involved in the selection of deacons. For the congregation to do its part however, it – you – must understand what is going on and what God expects of you. Please pay close attention today. We will deal with the issue of the deacon’s qualifications.
In this message I will ask and answer two questions from Scripture:
- Why bother with qualifications?
- What are the Biblical qualifications of deacons?
So with no further delay, let’s consider the first question.
I. Why Bother with Qualifications?
Why is it necessary for deacons to meet qualifications? Why not just appoint some people to the office? Why not have an election and a campaign and a democratic selection of deacons (or elders for that matter) based on their popularity? Why not just make up a chart and let anybody who wants to sign up? Why not (and I have seen this practiced in some churches) appoint those men who don’t even attend services in the hope that they will start attending if they are given a responsibility?
First and foremost, church leaders must meet qualifications because the Bible says so.
1 Tim 3:2 says, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach…etc."
1 Tim 3:8 says, "Deacons likewise must be men of dignity…etc."
Ah, but some sharp Bible student says, "Those words must be aren’t in the Greek text in verse 8. They are supplied by the translators."
That is right. Those words must be are not literally in the Greek text in verse 8. But be careful. Before simply discarding words inserted by Bible translators, be sure that you have good cause. Translators usually have good reasons for what they do.
Look again at verse 2.
"An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable…"
In this verse, the words must be are in the text. They are a single word in Greek – the word dei. Strong’s Lexicon says the word means, "it is necessary (as binding)."
Now drop back down to verse 8.
"Deacons likewise must be…"
What does "likewise" mean? It means in similar fashion. The same way that elders must be qualified, deacons likewise must be qualified. That word "likewise" ties these two passages about qualifications of church officers together and is probably the reason the translators inserted the extra words. Church leaders, both elders and deacons, must be qualified because that is what the Bible says.
A second, more general reason I say church officers must be qualified is that Paul intended for the church to follow his instructions in this entire letter. Drop down with me to the latter verses of this chapter – verses 14-16:
"I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth."
Paul wrote this letter to tell Timothy, in his absence, how he, as a church leader, was to conduct himself in the matters mentioned.
Just a few verses later, Paul made it clear that there were going to be some in the future who would pervert these truths and introduce doctrines inspired by demons. Look with me at the first three verses of chapter 4:
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth."
These verses speak of events in Paul and Timothy’s future, which are events that are now in our past. In the 4 or 5 centuries that followed these writings, there would be a perversion of New Testament Christianity that would be brought on primarily by changes in the structure of church government. Much of it would have to do with changing the roles and qualifications of these men – some of the very instructions we are now reading.
I haven’t time to describe all that happened. Perhaps one of these days we’ll have some messages on church history. Suffice it now for me to say that men began to ignore the Bible's instructions about the church. With great detriment, Paul's instructions regarding the structure of the church government were ignored, especially with regard to the office of elder or bishop. No longer would there be a plurality of elders in each congregation. One man would be put in charge of each local congregation. Later one man would be put in charge of a number of churches, ultimately to be called a ‘diocese.’ His qualifications would become political rather than spiritual. The title of "bishop" would be reserved exclusively for him to elevate him above the other elders in local congregations. (In the Bible, the terms "elder" and "bishop" refer to the same office.) Then it wasn’t long until one man would be put in charge of many bishops and would reserve for himself the title of Universal Bishop. Not long after the terms "Holy Father" or "Pope" would be used of him. During this time the simple teaching of Christ and the Apostles was perverted and this perverted church would usher in that period known as the dark ages. Thousands of innocent believers would be put to death for nothing more than striving for the simple Christianity and church polity established by Christ and the Apostles. The true church would be forced underground.
It is never wise to ignore or change Biblical teaching. Two thousand years of chaotic church history prove the point to anyone who will open his or her eyes. As it says in Proverbs 30:5-6, "Every word of God is tested… do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar."
In this congregation we will not consciously ignore or change Biblical teaching, even in what seems to some to be unimportant matters. Thus, when God’s word says that deacons (and other church leaders) must meet certain qualifications in order to serve, we will honor those instructions and appoint only those who are so qualified.
II. What Are the Qualifications?
That isn’t a difficult question to answer. There are only three passages that mention deacons in the New Testament – the ones I read at the beginning of this message: Acts 6:1-7, Philippians 1:1, and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
I have put the qualifications that are mentioned in these passages into a list for us to consider. You’ll find it among the items that were in your mailboxes this morning. May I ask at this time that you take them out?
There are eleven qualifications for deacons in all. In addition, there are four qualifications for deacon’s wives. (I’ll deal with the issue of women in this role when we get to their qualifications.)
The first three qualifications on your list come from Acts 6.
1. Of good reputation (Acts 6:3)
"But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation…"
This qualification is also required of the elder. Paul says of it regarding the elder in 1 Timothy 3:7, "And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
So we must ask about a candidate for deacon, "How do people in general view him? What is his reputation? Is it good?"
2.
Full of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:3)I don’t believe this has reference to any miraculous gift of the Spirit. It simply means to strongly evidence a good amount of the Spirit’s influence. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. Is the man being considered for deacon one whose life is characterized by these traits or is there a strong influence of the works of the flesh? Galatians 5:19-23 lists the fruit of both the flesh and the Spirit. Which list characterizes him?
3. Full of wisdom. (Acts 6:3)
Because his work as a deacon will touch and influence the lives of many others it is critical that he be able to deal wisely in many matters. He needs to be one who possesses sound judgement. No one is perfect in this way but we would expect that wise decisions characterize the deacon’ life and not foolish ones.
We move now to those qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3…
4. Men of dignity (1 Timothy 3:8)
One who has dignity is one who is worthy of respect – one that is honorable. Do people respect him? If people don’t respect him, they won’t respect his office.
5. Not double-tongued (1 Timothy 3:8)
"Double-tongued" describes one who says one thing one time and another later and the stories don’t match. Is this person consistent in what he says? Does he always tell the truth?
6. Not addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8)
A deacon cannot be one who has a problem with alcohol (or other addictive substances for that matter, though wine is all that is mentioned here). At risk if he did not meet this qualification would be both his work (how could he use good judgement if he impairs it with alcohol?) and his testimony before others as a Christian. Someone trying to break away from the enslavement of alcohol would be greatly hindered in that effort if he "knows a deacon of the church who regularly drinks."
7. Not fond of sorid gain (1 Timothy 3:8)
Deacons will at times be called upon to carry and distribute money on behalf of the church. Certainly one with a known weakness in this area should not be put into such a place of financial responsibility.
Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, would not have made a good deacon since he pilfered from the funds of Jesus’ disciples. He couldn’t keep his fingers out of the till.
8. Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)
"The faith" here probably refers to that body of material that constitutes the gospel. A deacon needs to have a good grasp of the meaning of the gospel. He must be one who not only knows it but lives by it.
9. Tested and found above reproach (1 Timothy 3:10)
Some believe this implies some sort of probationary service so that a man has the opportunity to prove himself capable. I’m not sure this is required. Rather, I think this probably refers to the testing of his character in his everyday faith and life. A deacon who is not known by the church would not qualify until people had seen enough of his life to "test" it. He should be tested against these character qualifications by those who have observed his life and should only serve as a deacon when he is found to be "above reproach," that is, there is not a substantial charge that can be brought against him.
10. Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12)
This is also a qualification listed for the elder and much controversy has been associated with it. Does it mean that in a day when polygamy was known, he was to have only one wife? Does it mean he shall have never been divorced? The matter demands more attention than we have time for here. It is my understanding that it has to do with his determination to be faithful to one woman and thus, means that he has not been divorced. I don’t believe it means that if he has remarried after losing a wife in death that he would be disqualified.
One more question is pertinent. If it means he shall not be one who has been divorced, does this encompass all of his life or just since he became a Christian? This is difficult to say because the passage isn’t specific. I tend to hold that such a man’s past is erased by the blood of Christ and if he has proven himself faithful to his wife since becoming a Christian and there has been sufficient time to see that he is committed to his wife and home, he can serve. I base my conclusion on the fact that Paul the Apostle could not have served in the capacity he did if the life before Christ figured into the qualifications. Surely the office of Apostle carried with it more responsibility than that of a deacon. Yet Christ called Paul to serve even though in his past he was a murderer of Christians. He was forgiven of his past, proved himself faithful subsequently, and God used him.
11. Good manager of his children and household (1 Timothy 3:12)
The question here has to do with the way he manages his family and home. Does he pay his bills and take care of his family? Are his children under control? Do the members of his family respect him? Is his family generally under control and orderly? This quality is also required of elders.
We come now to the issue women - deacon’s wives as I see it – in Paul’s words of 1 Timothy 3:11. Right in the midst of the listing of deacon’s qualifications, Paul says,
"Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things."
The NIV says, "In the same way wives…"
The KJV says, "Even so must their wives be…"
The word Paul used here for "women" or "wives" is gunaikas. About half the time in the New Testament it is translated "women" and the other half "wives". Some suggest that the word "woman" here means that there were "deaconesses" in the early church. However, Paul did not use the feminine form of the word deacon here, though he could easily have done so. He used the word "woman" or "wife".
Romans 16:1 is often noted in this regard. That passage says, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea…" Here Paul did use the feminine form of the word we translate "deacon" so from this verse the case for deaconesses is often made. We must remember however, that the Greek word that we translate "deacon" is used both specifically to refer to the office of deacon and generically to refer to any and all servants. My conclusion is that to build a case for deaconesses based upon this single passage of scripture that could be translated either way is shaky theology at best since there are no other passages to corroborate it. I see no conclusive evidence that the early church had an office of "deacones".
When Paul wrote in Philippians 1:1, "Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons…," he did not also address the "deaconesses." The word "deacon" here is the masculine form. There is simply not enough evidence, in my opinion, to merit with any certainty, a doctrine of "deaconesses."
We will therefore, consider 1 Timothy 3:11 to refer to the wives of deacon candidates. The passage says they must be:
1. Dignified (1 Timothy 3:11)
This is the same word used in verse 8 where it says deacons must be men of dignity. The question here to ask then about the deacon candidate’s wife is whether she is honorable. Is she respectable?
2. Not malicious gossips (1 Timothy 3:11)
Is the potential deacon’s wife able to hold her tongue when someone may be hurt or does she run off at the mouth? The word ‘malicious" is added to the gossip here. Malicious gossip is deliberately harmful. The issue isn’t as much whether she talks as whether she gossips without regard for the effect on others.
3. Temperate (1 Timothy 3:11)
This word is used of the elder in verse 2. The word in the original language carries the meaning of being vigilant and alert. It is related to a word that means to be free from the influence of intoxicants but probably has more to do with the effect than the cause.
4. Faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11)
Are these wives faithful to their husbands, their families, their children, the church, and their Lord?
Conclusion
A candidate for deacon is a faithful, tested, trusted servant who has already served God faithfully long enough so that people know his character traits. His qualifications, though they may seem stringent, are really nothing beyond what should be the goals of any serious Christian man. Unlike the elder, who is supposed to be "apt to teach," the deacon does not have to have a special gift of teaching. Servanthood backed up with high moral character and steady family life should be his forte.
I encourage you to take this list of qualifications home with you this week and study it. Then begin to take a look around you at the men in this church that you know and consider those you believe could serve as deacons.
Our next step will be to ask you to submit nominations. Lord willing, I will give you instructions on the procedure when we meet next Sunday.
Dave Redick is Minister of the Hwy 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home, Oregon and Editor of The Preacher's Study. He may be reached at pstudysupport@comcast.net.
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