An interesting study for many matters of life and doctrine can be had in studying origins. Studying the origin of something can often lead to determining whether or not the matter is trustworthy.
An origin can also help someone to know the intended purpose. As a result, it can help to straighten crooked paths. The role of the deacon is one such area of study. A careful examination of its history may prove to have rich biblical benefits in the life of the Christian.
The duties
So why did the office of deacon come about? Scripture says, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration” (Acts 6:1).
There are competing views on whether or not the role of the deacon was at stake in Acts 6. However, the men were likely similar to deacons in some respects or formed the first deacon group.
The scene was somewhat reminiscent of that of Moses in the wilderness. Moses was faced with a large load. He was told to command and lead all the people of Israel. As a result, he felt overwhelmed.
Scripture says, “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?…And Moses father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good” (Ex. 18:13-14,17).
Moses’ father-in-law reasoned that Moses would wear himself out because the burden would be too heavy for him.
When the number of disciples began to rise, the work became too heavy for the disciples to bear. As a result, some matters were left unintended.
The decision
Thus the disciples considered the claims of the Grecians. The Bible states, “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2). The disciples were faced with a dilemma.
If they chose to respond to the Grecians’ claims through their own efforts, they would have been forced to lay down other matters of importance. Thus, they weighed the two matters and believed God called them to preach the Word.
They built their foundation upon the words of Christ in Acts 1:8 and the Great Commission.
Jesus had told them, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you always, even unto the end of the world…” (Matt. 28:19-20).
Here it is clear the disciples were given a teaching ministry. Jesus told them to “teach all nations” and to teach “them to observe all things” that Jesus commanded.
Later, the disciples and Jesus are seen in Acts 1. Jesus had risen from the grave and would soon ascend into heaven. But before He went, He left His disciples with explicit instruction.
Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The disciples were called to proclaim the resurrected Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth.
As a result, they concluded they should not wait on tables and neglect the preaching of the word.
The requirements
While the disciples believed they should not be the ones to fulfill the Grecian’s desires personally, they also believed that someone should.
Thus the Bible goes on to say, “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3). These men were to be of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
To be of honest report is to have a good name or reputation among the people.
Scripture says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Prov. 22:1). Elsewhere Solomon has stated, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” (Eccl. 7:1).
Establishing a good name was important then, and it still is today.
Not only were the men to be of good reputation, but they were also to be full of the Holy Spirit. To say that they were to be full of the Holy Spirit is not to say that they were simply believers. While all believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit, it is not true to say that all believers are full of the Holy Spirit.
To be full of the Holy Spirit is to be overwhelmed with the Spirit. It is similar to John the Baptist’s words when he declared that he must become less and Jesus must become greater. To be filled with the Spirit is to walk in the Spirit in exceeding measure. It is to be under the influence of the Spirit’s power.
Finally, these men were to be full of wisdom. As a result, the men were to know the Word of God and evidence their knowing by their actions. They were to be to the doer of the Word James spoke of and the man who built his house on the rock Jesus highlighted.
The outcome
The result of the decision can be seen in verse 4. Scripture says, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Herein the desire of the disciples can be seen.
They wanted help, but it was not so that they could take a break. Instead, it was so that they could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
While the Grecians were concerned with physical bread, the disciples surely remembered that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. After Peter had denied Jesus, Jesus sought out Peter and restored him.
Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved Him. Each time Peter responded by telling Jesus that he loved Him, although Peter did so two times with a different word for love.
Nevertheless, after each time Peter responded by saying that he loved Jesus, Jesus responded to Peter by telling him to feed His lambs. Jesus was not talking about physical food but spiritual food. Jesus was concerned with Peter teaching the Word of God.
The group
In Acts 6:5, the decision had been made, and seven men were named. Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas were chosen to help serve. Only two of these seven men are seen after this verse.
Stephen was the church’s first martyr and can be seen giving a lengthy sermon in Acts 7. On the other hand, Philip must not be confused with the apostle Philip and can be seen in Acts 8 planting a church in Samaria.
The men chosen did much more than wait on tables. Ultimately they were called by God to serve wherever there was a need. The disciples were called to minister the Word of God and be in prayer.
As one can see in Acts 7 and 8, Stephen and Philip also ministered the Word of God. When the Ethiopian required assistance in understanding the Word, who was there to help? Philip, the chosen servant of God, rushed to his aid, and the Ethiopian was saved and baptized.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for the example of the early church. Teach me to look to their ways to align myself with their intended path. Help me to stay near to You in Your Word and to be able to discern truth from error. In Jesus’ name, Amen.