Deacon: Characteristics of
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In the New Testament, the role of a deacon is established as an important office within the early Christian church, primarily focused on service and support. The term "deacon" is derived from the Greek word "diakonos," meaning servant or minister. The characteristics and qualifications of a deacon are outlined in the pastoral epistles, particularly in 1 Timothy and Acts, providing a framework for understanding the expectations and responsibilities associated with this role.

Biblical Qualifications

1. Dignified and Respectable: Deacons are called to be dignified individuals, exhibiting a demeanor that commands respect. They are to be serious-minded and honorable in their conduct. As stated in 1 Timothy 3:8 , "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money."

2. Sincere and Truthful: Integrity is a key characteristic of a deacon. They must not be "double-tongued," meaning they should be sincere and consistent in their speech, avoiding deceit or duplicity.

3. Temperate: Deacons are expected to exercise self-control, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption. They should not be "given to much wine," indicating moderation and sobriety in their lifestyle.

4. Not Greedy for Money: Financial integrity is crucial for deacons. They must not be driven by a love of money or engage in dishonest gain. Their focus should be on serving others rather than personal enrichment.

5. Sound in Faith and Conscience: Deacons are to hold "the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9). This implies a deep understanding and commitment to the core doctrines of Christianity, coupled with a life that reflects these beliefs.

6. Tested and Proven: Before assuming the office, potential deacons should be tested and proven to be blameless. This period of testing ensures that they are capable and trustworthy. As 1 Timothy 3:10 states, "And these must also first be tested; then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons."

7. Faithful in Family Life: The family life of a deacon is also a reflection of their character. They should be "the husband of one wife" and manage their children and household well (1 Timothy 3:12). This indicates a commitment to marital fidelity and effective leadership within the home.

8. Worthy of Respect: The wives of deacons, or women serving in similar roles, are also expected to be "worthy of respect, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things" (1 Timothy 3:11). This underscores the importance of a supportive and respectable family environment.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of a deacon is to serve the church community, often by attending to practical needs and supporting the ministry of the elders or overseers. This is exemplified in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appoint seven men to oversee the distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. Deacons are thus seen as facilitators of church unity and service, ensuring that the physical and logistical needs of the congregation are met.

In summary, the characteristics of a deacon as outlined in the New Testament emphasize a life of integrity, service, and faithfulness. Deacons are called to be exemplary in their conduct, both within the church and in their personal lives, reflecting the values and teachings of the Christian faith.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Plymouth Members
... Later, when he acquired entire control, these characteristics were still more manifest. ...
"Deacon" Stephen V. White has long been a well-known member, as liberal ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/plymouth members.htm

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
... as well as for his religious fervor, and on being ordained deacon by Bishop ... He had
the characteristics of a great general, being systematic in his work and a ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/wesley gods love to.htm

Index.
... Dr. S., 85, 100 n, 177-8. 'Characteristics,' Shaftesbury's, 80-2. Charity schools,
18. Charlett, Dr., 49. ... Daille, J., 160. Dartmouth, Lord, 398. Deacon, 60. ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/index 2.htm

Of the Synod which was Held at Nic??a in Bithynia, and the Creed ...
... and others united in themselves all these distinguished characteristics: some were ...
These were powerfully opposed by Athanasius, a deacon of the Alexandrian ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter viii of the synod which.htm

The Deeds of Some Holy Persons who Devoted Themselves to a ...
... He was ordained deacon at Constantinople by Gregory of Nazianzus, and afterwards ...
one virtue in nature, but that it assumes various characteristics according to ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xxiii the deeds of some.htm

Index.
... Otis, Deacon, 360. ... 186; alliance with Congregationalists, 206; earnestly antislavery,
268; dissensions among, 292; the great schism, 296; characteristics as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacon/a history of american christianity/index 2.htm

Excursus on the Heresies Condemned in Canon I.
... was the daring and indefatigable Eunomius (for whose personal characteristics, see
his ... as the secretary of A?�tius, and his ordination as deacon by Eudoxius ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the heresies condemned.htm

Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. )
... His deacon's orders not being restored to him, they rested at this one punishment. ...
[2649] The reason is that both have the same characteristics. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxxxviii canonica prima.htm

The Second and Third General Epistles of John
... CHARACTERISTICS. ... Gajus, but had met with a rebuff at the hands of Diotrephes, an
ambitious fellow (probably, as some have thought, an elder or a deacon in the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second and third general.htm

The Mediaeval Church in Great Britain and Ireland
... Churchmen in retaining in the National Church the national characteristics, with
the ... Conversion of, 145 """ and Church of England, 144 Deacon, Meaning of ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter xii the mediaeval church.htm

Resources
What is the meaning of diakonia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is a church trustee? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Phoebe in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Deacon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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