481 – Men (Deacons) for the Daily Ministration

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY VI LESSON # 81

MEN (DEACONS) FOR THE DAILY MINISTRATION

INTRODUCTION:

1. The word deacons (plural) appears three times in Scripture. (Phil. 1:1

, II Tim. 3:8

, I Tim. 3:12

)
2. The word deacon (singular) appears twice. (I Tim. 3:10

, I Tim. 3:13

)
3. This second word (diakoneo) is actually translated “use the office of a deacon” in I Tim. 3:10

and “used the office of a deacon” in I Tim. 3:13

.
4. Perhaps no other New Testament office is accompanied by so much misunderstanding, and hard feeling as this one.

I. A TRADITIONAL MISAPPLICATION OF THE OFFICE

1. That it is an office representing a category of rulers (a “board of directors”) in the Lord's church.
2. This is not a caricature, it is sometimes taught, and more frequently practiced.
3. It is actually a presbyterian form of church government as opposed to a congregational form.
4. The essential difference is they are called a “board of deacons” as opposed to a “board of elders.”

II. THE BIBLICAL TEACHING OF THIS OFFICE

1. That it is an office of service. (Acts 6:1-4

)
2. The word “diakonia” appears in Acts 6:1

and is translated ministration. In Acts 6:4

the same word is translated ministry.
3. In Acts 6:2

the word “diakoneo” is translated serve.
4. What these seven men did in Acts 6:2

and 3

Martha did in Jn. 12:26

. It is exactly the same word.
5. These three Greek words for deacon are translated minister unto, serve, minister, administer, use the office of a deacon, deacons, minister to, ministry, ministration, ministering, serving, relief, office, service, to minister and servant.
6. The words are translated twenty-seven times minister, fifteen times minister unto, sixteen times ministry, 6 times ministration and 3 times ministering.
7. They are translated 10 times serve and 7 times servant.
8. It is never, even once translated where it suggests rule or authority.
9. Therefore, it should be quite apparent that it is an office of service not authority.
10. The deacon’s authority is precisely that demanded by the office of service to which he is elected or appointed.

III. EVIL EFFECTS OF ABUSE OF THE TITLE

1. Churches are often held and smothered in the grip of a few men, sometimes even one man.
2. Many church members are embittered toward the office and the title.
3. Women are assigned to this “board of rule” and the error is justified by Scriptures that use one of these 3 Greek words speaking of women. Note Jn. 12:2

and Rom. 16:1

.
4. Often the elder who is charged to “rule” (that is lead) the flock of God is afraid to or unable to exercise his office.

Berean Baptist Church