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TEXT: Acts 6:1-7
SUBJECT: Studies in the Diaconate #1
I propose this evening to begin a short study of the diaconate or "deaconship" as some have called it. What are deacons? Why do we need them? What are deacons to do? How are we to choose them? These and similar questions will be answered--I hope--in the next two or three weeks. Our challenge: to pray for such men, to identify them, and to choose them for our diaconate, if God so wills.
If we're to know God's mind on the diaconate, two of His Scriptures must be studied with care, Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13. Tonight, I'll try to expound the first. May the Lord help us. Amen.
The chapter begins with a problem in the church, v.1. "Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution".
The Church of Jerusalem had it all: Great teaching, godly leadership, big numbers, plenty of money, and "favor with all the people". But it was not perfect. The church was racially united. All of its members were Jewish. But culturally, it was divided. Some were "Hebrews"; they hailed from Palestine and spoke Aramaic. Others were "Hellenists"--Greek speaking Jews of the Dispersion. Both groups had "widows"--aged women without family and no means of support. The church came to their aid with a "daily distribution" of food, clothing, medicine, money, or whatever else was needed. But the services were not fairly distributed. The "Hebrews" got more than the "Hellenists". The inequality produced "murmuring" or griping.
This threatened to undo the church. Favoritism is incompatible with brotherly love which is the glue that holds the church together and the light that causes it to shine into a benighted world. Something must be done!
The Apostles propose a solution, vv.2-6. "Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, `It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word'. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the Apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them".
What the Apostles say--and how they say it--speaks well of their maturity. They don't say, "Quit your bellyaching!" They don't look for a scapegoat. Nor do they try to do it themselves--as though everyone else in the church is unqualified for ministry. Nor do they despise the people, but convey their love and respect for them. The first pastors were neither bitter, proud, nor overbearing.
The Apostles kept their priorities. "It is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables". They were not ashamed to do the work--as though serving the Lord's poor people was a disgrace--but they realized that they couldn't do everything themselves. And shouldn't.
Deacons were proposed to perform another ministry in the church. It was spiritual; it was vital; but it was not teaching. What was it? It was "serving tables". What does this mean? Perhaps it is best understood by way of contrast.
1.In many churches, deacons rule the assembly or the pastor or both. But I can't see how "ruling the church" can be inferred from "serving tables".
2.In other churches, deacons are janitors, handymen, and gardeners. Nothing wrong with this work. It needs to be done; deacons may do it. But does the answer fit the context? Are the people upset about dirty carpets or tall grass?
3.The Holy Spirit tells us what they're to do. "To serve tables" means to care for the needs of the church. Not the corporation, but the people. Alexander Strauch has called the deacons "Ministers of Mercy" and "Agents of Christ's Mercy". If the church is to "love, not in word and tongue, but in deed and in truth", it needs deacons to spot needs and to meet them.
The people were told to nominate men for this work. It was not, however a popularity contest. The men must be suited for the work. Three qualifications are needed.
1."Men of good reputation". They must be men of proven character; well-respected.
2."Full of the Holy Spirit". This means more than respectable or trustworthy; deacons must men of God--devout, pious, holy.
3."Full...of wisdom". The wisdom they need is of the practical sort. They must know--not only what to do--but how and when to do it.
The Apostles confirmed the choice by laying hands on the nominees. They were formally and publicly set aside for their work.
A blessing followed, vv.5a,7. "And the saying pleased the whole multitude...And the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith".
The work of qualified deacons relieved the tension in the church. The disciples go from "murmuring" to being "pleased". The neglect was put an end as were the hard feelings that it produced.
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity".
The work of qualified deacons enhanced the church's outreach. By caring for the needs of the church, the deacons freed the Apostles and others to do the work of evangelism. Their work was blessed numerically as "the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem". But more than numbers, the most unlikely men were brought to Christ: "And a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith".
In summary:
1.What is a deacon? He is a servant of Christ who cares for the church by showing mercy.
2.What are his qualifications? He must be respected, wise, and godly.
3.How should he be selected? He should be nominated by the church and confirmed by the pastor(s).
4.What is his value to the church? He relieves the church of many internal burdens, thus allowing them to reach out to others.
What should we do? We should pray that God would provide such men. We should look to see if He has provided such men. We should ask such men to minister Christ's mercy to the church. May God do so, for Christ's sake. Amen.
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