The Office of Deacon

Acts 6:1-7

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaintby the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were beingneglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number ofthe disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word ofGod to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men ofgood repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 Andwhat they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full offaith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, andParmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before theapostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciplesmultiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedientto the faith.

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1 Timothy 3:8-13

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to muchwine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith witha clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve asdeacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must bedignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deaconseach be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their ownhouseholds well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing forthemselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

(ESV)