Traits of Deacons

The Text

A. Today we are going to look at what Paul says about deacons. Let’s begin, however, with 3:14-15. The reason Paul is writing about these functions in the body of Christ at Ephesus is to help Timothy to know what he is looking for in these leaders should he, Paul, be delayed in his coming to Ephesus.

B. Again, as we saw last week with our lesson on overseers, what Paul writes is not a list of qualifications but character traits. These are not measurable but observable traits that confirm that these men can be designated as deacons among God’s people. Before we look at the brief list from Paul’s pen, notice the word “likewise” in verse 8. This word suggests that whatever is being said about deacons is going to be similar to what has just been said about the overseers. The character of the overseer is the same type of character that the deacon is to have. Thus, the presence of that simple word demonstrates that although elders and deacons have different functions, their character is to be the same. Let’s look at the brief list.

1. Worthy of respect — different words but the intent is the same as what we saw with the overseer. Both inside and outside the congregation, the deacon is to be respected

2. Sincere — there is to be nothing false about them. Their character is to be real at all times and in all circumstances. No hypocrisy.

3. Not indulging in much wine — as the overseers not given to drunkenness

4. Not pursuing dishonest gain — not greedy or open to taking advantage of people or situations for his own monetary gain

5. Hold to deep truths of faith — they are to love the truth

6. Must be tested — they are to be men who have gone through some situations so that the congregation can observe their character

7. A one woman man — same phrase as used to describe the character of the overseer. He is to be committed to his wife; no flirtatious behaviors

8. Manage his household — caring leadership in his family

9. Deacons are to be men whom the congregation recognizes for their upstanding character and their caring natures. They are to be men who love truth and who care deeply about people, just like overseers.

C. In verse 11, a brief list is given for wives. There is some debate if this list pertains only to the wives of deacons or if the list applies to the wives of both elders and deacons. I would point out that the phrase “in the same way” in verse 11 and the word “likewise” may apply to the same thing. In other words, the “likewise” of verse 8 definitely is meant to make a comparison between the elders and deacons. Verse 11 “in the same way” may mean that it is to make a comparison to the elders and wives as well. Secondly, if it applies only to the wives of deacons, it seems odd that Paul would not address the wives of elders. It seems reasonable that verse 11 applies to the wives of both elders and deacons.

D. There is also some debate that this word translated wives could also be translated “deaconness” and thus Paul is giving character traits of women who are to be special servants among God’s people. There are three reasons why this is not possible.

1. First, female deacons or deaconess did not appear until the third or fourth century. There is no historical evidence from early Christian writers that a special designation of women was in place in the early church.

2. Second, when the special appointment of women did come into existence their role was relegated to teaching other women, helping with baptism of women, and keeping the doors or serving as cleaning agents for a church building.

3. Third, surrounded as this verse is by deacons one has to have a good reason to have the word “woman” mean deaconess. It is better to understand the word to mean wives.

4. The point seems to be that the wives of both overseers and deacons are to be of good character as well with an emphasis on their ability to keep their tongues under control.

Application

A. As we take a look at deacons, the question arises “what is the difference between overseers and deacons?” As we have seen the character traits of both overseers and deacons is similar. So why are there two different words used? The answer seems to be in the designations Paul gives. Overseers means a caring manager. Deacon means a servant. It is in the designation that we are able to understand the different function. Overseers are with great care to manage God’s people. This management does not mean “boss” but to love and care for God’s people. On the other hand, deacons are to serve God’s people. They are to be men of faith with good reputations. They will serve the people in various capacities.

B. Some second century documents allow us to see that deacons served the people as those who took care of widows, unemployed and sick. They would take what money was given at an assembly and use that money to buy food, clothes, or other necessary items for the saints. They also assisted in making funeral arrangements for those saints who died. It is no wonder then that Paul says that the deacons must reveal that they have no interest in pursuing dishonest gain. It would have been very easy for the deacons to steal money.

C. Acknowledgment of deacons and prayer. Invitation.

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