The First Epistle To Timothy - Executable Outlines

The Work And Qualifications Of Deacons
1 Timothy 3:8-13
INTRODUCTION
1. Having described the work and qualifications of those who serve as ‘bishops’ (1 Ti 3:1-7), he
does the same for ‘deacons’ - 1 Ti 3:8-13
2. The word ‘deacon’ comes from the Greek word diakonos...
a. Lit., it means “one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master” - Thayer
b. In the NT, it is variously translated as:
1) ‘minister’ - e.g., Ro 13:4; 1 Ti 4:6
2) ‘servant’ - e.g., Jn 12:26; Ro 16:1
3) ‘deacon’ - e.g., 1 Ti 3:8,12; Ph 1:1
c. It is evidently used in our text in a technical sense, a position or service performed by duly
qualified individuals
3. Paul says those deacons who serve well “obtain for themselves a good standing and great
boldness in the faith” - 1 Ti 3:13
a. What exactly was the ‘work’ of a deacon in the New Testament church?
b. How did the required ‘qualifications’ prepare them for this work?
[Consider first...]
I. THE WORK OF DEACONS
A. IN THE ORGANIZATION OF NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES...
1. The actual reference to deacons in the New Testament is very limited
a. Paul’s salutation to the church in Philippi - Ph 1:1
b. Their qualifications as found in our text - 1 Ti 3:8-13
2. A congregation that was completely and scripturally organized - e.g., Ph 1:1
a. Contained a plurality of qualified men serving as bishops (elders, pastors)
b. They were assisted by qualified men serving as deacons
Mark A. Copeland
B. IN THE SERVICE OF NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES...
1. It is generally supposed they were servants to assist the elders in temporal matters
a. “Their office seemed to have been to look after the temporal matters of the church, and
especially to care for the poor and the widows.” - B. W. Johnson
b. “The word here evidently denotes those who had charge of the temporal affairs of the
church, the poor, etc.” - Barnes
c. “... the character of their qualifications makes it clear that they were to be appointed as
dispensers of alms, who should come into close personal relations with the poor.”
- ISBE
2. Many believe the first mention of deacons or their prototype is found in Ac 6:1-6
Sermons From First Timothy 30