Deacons in the Church: A Special Role
Truths to Discover
Churches easily misunderstand the role of deacons, elevating them to a place of prestige, power, and political clout. But Scripture paints the opposite picture. Contrary to prevailing opinion, deacons do not form a governing body. Instead, they form a team that carries out delegated instructions and performs necessary routine tasks. As such, they minister quietly and without applause. When men fulfill these duties in a faithful, God-pleasing manner, God provides a remarkable commendation.
Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13
To “serve well” means to fulfill your responsibility in a way that’s accurate, good, and right. The result of this will be a “good standing” and “great boldness in the faith.”
The first result (“good standing”) does not refer to a formal promotion in rank within the church, like “climbing the corporate ladder” in the business world. Instead, it likely refers to gaining an excellent reputation among people over time, in both the church and community at large, as people see your faithful service and a job well done.
The second result, “great boldness in the faith,” likely refers to increased confidence in sharing the gospel with others. Scripture often uses boldness to describe confidence in proclaiming your faith (Acts 4:13, 29, 31; 9:27, 29; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26; 19:8). Two of the original deacons clearly showed what this is like.
- Stephen (Acts 6:5), suffered martyrdom for his courageous witness (Acts 7:1-60). He also influenced the eventual conversion of Paul the apostle (Acts 7:58, cf. 9:5).
- Philip (Acts 6:5), shared his faith in Samaria and many converted to the faith (Acts 8:5-25). He also witnessed effectively to a foreign government official and evangelized in many other cities (Acts 8:26-40). His gospel witness was so effective that the church came to recognize him not only as a deacon, but as an evangelist (Acts 21:8).
The example of these two deacons helps us understand what Paul taught about other faithful deacons who serve their churches today (1 Tim 3:13).
Questions to Discuss
- What does it mean to “serve well” as a deacon?
- What does it mean to receive “a good standing” as a deacon?
- What does it mean to receive “great boldness in the faith” as a deacon?
- How do Stephen and Philip show us what this means?
