Category: 1 Timothy

In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 

Summary: Paul’s introduction to the work of a deacon leads us to wonder, “What is a deacon, anyway?”   

When Paul begins with “In the same way…” he means in the same way overseers are worthy of respect (1 Timothy 3:4), deacons should be worthy of respect. 

In the case of overseers, respect comes from two groups. One is the respect of other believers. As Paul points out, “if anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:5). The other group is the unbelievers. 

But what about deacons? What are deacons anyway? 

Churches often use Acts 6:1-7 as a model for what a deacon is. It is the story about the early days of the church when the disciples were confronted with thousands of people who came to believe in Jesus. People gave willingly and generously (Acts 4:32). The Apostles found themselves mired in details. Instead of ministering in the Word of God, they were, as they put it, “wait[ing] on tables” (Acts 6:2). 

To ensure that the details were handled appropriately, they selected seven men “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to be responsible for these things. The word used in the Bible to describe what they do is “diakonéō.”* This is the root word for our English word, “deacon.” 

In the story in Acts 6:1-7, we see the beginnings of an organizational structure within the church body. The work of “prayer and ministry of the Word” is done by the Apostles. The work of keeping the peace and managing the material gifts of money and food was done by the deacons. 

Both tasks are important, and each is different. In some ways, the deacons have the more challenging role. 

In talking about the overseers, Paul warns about the “devil’s trap.” The danger is that they fall into disgrace by setting themselves up as a role model for others and then falling into temptation. Where the overseer must handle the Word constantly and so finds comfort and guidance in his work, the deacon handles the things of this world and is constantly exposed to material temptations. 

Thus, Paul’s admonition is well made. “[D]eacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”

Application: Each of us must be the overseer of our own thoughts and a deacon with our actions.  

Food for Thought: How is a deacon different than an overseer? How are they the same? 

*”G1247 – diakoneō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 21 Apr, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1247/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.

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