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Deacon (Diakonos, One Who serves)
Meaning
The word deacon is a translation from the Greek word “diakonos” used in the New Testament. And it’s used in reference to one who is set aside to serve Jesus, the church body and others. The meaning of the word is, “someone who was in service to the king.” And the king referred to in this context is Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus is our Savior, Lord and King. Moreover, Jesus is the head of the church and the church is referred to as the “body” and “bride” of Christ. So from this we understand that the word deacon is used for someone, specially set aside for service. Service to Christ Jesus our Lord and to the church body and those in need.
And this is an important concept for us to understand, because the word “diakonos” refers to a servant and not a leader. In today’s world we can lose sight of this because our sin nature is always seeking to elevate ourselves above others. And sometimes people can seek out positions such as a “deacon” thinking it gives them authority over others. When in fact it refers to a greater level of commitment and service to Jesus, the church and those in need. The book of Acts chapter six uses the related word “diakoneo” as it was speaking of those put in charge of distributing food to those in need. And likewise the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy gives the requirements for the character of those men selected to serve the church as deacons.
“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Gospel of Matthew 20:26-28)
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Gospel of Matthew 23:11-12)
“And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.'” (Gospel of Mark 9:35)
“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” (1st Timothy 3:8-12)