Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]
Last time we said that the qualifications for elders and deacons are the same, except that elders must be apt to teach. We say this because 1 Timothy 3:1-7 lays out the qualifications for elders; then in (v.8) Paul writes “Likewise deacons…” intimating that the basic qualifications are the same, without any mention of deacons being “apt to teach.”
We also pointed out that the qualifications can be divided into three general categories:
Personal Character. He must be blameless (not meaning sinless, but that no legitimate accusation against his character can be made), temperate (self-controlled), sober-minded (wise), and of good behavior (having discretion). He must not be given to wine (not meaning that he never drinks alcohol but that he never abuses it and is no drunkard). He must not be violent (either physically, verbally, or a lover of violence. He must not be greedy for money or covetous (a lover of money or possessions). He is not quarrelsome (argumentative or contrary). Rather he is gentle (considerate, kind, not callous, or cruel). He must have a good testimony among those who are outside (or else his questionable lifestyle may cast a bad light on Christ and the Church).
Family Order. If he is married, he is the husband of one wife (a one-woman man), who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (if he has children and they are under his roof). After all, if he cannot govern his family, how can he lead the Church?
Spiritual Maturity. He must not be a novice (a new, untried, inexperienced believer who has not demonstrated his commitment to Christ over a lasting period of time, lest being promoted too quickly, he be overtaken by pride). And as an elder, he must be apt to teach (meaning that he knows, and is able to explain, and to lead in the Church according to the Word of God).
All Christian men must aspire to these things. Elders (and deacons, with the exception of being “apt to teach”) must be these things.
Next time: Is there a difference between the pastor and lay elders?