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.]
In the last two posts we have been considering how we go about recognizing who God is raising up to serve as elders and deacons. Note that we cannot make anyone an elder or a deacon. Only God does that. Our task is to identify who He is raising up, and then follow a selection process that follows biblical guidelines.
This time we want to consider the biblical qualifications deacons as listed in Acts 6.
Seven men. There is nothing magical about the number seven. That is the number they decided on for the church in Jerusalem in Acts 6, but that is not the number for all churches in all times. Rather, the number is dictated first by how many men God has gifted to serve as deacons.
Note also the word men. Must deacons only be men? There are solid biblical arguments for women to be recognized as deacons, since deacons are not elders, and are therefore not in positions of spiritual authority over the Church. Deacons are servants, and servants in the Church are made up of both men and women. But because there are some who are sensitive, many churches, including ours, have opted only to ordain men as deacons. The truth is, there are women in our church who are servants and are content to serve with or without the title. And of course, there are men who serve in the church who are not deacons either. If one serves only get the title, he or she may not really be a servant after all.
Of good reputation. This is a rather general statement, but an important one. If a person has a poor reputation either inside or outside of the church, there is probably a reason and that removes that person from the potential of being a deacon.
Full of the Holy Spirit. All believers are filled with the Holy Spirit from the time they are born again, and obviously, being a believer is essential. However, in the context, this appears to suggest that those being considered to serve as deacons are spiritually-minded, spiritually-sensitive, and spiritually-led individuals.
And wisdom. Wisdom is more important that most people realize. The book of Proverbs is an urgent reminder of the value of wisdom. But as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, there is a difference between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom. Deacons must be men, not merely of worldly wisdom, but of spiritual wisdom. After all, they are serving Christ’s people in Christ’s Church.
These are the minimum requirements for deacons according to Acts 6:3. Next time we will consider the more detailed qualifications of elders and deacons from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.