Emmanuel Evangelical Church Chippenham

From 1^st September 2005:

Following a break from these studies over the summer, in this session we will begin to consider what the Bible has to say about the role of Deacons.

Background

Church has an eternal, international, regional and local expression. Here, we are part of EECC.

Last time we saw that all elders are intended to fulfil the role of ‘Pastor’. [1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:25-31 (esp. vs 28)]

However, we also saw that the gift of ‘Pastor teacher’ is one which is specifically given to the church [Ephesians 4:1-16 (esp. v11)] and discussed how in the New Testament such a brother was to be regarded [1 Timothy 5:17-20; Acts 14:12; Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18].

Deacons

This week we’re going to stop and begin to consider what the Bible has to say about the role of Deacons.

The word ‘Deacon’ comes from the Greek term ‘Diakonos’ = ‘servant or minister’. In fact it is translated only 3 times as ‘Deacon’, 7 as ‘minister’, and 19 as ‘servant’ or ‘servants’

1. Take a look at three of the references in each of the following and ask what kind of ‘ministry’ or ‘help’ is being referred to:

   1. Acts 1:17,25; Acts 19:22; Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15; Ephesians 4:12; Colossians 4:17; 2 Timothy 1:18; Philemon 18; Hebrews 6:10; 1 Peter 4:10,11; Revelation 2:19
   2. Romans 13:4
   3. Matthew 25:44; Acts 11:29; Acts 12:25; Romans 15:25,31; 2 Corinthians 8:4,19-20; 2 Corinthians 9:1,12-13; 2 Corinthians 11:8

2. In the following passages, ask just who is ‘deaconing’ in each case:

   1. Matthew 8:15; Mark 1:31; Luke 4:39; Matthew 27:55
   2. Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13
   3. Matthew 22:13; Luke 10:40; Luke 17:8; John 2:5,9; John 12:2
   4. Matthew 20:26-28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:26-27; John 12:26