8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something else to others, or say one thing but mean another. 8): This term normally refers to something that is honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy, and is closely related to “respectable,” which is given as a qualification for elders (1 Tim. Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12: The main difference between an elder and a deacon is a difference of gifts and calling, not character. Furthermore, the focus of the qualifications is the moral character of the person who is to fill the office: a deacon must be mature and above reproach. 2), and an able manager of his children and household (vv. 2 Titus 1:6), the husband of one wife (v. Like the qualifications for elders, a deacon must not be an addict (v. The similarities of the qualifications for deacons and elders/overseers in 1 Timothy 3 are striking. In this passage, Paul gives an official but not exhaustive list of the requirements for deacons. The only passage that mentions the qualifications for deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Like the seven, deacons serve the congregation in whatever practical needs may arise. Like the apostles, the elders’ primary role is one of preaching the Word of God. This division of labor is similar to what we see with the offices of elder and deacon. Since this was their primary calling, seven men were chosen to handle more practical matters in order to allow the apostles the freedom to continue with their work. The apostles were devoted “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (v. This distinction is based on the pattern found in Acts 6:1–6. The biblical role of deacons is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the elders can concentrate on their primary calling.

Deacons, too, have a crucial role in the life and the health of the local church, but their role is different from the elders’.

Elders teach or preach the Word and shepherd the souls of those under their care (Eph. The primary spiritual leaders of a congregation are the elders, who are also called overseers or pastors in the New Testament. THE TWO BIBLICAL OFFICES: ELDERS AND DEACONSĬomparing the office of deacon to the office of elder will help us answer these questions. Who should be a deacon? What does the Bible say deacons should do?

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