Why Deacons?

We are familiar (I hope) with Acts 6 and the appointing of the proto-deacons. But do we pay attention to the problem these seven men were to address and the outcome of their service? This, I think, is critical to our having a right view of what deacons should be doing.

The problem statement: Acts 6:1 “In those days, as the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.”

The people of God were squabbling over material things. Go figure! The Apostles saw that their focus was to be on prayer and the ministry of the Word (v 4) and that other godly men should handle the temporal matters (vs 2 & 3). The squabblers were happy about this and seven men were chosen for this duty (vs 5 & 6).

What was the outcome? Verse 7 reveals what happens when godly men keep the peace among the saints: “So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.”

When our focus is on the temporal, we tend to get selfish and squabble over these things. The color of carpet, what instruments should be used, what is the dress code, etc. When people are dealt with gently and temporal matters are resolved, our focus will be inclined to the spiritual and the preaching and teaching will flourish and evangelism will take place, and the Spirit of God will bring lost sheep into His sheepfold – maybe even some priests of a pagan cult.

Trust God, fix your eyes on the heavenlies, do not squabble over stuff. This is good and pleasing in the sight of our Lord.