What the Holy Scripture says about deacons and bishops

What the Holy Scripture tells us about Deacon's and Bishop's (Elders)

Let us go to the Holy Scriptures and see what our God has to say about the church office of Deacon and Bishop. We will start with the office of Deacon first. The first mention of the office of Deacon is in the book of acts beginning in chapter 6 verse 3. Now the reason mainly that this is being written is this; While most church congregations take this position seriously as from the Word of God, other churches prostitute the title of Deacon as in some ways self glory, non scriptual, and definite disgrace to the word and will of God.

deacon (diakoneo) (diakonis) an attendant, a host, friend, teacher, minister, service

The word deacon is mentioned in the bible 5 times. Above is the positions delegated to the faithful and righteous people that are qualified for this position. I stress that this is a position only and not a title. This position in the church should be delegated to those who qualify spiritually. The office of deacon was instituted by the apostles to free the apostles from spending their time taking care of the numerous widows, and spending more time seeking to reach the lost by the gospel of Christ Jesus.

Acts chapter 6:1-7 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 by 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; "but we will give ourselves continually in prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the saying pleased the whole mulitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

During the infancy of the church all things were common among the disciples. The believers were selling, and giving possessions so that the needs of the widows and the orphans, the poor and the needy would be met, each and every day. This was a tremendous and awesome work for the apostles, so therefore faithful men of good reputation was chosen to help the apostles in the distribution.

The apostle Paul has told us the qualifications that God wants from deacons, 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Since this is what our Lord wants it should not be taken lightly. "Likewise deacons must be reverant, not doubled tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverant, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husband of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

bishop (episkope) (episkopos) Greek words denoting superentendance, church ruler, overseer, visitation. The word bishop is mentioned in the bible seven times. bishop is not a title, it is a position. We see so many times that the pride of man takes over when someone gives them a title. Sometimes when this happens greed and self righteousness takes the place of servant. In 1 Timothy chapter 3:1-7 is the qualifications for a bishop.

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous, one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?", not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he muct have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

We are beginning to hear the word corporate in church more and more. The word itself is ok, but we have to know in what context it is used in. Sometimes I fear that we are trying to turn the church body of Jesus Christ into a business. I think if a word has to be used than why not co-operate. We need to all understand that each individual is a temple to themselves, a temple without walls, Thank God we are free from bondage, we have had the heavy yoke thrown off, Yes we are free in Christ.