Deacons
The word diakonos in the New Testament has the meaning of “servant,” but can be used to refer to all Christians (e.g., John 12:26).
“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant (diakonos) will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26,
NASB95)
This word is also used to describe a certain group of men in a local congregation who possess particular qualifications and who have been appointed as
“servants” in a special sense within the congregation (e.g. Philippians 1:1).
“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:” (Philippians 1:1, NASB95)
Our goal in our study tonight is to look at what Scripture has to say about these men and their qualifications.