Deacons: Illuminating the path to greatness

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. - Acts 6:1‭-‬7 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

This passage holds great significance to us because it is the first instance of deacons. The church was growing and this is an indication of growing pains. At first, the church took care of their needy. The needy were cared for by people selling their possessions and giving to the poor believers. But now the needs of the needy outstripped the ability of the church. So the apostles called the disciples together and called the church to appoint deacons. Not just any disciples, but spiritually mature, respected men.

The apostles did not dismiss the needs of the widows. They were not denigrating the deacons nor denying the addressing the needs of people. At the same time, they needed to be devoted to the ministry of the word.

Deacons bring organization, coordination, and focus to the ministry of deeds. But they are not solely responsible. Every believer is responsible as well. The ministry of the word is borne out in the ministry of deeds.

Meeting the needs of our neighbors is not cool. It is not often glamorous. Deacon means servant. In the world we live in, those who are greater are served. But according to Jesus, those who serve the most are the great ones. It flips everything upside-down. The kingdom of God is opposite of the kingdoms of the world. Jesus, the greatest of all, came to serve all. He did not come to be served, but to serve. When the truth of this grasps us, we will grow a servant heart for those around us.