Bible Verses about Deacons
The Greek word "diakonos" literally means “one who waits at tables.” It is often translated as “servant” or “minister.” It is also transliterated as "deacon" in the English Bible when referring to the church office of deacon. The three main usages of the word in the New Testament are:
As a general term for service or ministry, referring to the work of serving others, either in a religious context, such as “Paul, a servant of the gospel” or in a secular context, as such as a servant of the king or a household servant.
As a specific title for the church office of “deacon” as occurs in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
As a descriptive term for the character and behavior of believers, referring to the way in which they serve others, in imitation of Christ who came "not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).
In the Bible, the word "diakonos" is used to describe the role of deacons in the early church as well as the role of Christ and his followers in serving others. The word is also used to describe the work of the apostles, Paul, and other leaders in the early church who were engaged in spreading the gospel and serving the needs of the community.
The following Bible verses refer to the role of “diakonos” in the early church.
The Value of Service in God’s Kingdom
Matthew 20:25-28
You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 9:33
Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.
The Office of Deacon
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 16:1-2
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Acts 6:1-6
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.
Servants of the Lord
1 Corinthians 3:5
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.
Colossians 1:7
Just as you learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.
Ephesians 3:7
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 4:11
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 1:12
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.
1 Timothy 4:6
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
2 Timothy 2:24
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,"
2 Timothy 4:5
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; if anyone serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
