The Office Of Deacon Instituted
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 12/22/2013 PM |
Text: | Acts 6:1-6 |
Psalters: | 133, 265, 237, 407 |
Installation of Elders and Deacons |
- Their ordination.
- The occasion was the neglect of the Grecian widows, who murmured against this incorrect treatment.
- The Grecians murmured to the apostles because their widows were neglected in the “daily ministrations.”
- The neglect was not deliberate racial partiality (not likely by the apostles) but the great growth of the church (1a).
- The apostles called the congregation together to find a solution.
- The main calling of the apostles was to be busy with prayer and the proclamation of the gospel (2).
- To solve the problem, the apostles instructed the congregation to elect men whom the apostles would appoint (3).
- That a distinct office was established is evident.
- Note that the historical circumstances which occasioned the institution of this office were of the Lord Jesus (cf. Acts 1:1).
- The occasion was the neglect of the Grecian widows, who murmured against this incorrect treatment.
- The calling of the deacons.
- They are not in charge of the General Fund, nor is the office of deacon a training school for the office of elder.
- They are to minister mercy - the expression of the love of God earnestly to bless one in miserable condition.
- God, who is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4), centrally reveals His mercy in Christ and His cross.
- God’s constant mercy to His people lays on them the responsibility always to reflect His mercy (Ex. 22:22-24; 23:10,11).
- The deacons reflect Christ’s rule of his church as a benevolent king.
- He is not the kind of king who makes laws and demands obedience and service of Himself.
- The deacons reveal this King by teaching about Him and by demonstrating His merciful compassion.
- They are to “collect alms and other contributions of charity,” and to “visit and comfort the distressed” (Art. 25 of C.O.).
- Though not a business, they must be faithful and diligent to distribute with wisdom.
- Two dangers.
- On one hand, some are insulted to be judged poor and refuse or hesitate to seek Christ’s mercies.
- On the other hand, some look at Christ’s mercies as their right and expect to receive whatever they ask for.
- Both attitudes arise out of pride and do not understand correctly that mercy is needed always and is always undeserved.