The Office Of Deacon Instituted

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