Bible Thoughts

January 27, 2002

The brother of whom Paul speaks is not named. He was to accompany Titus as they distributed goods for the care of the needy in the various congregations. Paul had enough confidence in the brother that he identified him as an asset to the work of "ministering to the saints"(II Corinthians 8:4). The apostle knew the one who went with Titus would "take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men"(II Corinthians 8:21).

Honorable men and women of God are respected by those who love the Lord and His truth. They live in such a manner that one can see the honesty and integrity in how they act, how they talk, and how they conduct themselves in all kinds of situations. In setting an example to others the faithful influence, through their speech and behavior, those with whom they are in contact. While evil men may despise and accuse them, the faithful continue to live for the Lord and His cause.

Each and every Christian has a reputation. A proper reputation is gained through the attitude, the habits, the speech, and the general behavior of the disciple. Unto a young man, Paul would advise, "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity"(I Timothy 4:12). As Timothy applied what Paul taught, he would gain the respect and confidence of the brethren.

Several years ago, when introduced to a gentleman, he said to the author, "I have heard about you!" Fortunately, the words were a complement as he recounted what he had heard. Others may not have been as complimentary! In all of one's actions and words, we build a reputation.

What do people say about each of us? Do they have positive remarks or negative remarks? Have I, in my habits and conduct, become a proper influence in regard to others? Or, when they see me coming, do they say, "Uh oh, here comes old so and so." The mannerisms that identify each of us can be positive or negative. It does matter how people view each of us. It does matter how we treat others, how we present ourselves, and how others perceive us. We are to be a proper example to all of those with whom we have contact.

Some habits may not be sinful, but can turn away those we are trying to influence. There is no doubt that Paul was a very gracious individual. He was happy to appear before Agrippa as he complimented him for his knowledge of the Jewish ways(Acts 26:2-3). The apostle would address Festus as "most excellent." Even when falsely accused, beaten, and rejected by many, Paul remained the example of kindness and care for others as he considered the influence he would have in living as a Christian. If Paul had been harsh and distasteful in his speech and his manners, he would have damaged his influence. May we all follow his example and "be kind one to another"(Ephesians 4:32). Will my reputation stand the test?

Every Christian who studies their Bible knows that God’s plan for the organization of the local congregation is to have bishops and deacons appointed within that congregation. However, sometimes the responsibilities of each role, specifically that of deacons, is misunderstood. Often time men established as deacons are regarded as “elders in waiting” or otherwise thought of as officers of the church. With the conclusion drawn that deacons are officers, disputing arises about what duties the “Deacons” have because even though 1 Timothy 3 gives the qualifications for deacons it doesn’t say what deacons are supposed to do.

Much of this confusion comes from a misunderstanding of the word deacon itself. As it relates to the church the word “deacon” itself is often thought to be a special title or to denote a specific position, but it does not. Within the King James Version, the same word is also translated as “servant” and “minister.” In 1 Timothy 3:13 the phrase “office of a deacon” is one greek word “diakoneesantes” which is translated in Hebrews 6:10 as “you have ministered.” What does this mean then? It means that there is nothing within the word “deacon” itself that implies a specific position anymore than the words “servant” or “minister” imply a specific position. It also means that one of the reasons there is no specific listing of the responsibilities of a deacon is because the responsibilities are implied by the word itself in the same way that everyone knows what a servant does and everyone(should know) knows what a minister does. Just as a servant’s specific responsibilities change depending upon what needs to be done, so do the deacons specific responsibilities change depending upon what needs to be done.

One of the best examples of the deacon’s duty is found in Acts 6:2- 3 “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Note that these men are nowhere said to be “deacons.” But notice what concept is established here, namely that at times the church has physical needs and that there should be responsible people appointed to ensure that those needs are met. In this case seven men “of honest report” were appointed "over this business." When Paul gave Timothy the qualifications of deacons that is what he was speaking of. Whereas bishops are to oversee the spiritual needs of the church, deacons are to meet the physical needs of the church. Is that to say that a deacon will not help to fulfill the spiritual needs of the church, or that a bishop will not work to fulfill the physical needs of the church? Sure they will, just as every member of the church should be working to fulfill those needs. These responsibilities were not given to keep others from helping, they were given to make sure the work got done. Paul gave these instructions to Timothy because he recognized that the local church does have specific needs and that the fulfillment of these needs should be charged to honest men of good character.

What every Christian needs to understand is that the responsibility to aid and serve the brethren is given to all Christians, each and every one. Yes, there are men charged to fulfill specific duties of the local church, but every Christian is a servant, a minister, a deacon of Christ’s. And every Christian should act to fulfill the responsibilities that Christ has given to each one of us.-Scott Huston