Why did the apostles appoint seven deacons?

The appointment of seven deacons in the early church, as recorded in Acts 6:1-7, was a significant event that addressed practical needs within the Christian community and established a framework for church leadership and service. This article explores the reasons behind the appointment of the seven deacons, their roles, and the implications for church organization and ministry, using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible for reference.

1. Context and Background

To understand why the apostles appointed seven deacons, it’s important to consider the context and challenges faced by the early church.

• Acts 6:1 (NKJV):
  “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”

As the early church grew, it faced practical issues, including the fair distribution of resources. The Hebrews and Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) were experiencing tension over the equitable distribution of food to widows. This conflict highlighted the need for an organized system to manage the distribution of resources and ensure that all members of the community were cared for.

2. The Apostles’ Response to the Issue

The apostles, recognizing the importance of addressing this issue without neglecting their primary responsibilities, decided to appoint deacons to handle the practical matters of the church.

• Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV):
  “Then the Twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’”

The apostles understood that their primary responsibility was to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. By appointing deacons, they aimed to delegate the practical tasks to capable individuals, thereby maintaining their focus on spiritual leadership and teaching.

3. Qualifications for the Deacons

The apostles specified qualifications for the deacons to ensure that they were suitable for the role.

• Acts 6:3 (NKJV):
  “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

The qualifications included:

1. Good Reputation: The deacons needed to be individuals with a positive reputation among the community.
2. Full of the Holy Spirit: They were to be spiritually mature and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3. Wisdom: They needed to possess wisdom to manage the practical aspects of church life effectively.

These qualifications ensured that the deacons would be able to handle their responsibilities with integrity and spiritual insight.

4. The Appointment of the Seven Deacons

The early church followed the apostles’ instructions and appointed seven men to the role of deacon.

• Acts 6:5 (NKJV):
  “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.”

The selection of these seven men reflects the church’s commitment to addressing the practical needs of the community while ensuring that those appointed were spiritually qualified and respected by the congregation.

5. The Role and Function of Deacons

The deacons’ primary role was to handle the distribution of resources and manage practical matters within the church. This allowed the apostles to focus on preaching and teaching.

• Acts 6:1-2 (NKJV):
  “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the Twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.’”

By managing the daily distribution and other practical needs, the deacons ensured that the church’s resources were used effectively and that no group felt neglected.

6. The Impact of Appointing Deacons

The appointment of deacons had several important impacts on the early church:

A. Improved Church Organization

The deacons’ appointment contributed to better organization within the church. With deacons handling practical matters, the apostles could focus on their primary roles of prayer and preaching.

• Acts 6:7 (NKJV):
  “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

The improved organization allowed for more effective ministry and contributed to the growth of the church.

B. Addressing Social Needs

The deacons played a crucial role in addressing social and logistical needs within the church, particularly regarding the fair distribution of resources to widows. This helped to maintain unity and prevent division within the community.

• Acts 6:1 (NKJV):
  “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”

The deacons’ involvement ensured that all members of the church, regardless of their background, received fair and equitable treatment.

C. Demonstrating Leadership Principles

The appointment of deacons demonstrated principles of leadership and delegation. By appointing qualified individuals to handle specific tasks, the apostles modeled effective leadership and the importance of empowering others in ministry.

• Acts 6:3-4 (NKJV):
  “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

This delegation of responsibilities allowed for more focused and effective ministry, setting a precedent for future church leadership.

7. Theological and Practical Implications

A. The Role of Service in the Church

The appointment of deacons underscores the importance of service in the life of the church. The deacons were tasked with serving the practical needs of the community, reflecting the biblical principle that service is integral to the Christian faith.

• Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV):
  “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

The deacons’ service exemplified the call to serve others, following the example of Jesus.

B. The Balance of Ministry and Practical Needs

The deacons’ appointment highlights the need for balance between spiritual leadership and practical needs within the church. By dividing responsibilities, the apostles ensured that both spiritual and practical aspects of church life were addressed effectively.

• 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NKJV):
  “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

This passage provides further qualifications and expectations for deacons, emphasizing the importance of character and faithfulness in their role.

C. Establishing a Precedent for Church Governance

The appointment of deacons set a precedent for church governance and leadership. It established a model for organizing church life and addressing practical needs while ensuring that spiritual leadership remained focused on its primary tasks.

• Acts 6:5-6 (NKJV):
  “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”

This procedure became a model for how the early church organized its leadership and addressed emerging needs.

8. Early Church History

According to history, in some churches, as at Rome, the number of deacons was later fixed at seven (Eusebius Ecclesiastical History vi. 43. 11). The council of Neo-Caesarea (A.D. 314; Canon 14) called for seven deacons in a locality. Many Bible analysts believe that the seven men selected in Acts 6 is parallel to the “elders” mentioned in Acts 11:30; 14:23 and onward. And in later times, at least, seven was the number of persons called upon to manage public business in Jewish towns (Talmud Megillah 26a, Soncino ed., p. 157).

Conclusion

The appointment of the seven deacons in Acts 6 was a pivotal moment in the early church. It addressed practical issues, improved organizational efficiency, and set a precedent for church leadership and service. The deacons’ role in managing resources and serving the community allowed the apostles to focus on their primary responsibilities of prayer and preaching, ultimately contributing to the growth and effectiveness of the early church.

Through this appointment, the early church demonstrated the importance of balancing spiritual leadership with practical service, establishing principles that continue to inform church governance and ministry today. The New Testament passages provide a comprehensive understanding of why the deacons were appointed and the impact of their role on the life and growth of the early church.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team