📖 Biblical Definition
The qualifications of a deacon are Paul’s list in 1 Timothy 3:8-13: "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well." Like elders, deacons must be tested before commissioning. The office is one of mercy, table-service, and hands-on ministry to the saints. Character precedes service.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Paul's deacon-character list in 1 Tim 3.
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The list in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 of character requirements for deacons — grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, holding the faith with pure conscience, first proved (tested), blameless, husbands of one wife, ruling children and households well.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Timothy 3:8-10 — "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless."
1 Timothy 3:12 — "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."
Acts 6:3 — "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Treated as a lesser office requiring lesser standards; Paul's list is nearly as rigorous as the elder's.
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Modern church culture often treats deacon as a junior office requiring lower standards — entry-level church position. Paul's list is nearly as rigorous as the elder list. The corruption is treating the office as developmental rather than as its own dignity with its own bar.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek diakonos — servant, deacon.
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['Greek', 'G1249', 'diakonos', 'deacon, servant']
['Greek', 'G1381', 'dokimazō', 'to test, prove']
Usage
"Honor the deacon office; vet carefully."
"Let them first be proved."