Qualities of Deacons and Members

Qualities of Deacons and Members

No. 1

Shelby G. Floyd

February 18, 2009

Christ through his inspired apostles gave the qualifications and qualities that are to be found in the elders, deacons and each and every member of the church. No one is perfect and without some faults and sins in their lives (Cf. 1 John 1:5-10). However, the qualities we shall examine should predominate in the daily lives of each of us in the body of Christ. Especially, these virtues should be found in the overseers and the deacons.

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE DEACONS

We shall compare the qualifications of the deacons and their wives and demonstrate that for the most part, these same qualities are inculcated and are incumbent on each man and woman in the body of Christ. We shall quote the American Standard Version as our main reference, since it is esteemed by many to be the most accurate English Translation.

1 Timothy 3:8

Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

ASV

From this verse we shall make a comparison of each quality to be found in a deacon, and demonstrate that the same quality should be found in each member of the church. We will use passages of scripture that use the same word in the original as far as possible.

Deacons Must Be Grave

“Deacons in like manner must be grave [semnos--semnos]…” Different translations give different synonyms of the Greek word semnos--semnos. For example it is translated by grave (KJV, ASV), dignified (ESV), and worthy of respect (NIV). Joseph Henry Thayer defines the word related to people thus: “August, venerable, reverend; to be venerated for character, honorable.” –Thayer, page 573. Deacons then must be men of the highest character, known for being dignified and honorable.

Members Are To Be Grave

But this beautiful virtue is not reserved and limited to just the deacons. This quality is also to be found in the lives and deeds of every person who has been baptized into Christ. For example this quality is to be found in the lives of the older men whether they are deacons or not. In addressing the different age groups in the church family, Titus declared: “that aged men be temperate, grave [semnos, semnos], sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience” (Titus 2:2). Also the venerable apostle Paul listed the qualities and deeds that all Christians should think about and incorporate in everyday living, in his letter to one of the best congregations in the early church:

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable [semnos--semnos], whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

ASV

To the extent that more members possess this quality, able men will be found to serve as deacons in the church of the living God: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Philippians 1:1).

Qualities of Deacons and Members

Deacons

Quality

Members

Deacons in like manner must be grave

1 Tim. 3:8

ASV

Honorable, dignified, worthy of respect

Philippians 4:8

ASV