Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 64:2 (Jun 2021)
Article: The Authority Of Deacons In Pauline Churches
Author: Benjamin L. Merkle

JETS 64:2 (June 2021) p. 309

The Authority Of Deacons In Pauline Churches

Benjamin L. Merkle*

^* Benjamin L. Merkle is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 120 S. Wingate St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Abstract: The New Testament office of deacon is disputed primarily because of the paucity of information. Consequently, many look to the following in order to determine the role of deacons in the church: (1) the lexical meaning of διάκονος and its cognates (διακονέω and διακονία); (2) the function of the Seven in Acts 6:1–6; and (3) the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Additionally, one’s view of the role of women in ministry can influence how one perceives the function and authority of deacons. This essay argues that deacons held an official and authoritative, yet nonessential and subordinate, position in the Pauline churches. I support this thesis by considering: (1) the official title of deacons; (2) the official function of deacons; (3) the official qualifications of deacons; and (4) the official period of testing and honorable standing of deacons.

Key words: authority, church, deacon, elders, office, qualifications, the Seven

If there is debate and disagreement over the office of elder or overseer, the office of deacon is, if possible, even more disputed. The main reason for different positions relates to the paucity of information on deacons. Although the term διάκονος occurs 29 times in the NT (with 21 occurrences in Paul’s writings), the use of the term in reference to a church office is found in only two or three passages (Rom 16:1; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8, 12).1 Consequently, many look to the following in order to determine the role of deacons in the church: (1) the lexical meaning of διάκονος and its cognates (i.e., διακονέω and διακονία); (2) the function of the Seven in Acts 6:1–6; and (3) the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Additionally, one’s view of the role of women in ministry can influence how one perceives the function and authority of deacons. At risk of oversi...