David Anguish
Our title represents an effort to literally render a familiar verse from the section which speaks to the matter of deacon qualifications. By way of contrast, note the typical rendering of the verse, as presented in the New American Standard Bible: "These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach" (1 Timothy 3:10). Notice first that the noun "deacon" replaces the more literal verbal rendering, "must serve." Second, the imperative idea is given more emphasis in the literal rendering. Third, the focus on the order of events is more pronounced in our literal rendering - testing then serving is Paul's emphasis.
We stress these things because of a concern over an attitude which we have noticed where the subject of deacons is discussed. It is a concern which Charles Hodge has also noticed: "Brilliance, talent, education, money, (and) status influence us more than we dare admit! Weekly, preachers declare the abundance of talent where they preach yet (are) still wondering 'What is wrong?' Many men have been ordained as deacons simply because of their 'social status' rather than their spirituality! If they had been poor, they would have never been considered. Too many believe Christ's church has two rewards - the diaconate then the eldership! . . . The diaconate is not a 'necessary nuisance' in becoming an elder! . . .The diaconate is not a reward, a title, a position - it is a function. . . . God has not, will not, and cannot use title seekers. He can use servants! (God's Deacons, 33).
Why consider this subject? First,"deacon" translates diakonos. Though not used often in this sense in the New Testament, it is used. No honest study of this theme, such as we have been pursuing, can overlook the subject. Second, as Hodge hints in the second sentence quoted above, we have heard too many elders and preachers wonder what's wrong, too many charged with seeing that God's church move forward who have expressed the desire for someone to study it and teach their deacons on this subject. Third, we study this theme because we are interested in being part of a New Testament church and in encouraging every other body member to be likewise interested. We have heard too much to believe that all God's people have a grasp of the New Testament concept presented in 1 Timothy 3:10.
Simply put, the problem is this: too many see the place of a deacon more in terms of a modern mid-level management position than in terms of service. We do not intend to say that first century deacons did not hold a separate position, that there was no office involved (cf. Philippians 1:1). We do intend to say that their focus was more on the SERVICE and less on the office while many today focus more on the OFFICE and less on the service. Much of the modern debate over whether women have a place in such roles illustrates the point. The question usually comes across in terms of why a woman can't hold this or that position. The idea of "menial service," the meaning of diakonia, doesn't seem to be in view. Who wants to do grunt work?
A literal rendering of Paul's words in 1 Timothy 3:10 cuts through all that. There is no question that the context refers to deacons (see v 8). But verse 10 shows that Paul's focus was on function, not position. It was expected (note the imperative form) that only the men who had first been tested were to be set apart as "special servants" (perhaps a more helpful translation of diakonos). There was no question in Paul's mind of selecting a man in order to get him involved. No question either of selecting a few up and coming younger men to form an opinion group capable of swaying a resistant membership to a budget or program agenda. Indeed, the only leadership involved here is that of demonstrated service on the part of one whose actions consistently show a willingness to get his hands dirty in the Lord's work.
Both experience and biblical example (Acts 6:1-7) teach us that what is everyone's responsibility is no one's responsibility. The analogy of the body (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:11-16) teaches us that differently talented people need to be doing different things and that it is right for some to have the role of getting others involved in using their unique gift(s). God's church is blessed with many wonderful servants whose formal roles as deacons simply continue the service they have long performed. But let us remember that in this area too Satan has an agenda to our detriment. That to the extent that the prestige of the office is elevated over the function of service the devil hinders even our best intentions.
"They must first be tested, then they must serve."