Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy 3:8 - Instructions for Deacons

Deacons are servants of the church. When seeking servants, God looks at the heart, not the resume of accomplishments. That is his primary concern when calling deacons to service in the church. The original meaning of this word group had to do with performing menial tasks such as waiting on tables. That definition gradually broadened until it came to include any kind of service in the church. In John 2:5, the emphasis on serving food is seen: His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” These servants were the waiters at the wedding.