who was a deaconess in the bible

Full Answer

Is it biblical for a church to have a deaconess?

Today, most churches only have pastors, elders and deacons but a church having a deaconess is biblical. Our little church has a deaconess and when we see what Phoebe did, she was apparently doing the work of a deaconess.

What is a deacon in the Bible?

Deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1, as Paul writes to the elders and deacons of that church. They are mentioned here alongside the elders in 1 Timothy 3. However, they are missing from Titus 1, where Paul commands for elders to be selected and gives their qualifications.

What are the qualities of deacons and deaconesses?

Qualities of Deacons and Deaconesses—Faithful Servants (1 Timothy 3:8-13) | Bible.org 8. Qualities of Deacons and Deaconesses—Faithful Servants (1 Timothy 3:8-13) Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

What is the Order of deaconesses?

I.THE ORDER OF DEACONESSES. There was evidently such an order in the primitive Church. Phoebe of Cenchrea (Romans 16:1), Euodias and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2), and probably the association with which Dorcas was connected at Joppa (Acts 9:36-41), seem to have belonged to the order.

Who was the female deaconess in the Bible?

PhoebePhoebe is the only woman named as deacon in the Bible.

What does Deaconess mean in the Bible?

Definition of deaconess : a woman chosen to assist in the church ministry specifically : one in a Protestant order.

What is the role of a deaconess in the church?

Deaconess duties vary greatly among denominations, but responsibilities generally include such tasks as assisting with church ordinances, supporting the clergy, ministering to the needy and educating female church members. While deaconesses are sometimes ordained, they're typically considered part of the lay ministry.

What do you call a deaconess?

A deacon is a member of the diaconate, an office in Christian churches that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions.

Can a deaconess marry?

Deacons may be married or single. However, if they are not married at the time they are ordained, they cannot marry after and are expected to live a life of celibacy.

What are the characteristics of a deaconess?

Deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

Can a woman be a deaconess?

Married men can be ordained as deacons. Women cannot, though historians say women served as deacons in the early Christian church. In response to women demanding to be given greater roles in the 21st century, Francis established a commission in 2016 to study female deacons in the early Christian church.

What is a Baptist deaconess?

A Deaconess serves the Lord by performing acts of charity and hospitality and assistance for those in the Church, particularly women, and assisting in the work of visitation and ministry to the sick and needy and others on a case by case basis.

Why did the Hellenists complain about the disciples?

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ...

Who were the men of Antioch?

And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.

Why did the disciples complain about the widows?

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ...

What is the mystery of Godliness?

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

What did the King say to the attendants?

Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

What did Paul and Barnabas teach the brothers?

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” ...

What does it mean to be a deacon?

Therefore, to be a deacon is to be a servant, an attendant, a minister, or a helper.

Where is the second point in my support for female deacons found within 1 Timothy?

The second point in my support for female deacons found within 1 Timothy is found at the beginning of the chapter in the charge to the elders. There is one huge difference in this passage when it comes to the qualification sections of elders and deacons (other than elder’s necessary qualification of being “able to teach”). If the word should be rendered "wife" and there is qualifications for the wife of the deacon, why are there no qualifications listed for the wives of elders in this passage? Are elders wives not held to the same standard as a deacon’s wife? If elders are the pastor-teachers of the body and lead the congregation, why would their wives not be held to equal or higher standards? This poses a problem for those who take this interpretation. I believe, however, the reason there are seemingly "no qualifications for the wives of elders" in this particular passage isn’t because there are no expectations or required character qualities for wives, but rather because this passage simply is not delving into qualifications for the spouses of either office, but rather giving the qualifications those who take the office itself. Therefore, I take this passage to give the qualifications for male elders, male deacons, and female deacons.

Do deacons have to be husbands?

Deacons must be husbands of only one wife , and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.". - 1 Timothy 3:8-13. 1.

Is the deacon a board of directional leadership?

However, the office of the deacon is not an official board of directional leadership but rather the group of people designated to be unifying models of servanthood while they spiritually serve the local church's physical needs.

Is there a deacon in the Bible?

While all believers are intended to be ministers or servants and in some sense deacon, there is also a deacon office mentioned in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 as one of two church leadership offices (the other being the elder) in the church. In other words, while all Christians should in some sense be deaconing ...

Can a woman be a deacon?

Once again, if there is a governing deacon board, or if the deacons exercise the authority designated for the elders of the church, then a woman should not be permitted to become a deacon, because they are not to be elders officially or operationally.

How to be a deacon?

10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

How did the Twelve disciples spread the word of God?

2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

How did the Twelve choose the disciples?

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

How to be a widow in the Bible?

3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

What did the Twelve say to the disciples?

2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

What does Colossians 1:23 mean?

Colossians 1:23. 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

What to say to Phoebe in the Bible?

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Where in the Bible does it mention the deacons?

Deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1, as Paul writes to the elders and deacons of that church. They are mentioned here alongside the elders in 1 Timothy 3. However, they are missing from Titus 1, where Paul commands for elders to be selected and gives their qualifications.

What does the word "deacon" mean?

The word “deacon” really just means “servant” or “attendant.”. It was used of somebody who waited on tables or did menial tasks. 2 The office of deacon seems to originate from Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles were confronted with the needs of the widows in the community.

How do elders and deacons partner?

They partner in serving the church by allowing elders to focus on specific aspects of ministry, like teaching. In fact, as you compare the qualities required of an elder with those of a deacon, they essentially are the same. Both elders and deacons need to be people of character.

What does the Bible say about deacons drinking?

Paul’s says deacons must not be “given to excessive drinking” (v.8). This was especially important since serving wine was a common gesture of hospitality in homes. Deacons often traveled house to house caring for members, and if they were addicted to wine, they would be tempted to become drunk and shame God and his church. Therefore, deacons had to practice moderation with alcohol, if not full abstinence. This is true for deacons and Christians in general. Scripture does not forbid drinking alcohol, but it does caution against it and forbid drunkenness. William MacDonald’s comment are helpful:

What does the Bible say about servants?

2 Timothy 2:15. Servants must be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.

What are the qualities of a deacon?

Qualities of Deacons. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless …. Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers ...

What does the Bible say about the washing of the feet of the disciples?

And he calls each of us to serve God and others. One day, he will return and to those who have been faithful, he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” and to others, he will call them a “wicked and lazy servant” ( Matt 25:23, 26 NIV).

What do deaconesses do?

Phoebe the Deaconess occupied such a position in the church and as such could be a teacher of many of female inquirers of the faith and since she was a deaconess, she would have been active in the relief of the temporal needs of the poor among the flock.

Why did Paul ask the church to welcome Phoebe in the Lord?

Paul asked the church at Rome to “welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints” because she was a great help to many.

Where in the Bible does it say "Phoebe"?

There are only two verses in all the Bible that mention Phoebe by name and we find them in Romans 16:1-2 which says “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in ...

What does Paul call the sister of the church?

Paul calls her a sister meaning she was part of the Body of Christ, the church but she was also a “servant of the church at Cenchreae” meaning she served the saints in the church which is what a deaconess does.

What does the Greek word "servant" mean?

The Greek word for “servant” where Phoebe is mentioned means is “diakonos” from which we get our word deacon from, so she was a slave of Christ and the church, devoting her whole substance to the church.

Was Phoebe a Jew?

Phoebe was not a Jew but a devout Christian who bore without change and without reproach the name of the Moon-Goddess of the Greeks and was so highly commended because she had shone as a light for Jesus, the “Light of the World” and lived up to the meaning of her name which means “Pure or radiant as the moon.”.

What does the Bible say about deacons?

The statement that deacons are to be “men worthy of respect” ( 1 Timothy 3:8 NIV) and the qualification “the husband of but one wife” ( 1 Timothy 3:12) would seem to disqualify women from serving as deacons.

Who is Paul referring to in verse 8?

According to this interpretation, Paul is referring not to deacons’ wives, but to women who serve as deacons. The use of the word likewise in verse 8 could suggest a third group of leaders in addition to elders and deacons.

What did women servants do in the early church?

In the early church, women servants cared for sick believers, the poor, strangers, and those in prison. They instructed women and children ( Titus 2:3-5 ).

Does scripture say women are deacons?

Clearly, he saw her not as inferior or less capable, but as a trusted and valued member of the body of Christ. Scripture does not give much support to the idea of women serving as deacons, but it does not necessarily disqualify them, either.

What Is A Deacon?

Four Biblical Reasons I Believe Women Can Be Deacons

• "Deacons likewise (see #3 below) must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women (see #1 below) must likewise be dignified, not malicious...

See more on wretchedtoredeemed.org

When There Should Not Be Deaconesses