The early church was in need. While those with more shared with those who had less, the church had overlooked widows in daily food distribution. Complaints rose up, so the twelve apostles brought together the whole church to remedy the problem: they would choose seven men to distribute the widows’ daily bread (Acts 6:3). These seven men were the first deacons, servants who cared for the physical needs of the church.
Do you have deacons in your church? Usually serving behind the scenes, these servant-leaders often care for the church building, look out for struggling church members, help with administrative tasks, and other important duties.
Yet, deacons are often overlooked or their purpose misunderstood. Looking back to how these servants loved the widows in Acts 6, we see what a beautiful service they provided Christ’s people. In Acts 6, we see the groundwork for the appreciation of deacons. This is a high calling provided by God for the flourishing of the church.
A High Calling
Lest we think that they filled these roles with just anyone, the twelve apostles commanded, “Pick out seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). These servant-leaders needed to have an excellent reputation in their church and communities. They needed to be full of the Spirit and wise, demonstrating the fruit of a life transformed by Christ.
We see this with Stephen, the first recorded martyr, don’t we? One of these first servant-leaders, Stephen was “full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8). He performed great wonders and signs, spoke with the Spirit’s wisdom, and boldly preached the gospel at his own stoning (Acts 6:8, 10; Acts 7). Stephen displayed the necessary character to fill this role, transformed by the risen Christ.
Paul petitioned us to respect those who labor among us (1 Thess. 5:12). Acts 6 illustrates why we might respect deacons—the high character required for this position invites us to trust these servant-leaders and honor their work among God’s people.
Provided by God
Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). Jesus knew it was the Father who provided the daily sustenance his people needed. But how would he provide it?
God chooses to provide for his people in many ways, but the church in Acts shows us that deacons participate in the miracle of God’s provision. These widows didn’t have the safety net of government assistance or flexible job options. They depended upon people to notice their lack and fill it up. They needed literal daily bread. Widows were vulnerable women.
When Jesus promised his people that God knew what they needed even before they brought their requests to him, he meant it (Matt. 6:8). God answered Jesus’ prayer through his provision of deacons. Deacons are the arms that embrace a people in need: just one way God answers his people’s prayer for daily provision, ensuring that no one is left out from receiving bread.
For the Flourishing of the Church
Acts 6 begins with disunity, complaints, and neglect. How would the early church survive? How would we expect such a conflict to end?
After God instituted these deacons, “the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). With the apostles focused on the word of God— and God’s people cared for by deacons— the word of God spread. Christ’s church grew and grew. Even priests joined the faith (Acts 6:7)! The Lord blessed the establishment of these servant-leaders.
Can you name the deacons within your own church? Even today, we can recognize and thank God for those who serve the physical needs of fellow church members (1 Thess. 5:18). We can seek to build them up, ask them how they are, or express our gratitude for how they serve the church.
Remember that these servant-leaders have a high calling provided by God for the flourishing of the church. As embodied souls, we need both spiritual and physical sustenance. While Jesus provides spiritual food through the ministry of the Word, he provides for the daily needs of his people through deacons. What a special gift to God’s people!
Ashley Anthony
