Dictionary of Biblical Words:
These are first appointed in Acts 6,. and spoken of in Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2-8, &c. They were men of consistent character and life, who held locally the office of relieving and distributing the alms, and other minor services for the assembly.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(servant). A servant of the Church (Acts 6:1-6). Qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
This name is generally applied to the seven who were chosen to superintend the distribution of the funds of the church in Acts 6:3; but they are not there called deacons, and though the name may be applicable to them, yet it cannot be restricted to such service. The term applies to any service not otherwise specified. The Greek word is more often translated “minister” and “servant” than “deacon.” It twice refers to Christ (Rom. 15:8; Gal. 2:17); also to Paul and others (Col. 1:7,23,25); to magistrates (Rom. 13:4); and even to Satan’s emissaries (2 Cor. 11:15). The Epistle to the Philippians was addressed to the saints and to the “bishops and deacons,” or overseers and servants. In 1 Timothy 3:8-13 the moral qualifications of the deacon or minister are given, but what his work was is not specified; it is evident that they carried out their service officially. The service of deacon must not be confounded with “gift.” Phebe was DEACONESS of the assembly in Cenchrea (Rom. 16:1).
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