The Deaconate

Scripture, so it was shown, plainly teaches that the task of the deacons is to care for the poor. In acts 6:1, 2, the word diakonia (the Greek word from which our word deacon is derived and which means, administra­tion) denotes ministration of mercy. This is evident from the two expressions (occurring in the first two verses) "daily ministration" and to "serve tables". Now it is true that the word diakonia also included every office and gift in the church and thus also appears in Scripture as...