Deacons (dcaxovois). The word means servant, and is a gen- eral term covering both slaves and hired servants. It is thus distinct from dodX0s bond-servant. It represents a servant, not in his relation, but in his activity. In the epistles it is often used specifically for a minister of the Gospel, 1 Cor. iii. 5; 2 Cor. ili. 6; Eph. iii. 7. Here it refers to a distinct class of officers in the apostolic church. The origin of this office is recorded Acts vi. 1-6. It grew out of a complaint of the Hellenistic or Graeco-Jewish members of the Church, that their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food and alms. The Pales- tinian Jews prided themselves on their pure nationality and looked upon the Greek Jews as their inferiors. Seven men were chosen to superintend this matter, and generally to care for the bodily wants of the poor. Their function was described by the phrase to serve tables, Acts vi. 2, and their appointment left the apostles free to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The men selected for the office are supposed to have been Hellenists, from the fact that all their names are Greek, and one is especially described as a proselyte, Acts vi. 53 but this cannot be positively asserted, since it was not uncommon for Jews to assume Greek names. See on Rom. xvi. 5. The work of the deacons was, primarily, the relief of the sick and poor; but spiritual ministrations naturally developed in con- nection with their office. The latter are referred to by the term helps, 1 Cor. xii. 28. Stephen and Philip especially ap- pear in this capacity, Acts viii. 5-40; vi. 8-11. Such may also be the meaning of ministering, Rom. xii. 7. Hence men of faith, piety, and sound judgment were recommended for the
416 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. I.
office by the apostles, Acts vi. 3; 1 Tim. iii. 8-13. Women were also chosen as deaconesses, and Phoebe, the bearer of the epistle to the Romans, is commonly supposed to have been one of these. See on Rom. xvi. 1.
Ignatius says of deacons: “They are not ministers of food and drink, but servants (tanpérau, see on Matt. v. 25) of the Church of God” (“ Epistle to Tralles,” ii.). ‘Let all pay re- spect to the deacons as to Jesus Christ” (“ Tralles,” iii.). “ Respect the deacons as the voice of God enjoins you” (“« Epis- tle to Smyrna,” viii.). In “The Teaching of the Twelve Apos- tles” the local churches or individual congregations are ruled by bishops and deacons. “ Elect therefore for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord; men meek and not lovers of money, and truthful and approved; for they too minister to you the ministry of the prophets and teachers. Therefore de- spise them not, for they are those that are the honored among you with the prophets and teachers” (xv., 1, 2). Deaconesses are not mentioned.
2. Grace—peace. The combination of the Greek and Ori- ental salutations spiritualized: grace expressing God’s love to man, and peace the condition resulting therefrom.
3. Every remembrance (macy 7h pve). Better, as Rev., all my remembrance.
Prayer (Sencer). Rev., better, supplication. See on Luke v. 33.
For you all. Connect with every prayer of mine.
Request (Tv dénow). Rey., better, my supplication. The article refers to every supplication.
With joy. Joy is the keynote of this epistle. Bengel says: “The sum of the epistle is, ‘I rejoice, rejoice ye.’” See vy. 185 20 sachin ie2, 17, 18,.28-220 sii veel 0;
5. For your fellowship (ért 77 xowavia tuov). Connect with [thank God. For fellowship, see on 1 Johni. 3. The
word sometimes has the meaning of almsgiving, contributions, as Rom. xv. 26; Heb. xiii. 16. Though here it is used in the
Cu. I.] THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS. ALT