1Timothy 3:8-13 ONE WHO SERVES There are words that often have more than one meaning and there are nuances to the same word that apply to a variety of situations. "Diakonos" is one such word. The word is used as "minister" 20 times. 7 times it is used as servant. The word "deacon" is used in Philippians and 1st Timothy. A deacon is one who does service of any kind for a master. "Diakonos" is used of a household, a king and even of the Lord - as those who serve in the Gospel [Col.1:23] and as those who serve among the saints. Paul was a deacon [Eph.3:7]; Timothy [1Thes.3:21; 1Tim.4:6]; Tychicus [Eph.6:21; Col.4:7]; Phoebe [Rom.16:1]; the ruler of the land [Rom.13:4 and even the Lord Jesus Christ [Rom.15:8] were identified as those who were "diakonos." The qualifications listed for those who lead and serve the Lord's people are for the most part the normal things that guide the conduct of a normal godly life. These exhortations can extend to every child of God as to what is expected in the Christian life. Respect is given to those who honor God by living honorable and righteous lives.
1 Timothy 3:8–13