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== In the early church ==

== In the early church ==

The term ''deacon'' and the office it represents has its origin in the earliest days of [[Christianity]]. The [[Bible]] itself specifically says:{{Bible quote|In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."|book=Acts|chap=6|verses=1-4|version=NIV}}

The term ''deacon'' and the office it represents has its origin in the earliest days of [[Christianity]].  

 

The [[Bible]] itself specifically says in 1 Timothy 3:8-13:

{{Cquote|In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."|book=Acts|chap=6|verses=1-4|version=NIV}}

Thus originally, a deacon was ''not'' a preacher but rather was a minister charged with being a church social worker, a treasurer, and a business functionary. It is known that deacons were, in the first several centuries of Christian Church history, key advisors to the bishops. That role has now mainly passed to the priests.

Thus originally, a deacon was ''not'' a preacher but rather was a minister charged with being a church social worker, a treasurer, and a business functionary. It is known that deacons were, in the first several centuries of Christian Church history, key advisors to the bishops. That role has now mainly passed to the priests.

Toward the end of his ministry and life, [[Saint Paul]] set forth specific qualifications for the office of deacon. These qualifications extended even to the sort of wife that a deacon ought to have, and a declaration that man and wife both ought to conduct themselves in a manner not deserving of reproach.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=I_Timothy|chap=3|verses=8-13}}</ref>

Toward the end of his ministry and life, [[Saint Paul]] set forth specific qualifications for the office of deacon. These qualifications extended even to the sort of wife that a deacon ought to have, and a declaration that man and wife both ought to conduct themselves in a manner not deserving of reproach."<ref>Bible passage 1 Timothy 3:8-13</ref>}}

== The Roman Catholic Church ==

== The Roman Catholic Church ==