What Does “Deacon” Mean in the Bible?
Office or title
A man ordained to serve: he assists at Mass, baptizes, preaches, and cares for the poor.
A detail
- The first ones: the seven chosen by the apostles, among them Stephen.
Where it appears in the Bible
Acts 6:1-6
What the Bible says
Acts 6:1-6
1And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
Source: Catechism 1569-1571; Acts 6:1-6