Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

b. 1 Tim. 4.6

2. Tychicus, Col. 4.7

3. Epaphras, Col. 1.7-8

4. Paul, 1 Cor. 3.5

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5. Messiah Jesus, Rom. 15.8

II. Origins and Development of the Office of Deacon

And thus preaching through countries

and cities, they appointed the

A. Hazzan of the Jewish synagogue: a possible Jewish precedent of the office of deacon

first-fruits [of their labors], having first tested them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of those who would afterwards believe. ~ Clement of Rome (c. 96, W), 1.16., Ibid.

1. Charged with the care for the synagogue

2. Opened the doors, kept it clean, passed out books for reading, closed the synagogue after services, etc.

3. Jesus probably handed his scroll to a hazzan after he read the Isaiah 61 text, inaugurating his Messianic kingdom ministry, cf. Luke 4.20.

B. Historical development of the office (Philippian citation, Phil. 1.1)