Acts 6:1-8 Deacons are Raised up for Service

Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.  So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”  The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.  And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

In the days of the early church, members grew in great number.  The apostles feeling the pressure to serve God and the people reconciled the different factions of Jews (Hebrew or Greek) and the gentiles by appointing the churches first deacon's for service.  The Bible doesn't give  us as many details of the deacon's as it does others, but arising as the more notices were Stephen who is declared to be full of the Holy Spirit and Phillip who was recognized for the first evangelical work outside of Jerusalem.  Just as the apostles were given extraordinary grace by the gift to work signs and wonders, this also poured out to the deacons as well

In time, the church with all of its servants will become the body of Christ, each serving according to the grace given them.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You have indeed granted my gifts for service to You and I desire to be faithful according to Your enabling.  Along with these fruits of the Spirit, grant me also wisdom to serve you and not myself for the betterment of the Church which is Your body.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.