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 Dear
Bro. Turner:
Does the Bible teach that the deacons are in charge of church
funds and/or all material things?
Reply:
For
an opener, let us avoid an artificial distinction in
"physical" and "spiritual" works of the
church. Whatever God has authorized saints to perform
collectively, it is for His glory, and there will likely be some
overlap in the use of "physical" materials so that
"spiritual" ends may be accomplished. This is not to
say there is no difference in physical and spiritual
needs. ACT.6:1-7 makes a contrast of "to serve (diakonein)
tables" and "service (diakonia) of the word;"
indicating that the apostles, in the reception and preservation
of the word, served their peculiar function — a more
important need.
Neither
the twelve nor the seven are called "deacons" here,
though all served. "Apostle" means one sent,
and is applied to other than the twelve; and "deacon"
means one who serves, and is applied without reference to
some official title. Men seem determined to put
"office" into places God did not put it. Marshall
translates vs. 3, "office" in place of
"business" — but the word is translated
"need" nearly every other place in the NT The Greek
has no word for "office" in 1TI.3:1, nor in vs. 10.
Literally, these say, "If anyone aspires to oversight"
and "let them serve." It is the work that is under
consideration, not an office. Apparently we do not want to
"work" or "serve" — we want an
"office" with a "title:" something
over which we
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can "have charge".
The
funds used in meeting the need of the Jerusalem saints was
"laid at the apostles’ feet" (ACT. 4:35-37); which
is to say it was put at their disposal. When someone was needed
to "serve tables" the apostles named the
qualifications (which would equip for both "physical"
and "spiritual" work) and appointed them. If anyone
"had charge" here, it seems to have been the apostles.
Funds to relieve later needs of brethren in Judea (ACT.11:27-30)
were sent "to the elders" rather than to deacons. And
when Paul brought "alms" to Jerusalem (ACT. 24:17; 1
COR. 16:3) we are not told of the specific receivers, but he
presented himself to James and the elders (ACT.21:17-19) and
declared what God had wrought among the Gentiles by his
ministry.
Some
think that when the apostles "appointed" the seven
they "ordained" or "passed the authority" on
to them. This concept has a faulty foundation. The priesthood of
the church is entered at the same time and by the same process
— upon becoming saints (1 PE. 2:5, 9). The scriptures teach no
clergy-laity distinctions (MAT.23:8); no succession of office in
the Lord’s church. (Matthias was selected a special
"eye-witness" (ACT.1:21-f) and could have no
"successors" in the years ahead.) Authority (in
the sense usually used by those having official concepts)
remains with Christ — deity has never abdicated to man
(JAM.4:12)I think we had better leave "oversight"
where God left it (ACT. 20:28; 1 TH. 5:12; 1 TI .3:5; 1 PE.
5:2-3); and all of us should concentrate upon
"serving" according to our capacity.
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