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The Twelve apostles chose Seven Greek men to oversee the distribution of Church resources (Acts 6), especially to the widows and orphans. Ostensibly, this meant a division of labor: preaching and prayer by the Twelve, community administration by the Seven.
However, the only two of the Seven (Stephen and Phillip) whose activities are recorded by the Acts of the Apostles performed ministry identical to that of the Twelve. More likely, it was to have a group of leaders representing the Greek-speaking Christians on par with the Twelve, who represented the Hebrew-speaking Christians.
Though the office of deacon is attested to in the New Testament, none of the Seven are named as deacons. It is not until Irenaeus of Lyons (d.202) that the Seven are identified as deacons. Tradition follows the example of Irenaeus, however, and the first martyr, Stephen, is often depicted also as the first deacon.
What else can I help you with?
How many deacons in the Catholic Bible?
There were seven men chosen by the early Church as deacons.
Was Stephen an apostle?
Stephen was one of the first deacons but not an apostle.
What town were the 7 deacons chosen?
The seven deacons were chosen in Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This decision was made by the apostles to address the needs of the early Christian community, particularly to ensure that the widows were being properly cared for. The selection of the deacons helped to facilitate the growth and organization of the church during its formative years.
What happened to the first deacons?
The first deacons, appointed in the early Christian church to assist the apostles with service and administration, are primarily noted in the Book of Acts. Stephen, one of the first seven deacons, became the first Christian martyr after being stoned to death for his bold preaching. Another deacon, Philip, spread the Gospel in Samaria and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, highlighting the deacons' role in early evangelism. The actions of these deacons helped to establish the foundation for church leadership and service.
How is Saint Stephen important?
He was one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles and the first Christian martyr.
Are deaconesses appointed by the pastor deacons or other deaconesses?
no they are chosen from the congragation
Why will St Stephen be remembered?
St. Stephen will be remembered as the first Christian martyr, as he was stoned to death for his beliefs. He is also known for being one of the first seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the early Christian community. St. Stephen's death is recorded in the Bible in the Book of Acts.
Were the seven first deacons in the book of acts married?
The Book of Acts does not provide specific information about the marital status of the seven first deacons appointed in Acts 6:1-6. However, some early church traditions suggest that some of them, like Philip, may have been married, as he is later referred to as having daughters (Acts 21:9). Ultimately, the biblical text does not confirm or deny the marital status of all seven deacons.
What are the names of the first appointed deacons of the church?
The first deacons were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus.
Why did the Catholic Church start using deacons?
Deacons began about the year 33 AD, shortly after the death of Christ. Originally, seven were appointed by the apostles.
What did Saint Stephen do at an early age?
There is virtually no information recorded about Saint Stephen's life. The only thing we know is that he was chosen as one of the first deacons of the early Church and was martyred soon after.
Who was Saint Stephen and how did he relate to Ireland?
Stephen was one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles and was the first Christian martyr. He has no connection that I am aware of to Ireland.
