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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 152

"Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

Text: Ephesians 3:7

APOSTLES AND PROPHETS- SPECIAL LEADERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT ERA

How should we see the different types of leaders that God has given to the Church? We have already noted that there were “apostle” and “prophets” in the New Testament era. These were indeed specially ordained servants of God.

APOSTLES AS “MINISTERS”

How did Paul personally view his apostleship? One of the clues as to how Paul saw himself as an apostle may be found in the word translated “minister” in the text above. This word “minister” is actually the humble word “diakonos”. This word may be used to describe a person who does very humble or menial labor. He is not beneath the idea of serving at tables if needs be. [This word is also used to describe a “deacon” of the Church (Cf. 1 Timothy 3:8) where this official role is placed beneath that of an “elder” or a “presbyter”. (Cf. 1 Timothy 3:1)

How should we understand Paul’s use of the word “minister” in his life and ministry?

1. An Apostle must see himself as but a servant (one of the most basic nuances of the word “diakonos”

a) An Apostle may be called a diakonos
b) But a diakonos may not call himself an apostle (“apostolos”)

2. Two aspects but not contradictory

a) An apostle is an official rank in the Church hierarchy in the New Testament era.
i) An apostle has to be recognized by the Church at large.
ii) He may be elected as Matthias was elected (Cf. Acts 1).
iii) He has to evidence signs that he is worthy to be called an apostle. (Cf 2 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 15:19)
b) A deacon is also an official rank in the New Testament days. (Cf. 1 Timothy 3:8ff)

3. Personal humility evidenced in the employment of the word “diakonos”

Paul exercised deep humility when he spoke of himself as nothing more than a “diakonos” (“minister”) as he thought about his ministry as one of the chosen holy apostles. He did not at any time think less of the rank “apostle” when he used the word “diakonos” to describe his ministry.

He wrote as one who stood in awe of God’s revelation. The greatness of the revelation of God had a truly humbling effect on his life. To others, he was a great apostle. Within himself, Paul saw himself as only a humble “diakonos”.