We come into the Epistles, and we find this word deacon all over the place. Paul uses it. Peter uses it. 1 Corinthians 1:1–16:24 and 2 Corinthians 1:1–13:14 are just filled with this word. And it is interesting, because what is one of the major problems in the Church in Corinth? They are selfish as can be! They are putting themselves before everyone else constantly. And Paul is using this word deacon, deacon, deacon – wait tables, serve, wait tables, serve, wait tables, serve. He is constantly calling out Corinth for this to be the small d deacons within the church of Christ.

We see that, for example, in 1 Corinthians 3:5: What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? [Deacons] through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. What is Paul’s office? Apostle. No one will ever hold that office. Paul really is the last of the apostles. He doesn't say, I am the apostle Paul, and I can tell you what I want, because I am an apostle and I come with the authority of Christ. He says, I came to serve. I came to deacon among you. To be your waiter; to be your servant. And why? So that I can show you Christ! So that I can bring Christ before you. So Paul calls himself this, and others as well. In Romans 15:8 Jesus Christ Himself is called a deacon: For I tell you that Christ has become a [deacon] of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs. He has become a [deacon]! So, you have Jesus as small D deacon; we have Paul as a small D deacon.¹

Nathan Eshelman