Paul's Vision for the Deacons

Paul's Vision for the Deacons: Assisting the Elders with the Care of God's Church
by Alexander Strauch

1. Would you Recommend this Book?
Yes. It’s a good read for current or aspiring deacons, elders, or members who want a clear, biblical understanding of the deacon’s role.

2. What is the Main Point?
Deacons are biblically qualified assistants to elders, helping care for the congregation so elders can focus on teaching and shepherding. Character, spiritual maturity, and service are emphasized over authority or status.

3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?
It’s a pretty short read but I would say the layout is kind of like this:
Introduction / first chapter - sets out the thesis.
Exposition of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - core biblical argument, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Summary / Conclusion - practical takeaways for churches.
Appendix on Women Deacons / Deacons’ Wives - clarifies debated points.

4. Why does this book Matter?
It matters because it restores a biblical understanding of deacons, countering modern church trends that either minimize or misdefine the office. Clear teaching strengthens church governance, safeguards pastoral focus, and ensures that deacons are chosen for godliness and service rather than status.

5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?”
Yes. It’s clear and logically organized. There’s some technical Greek language but he does well explaining what the meaning is.
Length: 192 pages; roughly 3-4 hours.

6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?
Alexander Strauch, Bible teacher and elder, known for “Biblical Eldership” and other works on church leadership. His writing in this book is clear and deeply rooted in Scripture; heavy on exegesis. His logical argumentation was strong but it was somewhat repetitive.

7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?
That character and godliness matter more than title. Serve in a way that frees others to fulfill their calling, cultivate integrity, humility, and faithfulness, and focus on supporting the body of Christ, even if not in formal leadership.

8. What was One point of Disagreement?
Strauch concludes that the office of deacon is limited to men, believing that women are best understood as the wives of deacons. He bases this on 1 Timothy 3:11, arguing that the Greek word diakonoi should not be read as “deacons” or “servants,” but as “assistants.” Although the matter isn’t as clear as I wish, I don’t share his view. His main objection to women serving as deacons is his belief that deacons not only serve but also lead. Yet leadership and teaching are restricted to elders, and the biblical text never says that deacons lead.

Matt Smethurst captures the distinction well: “If elders serve by leading, deacons lead by serving.” That kind of leading does not exercise authority. I also believe Paul calls Phoebe a deacon in Romans 16:1, giving us an example of a woman in that role: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae” (Romans 16:1 ESV). The Greek word translated “servant” here is diakonon, the genitive singular form of diakonos, meaning “servant,” “minister,” or “deacon.” So what exactly is Paul calling Phoebe?

9. What are any other things that stood out to You?
Strong exegetical depth, especially Greek grammar and verse-by-verse analysis.
Practical guidance is clear but limited; some “how-to” aspects are left open.
Emphasis on church reform, challenging modern governance patterns.
“The congregation chose its best to care for its least.”

10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one to read first to help with this one?
I would recommend getting the study guide book to go with this.
Also, I highly recommend, Matt Smethurst’s “Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church”. It is a great book on the Topic of deacons and how they are essential to the Church.