“For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).

The deacons at Antioch do just what the Word expresses: they serve. Each of these men is dedicated to taking care of the church properties and exercising ministries of mercy, so the elders are free to commit themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4).