The word "deacon" in the Bible simply means "servant."   Yet, there is a specific group of men that occupy the position within the Lord's church referred to as deacons.  The men that fulfill this official responsibility are required to have certain characteristics.  These characteristics are set out by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. 

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This office is one of honor (1 Timothy 3:13).  Some of the first men that may have occupied this kind of position were Stephen and Philip (Acts 6:3-6).  Stephen would be killed for preaching the gospel and Philip became one of the great first century preachers.  These men have directed their lives to adhere to the character qualities set out by God and have dedicated themselves to serve God and His people.  The Lord's church is truly blessed by such men.