Although the Bible has relatively little to say about deacons, sufficient information is given and adequate guidelines are defined to produce the logical conclusions concerning the authourity of deacons, their qualifications, the process of selection, their assigned duties, and the performance of those duties. The application of these principles will help avoid both of two extremes, either making deacons the same as elders and overseers, or letting them be deacons in name only, accomplishing very little. Elsewhere, the term is translated as minister, servant, ministering, ministration, to minister, serving, service, to do service, relief, administration, minister unto, minister to, administer, and serve. Although the qualifications of the deacons are not as strict as those of elders, they are, nevertheless, quite important. There must be a high degree of maturity which produces balanced, serious thinking.
Integrity is a key.
One must be honest with all people at all times, never being two-faced. Not given to much wine. At a time when little water was used because of health reasons, wine was used for drinking purposes. Warning was issued about being given to wine in excess or for other purposes. A deacon, like every Christian, should avoid the evils of strong drink.