What was the reason for having elders along with deacons in biblical times?
Acts 6:1 - 6
KJV - 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
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Asked October 12 2023
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Bobby Ray
Supporter
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Tim Maas
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As I see it, both would have been needed because of differences in their primary missions. Elders were to provide spiritual guidance, preaching, and evangelism based on their knowledge and experience, while deacons were to perform specific physical tasks or service required by the congregation, such as distribution of food. To me, this is the basis for the comment of the apostles when the deacons were initially appointed, when they said (as the New Living Translation of Acts 6:2 puts it), "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program."
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