So there the argument ends - we can't go beyond the text itself. Thanks for the comments. We will add them to a future web site on this issue.
But an interesting web site is copied below...One of the problems that we face in our study of the Bible arises from the fact that we are using translations. At times, various translations may render the same original word into a variety of translated words, often according to the personal preferences and biases of the translators. Most translators are keenly aware of this problem, and make every effort to avoid forcing a definition onto a word that may not have been intended in the original language. At times, however, it seems unavoidable.
An example of this problem is the Greek word diakonos (Strong's #1249). This word has been translated in the New Testament scriptures as "servant" (i.e., Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:35; John 2:5), "minister" (i.e., Matthew 20:26; 2 Corinthians 6:4; Ephesians 3:7), and "deacon" (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8, 12). The verb form, diakoneo (#1247), is usually translated in the KJV as "minister unto" or "serve," showing the true meaning of the word. The KJV also translates the verb diakoneo in two places by the curious phrase "the office of a deacon" (1 Timothy 3:10, 13). This tends to arouse suspicion because, although the Greek word is a verb, this English phrase is comprised of a noun ("office") with a prepositional phrase ("of a deacon").
The Church Experience
Complicating matters is the fact that we English speakers see the three words -- servant, minister and deacon -- as being three separate words with three separate definitions. For instance, those who have attended certain churches are familiar with the concept that a deacon could be promoted, or elevated in rank, to become a minister. All too often, neither of these ranks of authority had much to do with real serving. The effect, then, was that one could progress from being a diakonos to being a diakonos, but without much call for diakoneo! Rather self-contradictory, isn't it?
But being a servant in these churches was understood. Everyone could serve (diakoneo), whether it was to get the hall ready for services, or to participate in socials and fund raising! Everyone among the "laity" pitched in to get the job done in the local congregations. Among the elite, it was possible to become a deacon (a male diakonos) or a deaconess (a female diakonos), but only a male could become a minister (diakonos) -- a local elder or a pastor.
As long as the three English terms were kept separate, there was no question as to what role was being fulfilled. But when we see that the English builds three different pictures from the same Greek word, we then must stop and examine what is meant in all the scriptures that use the word!
What Does it Mean?
What is "the office of a deacon"? Is it an office in an office building? It is an official capacity in the hierarchy -- being appointed into office? The Greek word is diakoneo. It simply means that in one's capacity as a servant, such and so will take place. Notice 1 Timothy 3:10 and 13 in KJV:
"And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ... For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
Now notice the same passage in NIV:
"They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ... Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
The NIV almost got it right the first time, then succeeded on the second verse! Both instances should have been translated as "serve."
Every time the word diakonos is used in the Greek scriptures, the meaning is the same: servant. Diakoneo means only one thing: to serve. Real progress can be made in our understanding if we look on the word "minister" as a verb rather than a noun!
Women Ministers?
What about Phoebe? Notice:
"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant [Greek: diakonos] of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Romans 16:1-2, KJV).
She was a diakonos. Does that mean she held the "office of deaconess"?
Make no mistake about it: Phoebe was a diakonos -- a minister! Notice a few different translations of this verse:
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me" (verses 1-2, NIV).
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae" (verse 1, NRSV). "
And I commend you to Phebe our sister -- being a ministrant of the assembly that is in Cenchrea" (Young's Literal Translation).
Was Phoebe a minister? Oh, absolutely. Paul says so. Was she a church pastor? Probably not. She was a ministrant or servant, one who was actually serving the needs of others. When men take to themselves the title of "minister," only to become the man in charge and boss people around, that man is not a minister -- he's the boss man.
This is one example of "church speak," a pseudo-language and a form of mind conditioning used by the clergy and thought-molders of many churches, cults and organizations. A word (such as "minister") would be used often, but every time the word is used it is assigned a meaning other than its normal meaning. Constant repetition solidifies the altered meaning into people's minds. Over the years, the church members would hear the word hundreds of times, and would accept that word with its altered meaning, instead of understanding the word with its original meaning. People would always associate the "official" definition of the group leader whenever they hear the word. (Charges of brainwashing in various churches and cults have arisen because of this widespread practice.)
The fact of the matter is, the word "minister" has never meant "the man in charge." It means "one who serves." In British Commonwealth countries, the heads of various bureaus and departments are called ministers (Minister of Finance, etc.), not because they are in charge of those departments, but because they serve the Crown in that capacity.
Does this mean that there are female ministers in the Bible? Yes, it does. Not pastors, not "local elders," not bosses, but true servants of God! Are they only meek and weak servants, destined only to wash dishes and iron suits? Remember Paul's instructions in one instance:
"Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life" (Philippians 4:3).
Those women, whoever they were and whatever they did, were fighters. They contended, or fought, at Paul's side in proclaiming the Good News. Should our women today do any less?
We need to see that the English term "minister" in the KJV actually carries the meaning of "servant" today. If we can see that, then we will have a fuller understanding of the Greek word diakonos, and how it might better be applied in today's church organizations!
It would be highly beneficial to find all the scriptures using the words diakonos or diakonea, and look at them again, with the understanding that the only thing being spoken of in those verses is servants and serving.
But in serving the cause of the Gospel, there is also fighting, contending, that takes place. Let's not allow the contention to be our men and our women fighting with each other! When that happens, Satan is standing by, ticking off another point for himself on his score card!
Yes, every congregation ought to be filled with servants -- ministers -- men, women, and children --
"for works of service [Greek diakonia, Strong's #1248], so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13, NIV)!
Written by: Jack M. Lane