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The Twelve apostles chose Seven Greek men to oversee the distribution of Church resources (Acts 6), especially to the widows and orphans. Ostensibly, this meant a division of labor: preaching and prayer by the Twelve, community administration by the Seven.
However, the only two of the Seven (Stephen and Phillip) whose activities are recorded by the Acts of the Apostles performed ministry identical to that of the Twelve. More likely, it was to have a group of leaders representing the Greek-speaking Christians on par with the Twelve, who represented the Hebrew-speaking Christians.
Though the office of deacon is attested to in the New Testament, none of the Seven are named as deacons. It is not until Irenaeus of Lyons (d.202) that the Seven are identified as deacons. Tradition follows the example of Irenaeus, however, and the first martyr, Stephen, is often depicted also as the first deacon.
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How many deacons in the Catholic Bible?
There were seven men chosen by the early Church as deacons.
Was Stephen an apostle?
No, Stephen was not one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. He was one of the seven men chosen to serve as deacons in the early Christian church, as described in the Book of Acts.
How is Saint Stephen important?
He was one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles and the first Christian martyr.
Are deaconesses appointed by the pastor deacons or other deaconesses?
no they are chosen from the congragation
Why will St Stephen be remembered?
St. Stephen will be remembered as the first Christian martyr, as he was stoned to death for his beliefs. He is also known for being one of the first seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the early Christian community. St. Stephen's death is recorded in the Bible in the Book of Acts.
What are the names of the first appointed deacons of the church?
The first deacons were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus.
Why did the Catholic Church start using deacons?
Deacons began about the year 33 AD, shortly after the death of Christ. Originally, seven were appointed by the apostles.
Who was Saint Stephen and how did he relate to Ireland?
Stephen was one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles and was the first Christian martyr. He has no connection that I am aware of to Ireland.
Why were the seven helpers chosen?
The seven helpers were chosen in the early Christian church to assist with the distribution of food and aid to widows because there was a need for equitable distribution among the diverse community of believers, which included both Hebrew and Hellenistic Jews. This helped address a specific issue within the community and allowed the apostles to focus on their primary duties of preaching and prayer.
What did Saint Stephen do at an early age?
There is virtually no information recorded about Saint Stephen's life. The only thing we know is that he was chosen as one of the first deacons of the early Church and was martyred soon after.
What is some information about Saint Stephen?
Stephen was one of the original deacons chosen by the apostles to help them in their ministries. He was also the first Christian martyr. Beyond that. virtually nothing is known about Saint Stephen.
What was the first church to appoint deacons?
Antioch
