6:1-6 Were these seven men the first designated deacons in the New Testament church?
6:1-6 Were these seven men the first designated deacons in the New Testament church?
No, although many Christians believe they were because they "served tables", which is similar to the mundane tasks performed by deacons in the contemporary church.
However, nowhere in scripture are they referred to as deacons. In fact, Philip, one of the seven, is distinctively identified in scripture as Philip the evangelist, not Philip the deacon (CP 8:4-8 with 21:8).
For a detailed study on the office of deacon in the New Testament church see comments on Ro 16:1-2; Php 1:1 and 1Ti 3:8-13, and author's study The Church in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 1).