Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Acts 6:3
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Phil. 1:1
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money. 1 Tim. 3:8
Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord—men who are meek, truthful and tested, and are not lovers of money. For they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore, do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. Didache (c. 80–140, E), 7.381
And thus preaching through countries and cities, they appointed the first-fruits [of their labors], having first tested them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of those who would afterwards believe. Clement of Rome (c. 96, W), 1.16
It is fitting also that the deacons, as being [the ministers] of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to all. Ignatius (c. 105, E), 1.67
It would behoove you, as a church of God, to elect a deacon to act as the ambassador of God. Ignatius (c. 105, E), 1.85
The deacons should be blameless before the face of His righteousness. They must be the servants of God and Christ, not of men. They must not be slanderers, double-tongued, or lovers of money. Rather, they must be temperate in all things—compassionate, industrious, walking according to the truth of the Lord. Polycarp (c. 135, E), 1.34
Stephen was chosen the first deacon by the apostles. Irenaeus (c. 180, E/W), 1.434
There were present there Tertius and Pomponius, the blessed deacons who ministered to us, and who had arranged by means of a gratuity that we might be refreshed by being sent out for a few hours into a more pleasant part of the prison. Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas (c. 205, W), 3.700
Those who have received certificates from the martyrs . . . if they should be seized with any misfortune and peril of sickness, . . . and if a presbyter cannot be found and death begins to be imminent, they can make confession of their sin before even a deacon. Thereby, with the imposition of hands upon them for repentance, they can come to the Lord with the peace that the martyrs have desired. Cyprian (c. 250, W), 5.293
If a poor man, or one of low birth, or a stranger, comes upon you—whether he is young or old—and there is no place for him, the deacon will find a place for him. Apostolic Constitutions (compiled c. 390, E), 7.422
You who are deacons, it is your duty to visit all those who stand in need of visitation. Apostolic Constitutions (compiled c. 390, E), 7.432
A deacon does not bless. . . . He also does not baptize and does not offer [the Eucharist]. However, when a bishop or presbyter has offered, the deacon distributes to the people. He does this, not as a priest, but as one who ministers to the priests. But it is not lawful for any of the other clergy [i.e., the minor orders] to do the work of a deacon. Apostolic Constitutions (compiled c. 390, E), 7.494