Dictionaries :: Deaconess

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Deaconess:

Rom 16:1, 3, 12; Phl 4:2, 3; 1Ti 3:11; 5:9, 10; Tts 2:3, 4). In these passages it is evident that females were then engaged in various Christian ministrations. Pliny makes mention of them also in his letter to Trajan (A.D. 110).

Nave's Topical Bible

Deaconess: Reference Concerning

Rom 16:1 [R.V. Marg.].

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Deaconess:

The word diakonos is found in Romans 16:1 (Authorized Version "servant") associated with a female name, and this has led to the conclusion that there existed in the apostolic age, as there undoubtedly did a little later, an order of women bearing that title, and exercising in relation to their own sex, functions which were analogous to those of the deacons. On this hypothesis it has been inferred that the women mentioned in Romans 16:6, 12) belonged to such an order. The rules given as to the conduct of women in 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3 have in like manner been referred to them, and they have been identified even with the "widows" of 1 Timothy 5:3-10.