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[German Version] I. New Testament – II. Church History – III. Dogmatics – IV. Practical Theology – V. Church Law – VI. Catholic Church – VII. Orthodox Church I. New Testament Neither “deaconess” nor “diaconate” is an appropriate term for the NT era, and “deacon” should not be used as an exact translation of διάκονος/ diákonos, since the three terms only later underwent an institutionalization that did not exist in NT times. The occurrence of the terminology in the NT can be differentiate…

[German Version] Jesus Christ’s treatment of service reversed the value associated with “serving” and “being served.” “Whosoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant (διάκονος/ diákonos, Diakonia)... the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt 20:26ff.; cf. John 13:1ff.). In the parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:16ff.), Jesus illustrates this service and commissions his disciples to bear witness to the gospel before the world through their service. The ser…