The Greek term 'diakonia' is neither used to describe not very highly esteemed services from women or slaves, nor as a technical term for a labour of love in the New Testament. 'Diakonia' rather denotes an assortment of services of all kinds that are performed on behalf of someone else. In the New Testament, 'diakonia' is often used for the mission of the propagation of the Gospel, which on the one hand, includes a selfless understanding of one's own authority, and on the other, the holistic and also caritative responsibility for the congregation. In addition, 'diakonia' can also indicate a command for charitable actions, which can be seen as a link to the modern usage of the word 'diaconia' in a social-caritative context.
Personen: Hentschel, Anni
Hentschel, Anni:
Diakonie - Sprachverwirrung um einen griechischen Begriff / Anni Hentschel, 2014. - S.17-32
Einheitssacht.: Diakonie