Diakonia im Neuen Testament

The Greek terms diakonia and its cognates are important in the texts of early Christian communities. Anni Hentschel's analysis of their appearance in non-Christian sources shows that 'to serve at the table' is not the basic meaning, and that the general idea of serving is too vague to explain the different usages. Instead, the words signify special short-term or long-term, menial or even dignified commissioned tasks which are done on behalf of another and therefore imply the notion of a mandate and a personal obligation. The task often involves a mediating activity, for example delivering letters, messages or the courses of a meal. In examining the way New Testament writers use these words, the author provides new insights into the different traditions of the way in which the early Christians used the term diakonia.