Related to the Greek verb “diakoneo,” the Greek noun “diakonia” occurs 35 times in the New Testament and meant “service” or “ministry.”
Martha was involved with much “serving” (Lk. 10:40). Judas had a part in the apostolic “ministry” (Acts 1:17). Widows were
neglected in the daily “ministration” (Acts 6:1). The apostles were committed to the “ministry” of the word (Acts 6:4). Paul used this term quite often in the Second Corinthian letter (2 Cor. 3:7-9; 4:1; 5:18; 6:3; 8:4; 9:1, 12-13; 11:8).