Overview
Parmenas was selected alongside six others to serve as a deacon in the Jerusalem church when complaints arose about the daily distribution of food to Greek-speaking widows. His appointment reflected the apostles' wisdom in delegating practical ministry so they could focus on prayer and preaching. Though little is recorded of his individual ministry, his selection indicates he was a man of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and wisdom.
Key Scriptures
"And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch'" (Acts 6:2-5, ESV).
Application
Parmenas reminds us that faithful service in practical ministry, though unglamorous, is vital to the church's health and reflects Christ's love for the vulnerable.