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1This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.”[#3:1 Or an overseer, or a bishop; also in 3:2, 6.]
2So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.[#3:2 Or must have only one wife, or must be married only once; Greek reads must be the husband of one wife; also in 3:12.]
3He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.[#3:3 Greek must not drink too much wine; similarly in 3:8.]
4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
5For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[#3:6 Or he might fall into the same judgment as the devil.]
7Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
8In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.
9They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
10Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.[#3:11 Or the women deacons. The Greek word can be translated women or wives.]
12A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
13Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,
15so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:[#3:16a Or of godliness.]
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.