1 Timothy 3

Overseers and Deacons

1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.[#3:1 Or bishop]

2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,[#3:2 Lit The; #3:2 Or level-headed]

3not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.[#3:3 Or combative]

4He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.[#3:6 Lit of the devil]

7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.[#3:7 Or reproach]

8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money,[#3:8 Or given to double-talk]

9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

10These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.[#3:11 I.e., either deacons’ wives or deaconesses; #3:11 Or level-headed]

12Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.[#3:12 Lit managing well]

13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.[#3:13 Lit good]

14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;

15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.[#3:15 Lit if I delay]

16Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was revealed in the flesh,

Was vindicated in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Proclaimed among the nations,

Believed on in the world,

Taken up in glory.

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