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1The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.[#Acts 20.28; 1 Tim 1.15; #3.1 Some interpreters place these words at the end of the previous paragraph. Other ancient authorities read The saying is commonly accepted; #3.1 Or overseer]
2Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,[#2 Tim 2.24; Titus 1.6–8; #3.2 Or an overseer; #3.2 Gk the husband of one wife]
3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.[#2 Tim 2.24; 1 Pet 5.2]
4He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way,
5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.[#3.6 Gk neophyte]
7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.[#1 Cor 5.12; 2 Tim 2.26]
8Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;[#Acts 6.3; Titus 2.3]
9they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.
11Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.[#3.11 Or Women deacons or Wives]
12Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well;[#3.12 Gk be husbands of one wife]
13for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that,
15if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.[#v 5; Gal 2.9; Eph 2.21; 1 Tim 4.10]
16Without any doubt, the mystery of godliness is great:[#Jn 1.14; Acts 1.9; 1 Pet 3.18]
He was revealed in flesh,
vindicated in spirit,
proclaimed among gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,