8 aDeacons likewise must be men of dignity, not 1double-tongued, 2bor addicted to much wine 2cor fond of sordid gain,

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

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

11 1Women must likewise be dignified, anot malicious gossips, but btemperate, faithful in all things.

12 aDeacons must be bhusbands of only one wife, and 1cgood managers of their children and their own households.

13 For those who have served well as deacons aobtain for themselves a 1high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

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

15 but 1in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how 2one ought to conduct himself in athe household of God, which is the bchurch of cthe living God, the dpillar and support of the truth.

16 By common confession, great is athe mystery of godliness:

He who was brevealed in the flesh,

Was 1cvindicated 2in the Spirit,

dSeen by angels,

eProclaimed among the nations,

fBelieved on in the world,

gTaken up in glory.