1 Timothy 3:12–4:5

12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS

14 I write these things to you, hoping to comeu to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,v which is the church of the living God,w the pillar and foundation of the truth.x 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godlinessy is great:

HeA was manifested in the flesh,z

vindicated in the Spirit,aa

seen by angels,

preached among the nations,

believedab on in the world,

taken up in glory.ac

DEMONIC INFLUENCE

4 Now the Spiritad explicitly says that in later timesae some will depart from the faith,af paying attention to deceitful spiritsag and the teachings of demons,ah 2 through the hypocrisyai of liars whose consciencesaj are seared. 3 They forbid marriageak and demand abstinenceal from foods that God createdam to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good,an and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,ao 5 since it is sanctified by the word of Godap and by prayer.