⁴He must manage his own family well. His children should respectfully obey him. ⁵(If a man doesn’t know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. ⁷People who are not Christians must speak well of him, or he might become the victim of disgraceful insults that the devil sets as traps for him.

⁸Deaconsmust also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. ⁹They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith. ¹⁰First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon.

¹¹Their wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way.

¹²A deacon must have only one wife. Deacons must manage their children and their families well. ¹³Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation and will have confidence as a result of their faith in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴I hope to visit you soon. However, I’m writing this to you ¹⁵in case I’m delayed. I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live. God’s family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

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