⁴one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. ⁵(If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) ⁶He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. ^e⁷Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s ^ftrap.

⁸Deacons, ^glikewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, ⁹holding the mystery of the faith ^hwith a clear conscience. ⁱ¹⁰And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹Wives, ^jtoo, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, ^kfaithful in everything. ¹²Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. ¹³For 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

¹⁴I write these things to you, hoping to come ^lto you soon. ¹⁵But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household, ^mwhich is the church of the living God, ⁿthe pillar and foundation of the truth. ^o

Read in Logos

Cross references

e3:6 1Tm 5:12; 2Pt 2:3; Rv 20:1–15
f3:7 Ac 13:10
g3:8 Php 1:1
h3:9 Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2, 19; Jd 3
i3:9 Heb 13:18
j3:11 1Pt 3:1–6
k3:11 Ti 2:2
l3:14 1Tm 4:13
m3:15 1Co 3:16; 2Co 6:16; Eph 2:21–22; 1Pt 2:5; 4:17
n3:15 Mt 16:16; 1Tm 4:10
o3:15 Ps 119:142; 2Co 11:10; 2Th 2:10