⁴managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity ⁵(but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶not newly converted, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷But he must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

⁸Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, ⁹holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, ¹⁰and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if they^* are above reproach. ¹¹The wives^a likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. ¹²Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness Described

¹⁴I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. ¹⁵But if I am delayed, I am writing^* in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay^b of the truth.

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Footnotes

*Here “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“are”) which is understood as conditional
aOr “The women”
*The words “I am writing” are not in the Greek text, but are an understood repetition from the previous clause
bOr “basis”; or “support”