1 Timothy 3:4–15

⁴He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^a respect.^{g 5}(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^{h 6}He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceitedⁱ and fall under the same judgment^j as the devil. ⁷He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^k so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^l

⁸In the same way, deacons^bm are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,ⁿ and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^{o 10}They must first be tested;^p and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹In the same way, the women^c are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^q but temperate^r and trustworthy in everything.

¹²A deacon must be faithful to his wife^s and must manage his children and his household well.^{t 13}Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^u of the living God,^v the pillar and foundation of the truth.