⁸In the same way, deacons^b^m 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 ¹⁰They 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 ¹³Those 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. ¹⁶Beyond all question, the mystery^w from which true godliness^x springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,^y

was vindicated by the Spirit,^d

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations,^z

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.^a

Read in Logos

1 Timothy 3:16: Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Footnotes

bThe word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
cPossibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
dOr vindicated in spirit

1 Timothy 3:8–16

English

Arabic

Czech

French

German

Greek

Hungarian

Italian

Korean

Latin

Portuguese

Russian

Simplified Chinese

Spanish

Traditional Chinese

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

Footnotes

Cross references