1 Timothy 3

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

Here is a trustworthy saying:^a Whoever aspires to be an overseer^b desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^c faithful to his wife,^d temperate,^e self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^f able to teach,^g not given to drunkenness,^h not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,ⁱ not a lover of money.^j He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.^k (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^l He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^m and fall under the same judgmentⁿ as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^o so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^p

In the same way, deacons^q are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^r and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^s They must first be tested;^t and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^u but temperate^v and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife^w and must manage his children and his household well.^x Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^a of the living God,^b the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery^c from which true godliness^d springs is great:

He appeared in a body,^e

was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations,^f

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.^g