1 Timothy 3
3
Leaders in the Church
1This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader,#3:1 Or an overseer, or a bishop; also in 3:2, 6. he desires an honorable position.” 2So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.#3:2 Or must have only one wife, or must be married only once; Greek reads must be the husband of one wife; also in 3:12. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3He must not be a heavy drinker#3:3 Greek must not drink too much wine; similarly in 3:8. or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.#3:6 Or he might fall into the same judgment as the devil. 7Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
8In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wives#3:11 Or the women deacons. The Greek word can be translated women or wives. must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Truths of Our Faith
14I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith#3:16a Or of godliness.:
Christ#3:16b Greek He who; other manuscripts read God. was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.#3:16c Or in his spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
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Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.
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1 Timothy 3
3
Leaders in the Church
1This is a true saying: if a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work. 2#Tit 1.6–9A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife,#3.2 have only one wife; or be married only once. be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach; 3he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money; 4he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. 5For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? 6He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. 7He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap.
Helpers in the Church
8Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; 9they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. 11Their wives#3.11 Their wives; or Women helpers. also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. 12A church helper must have only one wife,#3.12 have only one wife; or be married only once. and be able to manage his children and family well. 13Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Great Secret
14As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon. 15But if I am delayed, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion:
He appeared in human form,
was shown to be right by the Spirit,#3.16 was shown to be right by the Spirit; or and, in spiritual form, was shown to be right.
and was seen by angels.
He was preached among the nations,
was believed in throughout the world,
and was taken up to heaven.
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Good News Bible. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.