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.
1 Timothy 3
3
Church Officials
1It is true that#3.1 It is true that: These words may be taken with 2.15. If so, that verse would be translated: “It is true that women will be saved … holy, and modest.” And 3.1 would be translated, “Anyone who desires … something worthwhile.” anyone who desires to be a church official#3.1 church official: Or “bishop.” wants to be something worthwhile. 2#Titus 1.6-9. That's why officials must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage.#3.2 be faithful in marriage: Or “be the husband of only one wife.” They must be self-controlled, sensible, well-behaved, friendly to strangers, and able to teach. 3They must not be heavy drinkers or troublemakers. Instead, they must be kind and gentle and not love money.
4Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful. 5If they don't know how to control their own families, how can they look after God's people?
6They must not be new followers of the Lord. If they are, they might become proud and be doomed along with the devil. 7Finally, they must be well-respected by people who are not followers. Then they won't be trapped and disgraced by the devil.
Church Officers
8Church officers#3.8 Church officers: Or “Deacons.” should be serious. They must not be liars, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money. 9And they must have a clear conscience and hold firmly to what God has shown us about our faith. 10They must first prove themselves. Then if no one has anything against them, they can serve as officers.
11Women#3.11 Women: Either church officers or the wives of church officers. must also be serious. They must not gossip or be heavy drinkers, and they must be faithful in everything they do.
12Church officers must be faithful in marriage.#3.12 be faithful in marriage: See the note at 3.2. They must be in full control of their children and everyone else in their home. 13Those who serve well as officers will earn a good reputation and will be highly respected for their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Our Religion
14I hope to visit you soon. But I am writing these instructions, 15so if I am delayed, you will know how everyone who belongs to God's family ought to behave. After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth.
16Here is the great mystery of our religion:
Christ#3.16 Christ: The Greek text has “he,” probably meaning “Christ.” Some manuscripts have “God.” came as a human.
The Spirit proved
that he pleased God,
and he was seen by angels.
Christ was preached
to the nations.
People in this world
put their faith in him,
and he was taken up to glory.
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.