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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1 Timothy 3: CEV
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
1 Timothy 3
3
1Stedfast [is] the word: If any one the oversight doth long for, a right work he desireth;
2it behoveth, therefore, the overseer to be blameless, of one wife a husband, vigilant, sober, decent, a friend of strangers, apt to teach,
3not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money,
4his own house leading well, having children in subjection with all gravity,
5(and if any one his own house [how] to lead hath not known, how an assembly of God shall he take care of?)
6not a new convert, lest having been puffed up he may fall to a judgment of the devil;
7and it behoveth him also to have a good testimony from those without, that he may not fall into reproach and a snare of the devil.
8Ministrants — in like manner grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not given to filthy lucre,
9having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience,
10and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.
11Women — in like manner grave, not false accusers, vigilant, faithful in all things.
12Ministrants — let them be of one wife husbands; the children leading well, and their own houses,
13for those who did minister well a good step to themselves do acquire, and much boldness in faith that [is] in Christ Jesus.
14These things I write to thee, hoping to come unto thee soon,
15and if I delay, that thou mayest know how it behoveth [thee] to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is an assembly of the living God — a pillar and foundation of the truth,
16and, confessedly, great is the secret of piety — God was manifested in flesh, declared righteous in spirit, seen by messengers, preached among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory!
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