1 Timothy 3
3
Qualifications for Overseers
1 The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to supervision, he desires a good work. 2Therefore the overseer must be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3not addicted to wine, not a violent person, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money, 4managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity 5(but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6not newly converted, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7But he must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 10and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if they#*Here “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“are”) which is understood as conditional are above reproach. 11The wives#Or “The women” likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness Described
14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. 15But if I am delayed, I am writing#*The words “I am writing” are not in the Greek text, but are an understood repetition from the previous clause in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay#Or “basis”; or “support” of the truth. 16And most certainly, great is the mystery of godliness:
Who was revealed in the flesh,
was vindicated by#Or perhaps “in” the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was proclaimed among the Gentiles#Or “nations”; the same Greek word can be translated “nations” or “Gentiles” depending on the context,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
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1 Timothy 3
3
Guidelines for Leaders in the Church
1This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent. 2A bishop must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife, be sober, use good judgment, be respectable, be hospitable, and be able to teach. 3He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but he must be gentle. He must not be quarrelsome or love money. 4He must manage his own family well. His children should respectfully obey him. 5(If a man doesn’t know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. 7People who are not Christians must speak well of him, or he might become the victim of disgraceful insults that the devil sets as traps for him.
8Deacons must also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. 9They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith. 10First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon.
11Their wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way.
12A deacon must have only one wife. Deacons must manage their children and their families well. 13Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation and will have confidence as a result of their faith in Christ Jesus.
14I hope to visit you soon. However, I’m writing this to you 15in case I’m delayed. I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live. God’s family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16The mystery that gives us our reverence for God is acknowledged to be great:
He #3:16 Some manuscripts read “God.” appeared in his human nature,
was approved by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was announced throughout the nations,
was believed in the world,
and was taken to heaven in glory.
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