1 Timothy 3

New International Version

• 1. Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
• 2. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
• 3. not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
• 4. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.
• 5. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)
• 6. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
• 7. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
• 8. Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
• 9. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
• 10. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
• 11. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
• 12. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
• 13. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
• 14. Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
• 15. if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
• 16. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

New International Version