Overseers and Deacons

1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of [a]overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2[b]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, [c]temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3not overindulging in wine, not [d]a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation [e]incurred by the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into [f]disgrace and the snare of the devil.

8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [g]insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11[h]Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but [i]temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and [j]good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a [k]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but [l]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was revealed in the flesh,

Was [m]vindicated [n]in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Proclaimed among the nations,

Believed on in the world,

Taken up in glory.