| International Standard Version | New Living Translation |
| 1This is a trustworthy saying: The one who would an elder be, a noble task desires he. | 1This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” |
| 2Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, stable, sensible, respectable, hospitable to strangers, and teachable. | 2So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. |
| 3He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money. | 3He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. |
| 4He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. | 4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. |
| 5For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? | 5For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? |
| 6He must not be a recent convert, so that he won't become arrogant and fall into the devil's condemnation. | 6A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. |
| 7He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn't fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by the devil. | 7Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. |
| 8Ministers, too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced, addicted to wine, or greedy for money. | 8In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. |
| 9They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. | 9They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. |
| 10But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers. | 10Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. |
| 11Their wives must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything. | 11In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. |
| 12Ministers must be husbands of one wife and must manage their children and their families well. | 12A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. |
| 13Those ministers who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah Jesus. | 13Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. The Truths of Our Faith |
| 14I hope to come to you soon. However, I'm writing this to you | 14I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, |
| 15in case I am delayed, so that you may know how to behave in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. | 15so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. |
| 16By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great: In flesh was he revealed to sight, kept righteous by the Spirit's might, adored by angels singing. To nations was he manifest, believing souls found peace and rest, our Lord in heaven reigning! | 16Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith : Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. |
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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