New Testament · 1 Timothy

1 Timothy 3

Qualifications for Overseers

(Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4)

1It is a trustworthy word^a: if any man aspires to the office of overseer^b, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but gentle, peaceable, 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 ekklesia of God?),^c 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the verdict^d incurred by the devil.^e 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the ekklesia, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

(Acts 6:1–7)

8servants^f likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10These men must also first be tested^g; then let them serve as servants if they are beyond reproach.

11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

12servants must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as servants obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence^h in the faith that is in Messiah Yeshua.

The Mystery of Godliness

14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the ekklesia of the living God, the pillar and support of the truthⁱ.

16By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: God was revealed in flesh^j, was vindicated in the spirit^k, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.