1 Timothy 3

¹This statement is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a good work.

²Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach; the husband of one wife; clearheaded; sensible; respectable; hospitable; skilled in teaching;

³not an excessive drinker; not a bully, but reasonable; not quarrelsome; not a lover of money;

⁴one who is leading his own household well, having his children submit to him with all respect

⁵(For, if someone does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?);

⁶not a new believer, so that he does not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.

⁷Moreover, he must have a good reputation among those who are outside the church, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the snare of the Devil.

⁸Likewise, deacons must be dignified, not hypocritical, not indulging in too much wine, not greedy for money,

⁹holding on to the sacred secret of the faith with a clear conscience.

¹⁰And they must also first be tested, then let them serve as deacons if they are blameless.

¹¹Likewise, women deacons must be dignified, not slanderers, clearheaded, and faithful in all things.

¹²Deacons must be husbands of one wife, leading their children and their own households well.

¹³For those who have served well as deacons gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith that is rooted in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴I write these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly.

¹⁵But if I am delayed, I am writing so that you know how a person must conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God—the pillar and foundation of the truth.

¹⁶And without question, great is this sacred secret that leads to godliness: he was revealed in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed in throughout the world, and taken up in glory.