Qualifications for Overseers

1This saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.

2Therefore the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3not given to wine, not violent, ¹¹not greedy for sordid gain, but gentle, not contentious, and not a lover of money.

4He must lead his own household well, keeping his children in submission with all dignity.

5(For if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of God's church?)

6He must not be a new convert, or he might become puffed up and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into the reproach and snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, and not greedy for sordid gain.

9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

10They must first be tested; if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded and faithful in all things.

12A deacon must be the husband of one wife and must lead his children and his own household well.

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

The Mystery of Godliness

14I am writing these things to yoʋ, hoping to come to yoʋ soon.

15But if I delay, I am writing so that yoʋ may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and foundation of the truth.

16Beyond all question, great is the mystery of godliness:
¹²God was revealed in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached among nations,
believed on in the world,
and taken up in glory.