Overseers and Deacons
1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of 3:1 Or bishopoverseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.2 3:2 Lit TheAn overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, 3:2 Or level-headedtemperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not overindulging in wine, not 3:3 Or combativea bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4 He 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?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation 3:6 Lit of the devilincurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into 3:7 Or reproachdisgrace and the snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not 3:8 Or given to double-talkinsincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 3:11 I.e., either deacons’ wives or deaconessesWomen must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but 3:11 Or level-headedtemperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and3:12 Lit managing wellgood managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a 3:13 Lit goodhigh standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.