1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full "respect.5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.8 In the same way, deacons "are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.11 In the same way, the women "are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, "was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

1 Fidelis sermo : si quis episcopatum desiderat, bonum opus desiderat. 2 Oportet ergo episcopum irreprehensibilem esse, unius uxoris virum, sobrium, prudentem, ornatum, pudicum, hospitalem, doctorem, 3 non vinolentum, non percussorem, sed modestum : non litigiosum, non cupidum, sed 4 su domui bene prpositum : filios habentem subditos cum omni castitate. 5 Si quis autem domui su presse nescit, quomodo ecclesi Dei diligentiam habebit ? 6 Non neophytum : ne in superbiam elatus, in judicium incidat diaboli. 7 Oportet autem illum et testimonium habere bonum ab iis qui foris sunt, ut non in opprobrium incidat, et in laqueum diaboli. 8 Diaconos similiter pudicos, non bilingues, non multo vino deditos, non turpe lucrum sectantes : 9 habentes mysterium fidei in conscientia pura. 10 Et hi autem probentur primum : et sic ministrent, nullum crimen habentes. 11 Mulieres similiter pudicas, non detrahentes, sobrias, fideles in omnibus. 12 Diaconi sint unius uxoris viri, qui filiis suis bene prsint, et suis domibus. 13 Qui enim bene ministraverint, gradum bonum sibi acquirent, et multam fiduciam in fide, qu est in Christo Jesu.14 Hc tibi scribo, sperans me ad te venire cito : 15 si autem tardavero, ut scias quomodo oporteat te in domo Dei conversari, qu est ecclesia Dei vivi, columna et firmamentum veritatis. 16 Et manifeste magnum est pietatis sacramentum, quod manifestatum est in carne, justificatum est in spiritu, apparuit angelis, prdicatum est gentibus, creditum est in mundo, assumptum est in gloria.