Qualifications of Church Leaders

1This saying is trustworthy:a, b “If anyone aspires to be an •overseer,c he desires a noble work.” 2An overseer,d therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,e respectable, hospitable,f an able teacher,g 3not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedyh — 4one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.i 7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’sj trap.

8Deacons,k likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9holding the •mystery of the faithl with a clear conscience.m 10And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11Wives,n too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,o faithful in everything. 12Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

14I write these things to you, hoping to comep to you soon. 15But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household,q which is the church of the living God,r the pillar and foundation of the truth.s 16And most certainly, the mystery of godlinesst is great:

Heu was manifested in the flesh,v

vindicated in the Spirit,w

seen by angels,

preached among the nations,

believedx on in the world,

taken up in glory.y