Overseers and Deacons

1It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of [†]overseer, he desires a good work. 2[†]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine [†]or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money; 4leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity 5(but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not [†]double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11[†]Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, leading their children and their own households well. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a [†]high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon, 15but [†]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how [†]one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was manifested in the flesh,

Was [†]vindicated [†]in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Proclaimed among the nations,

Believed on in the world,

Taken up in glory.