1 Timothy 3:1-10 ▼

1 It is a faithful saying, If any one desires the episcopacy, he covets a beautiful work.

2 Therefore it behooves the bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, modest, prudent, orderly, hospitable, competent to teach,

3 not given to wine, not a controvertist; but gentle, peaceable, not a money lover;

4 ruling his own house beautifully; having children in subordination with all gravity;

5 but if any one does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?

6 not a novice, lest being puffed up he may fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 But it also behooves him indeed to have a beautiful testimony from the aliens, in order that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Likewise let the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not fond of filthy lucre;

9 having the testimony of faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let them also first be proven; then let them minister the office of deacon, being irreproachable.