1 Timothy 3:1-13 ▼

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.

11 Likewise let their wives be grave, not tattlers, modest, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses beautifully.

13 For those having ministered the office of a deacon beautifully procure to themselves beautiful progress, and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.