1 Timothy 3
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
1This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.”23An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,45not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.67He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity.89(If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?)1011He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.1213Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.1415Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,1617holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.1819They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.2021Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything.2223Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently.2425For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.26