1 Timothy 3 - The Text-Critical English New Testament

Qualifications for Overseers

¹ This saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.

² Therefore the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

³ not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for sordid gain, but gentle, not contentious, and not a lover of money.

⁴ He must lead his own household well, keeping his children in submission with all dignity.

⁵ (For if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of God's church?)

⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become puffed up and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

⁷ He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into the reproach and snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, and not greedy for sordid gain.

⁹ They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

¹⁰ They must first be tested; if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded and faithful in all things.

¹² A deacon must be the husband of one wife and must lead his children and his own household well.

¹³ For those who have served well as deacons obtain a good standing for themselves along with great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I am writing these things to yoʋ, hoping to come to yoʋ soon.

¹⁵ But if I delay, I am writing so that yoʋ may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and foundation of the truth.

¹⁶ Beyond all question, great is the mystery of godliness: God was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory.