The First to Timothy 3:1-16
3 This statement is trustworthy: If a man is reaching out to be an overseer,+ he is desirous of a fine work.
2 The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind,*+ orderly, hospitable,+ qualified to teach,+
3 not a drunkard,+ not violent,* but reasonable,+ not quarrelsome,+ not a lover of money,+
4 a man presiding over* his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness+
5 (for if any man does not know how to preside over* his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?),
6 not a newly converted man,+ for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed on the Devil.
7 Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony* from outsiders+ so that he does not fall into reproach* and a snare of the Devil.
8 Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued,* not indulging in a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain,+
9 holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience.+
10 Also, let these be tested as to fitness* first; then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation.+
11 Women should likewise be serious, not slanderous,+ moderate in habits, faithful in all things.+
12 Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over their children and their own households.
13 For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing you these things, though I am hoping to come to you shortly,
15 but in case I am delayed, so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in God’s household,+ which is the congregation of the living God, a pillar and support of the truth.
16 Indeed, the sacred secret of this godly devotion is admittedly great: ‘He was made manifest in flesh,+ was declared righteous in spirit,+ appeared to angels,+ was preached about among nations,+ was believed upon in the world,+ was received up in glory.’
Footnotes
^ Or “have good judgment; be sensible.”
^ Or “a smiter.”
^ Or “managing.”
^ Or “manage.”
^ Or “disgrace.”
^ Or “a good reputation.”
^ Or “not deceitful in speech.”
^ Or “tested as to whether they qualify.”
