Qualifications for Overseers

3 The saying is ^(A)trustworthy: If anyone aspires to ^(B)the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. ² Therefore ^(C)an overseer^[a] must be above reproach, ^(D)the husband of one wife,^{[b] (E)}sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, ^(F)hospitable, ^(G)able to teach, ³ not a drunkard, not violent but ^(H)gentle, not quarrelsome, ^(I)not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own household well, with all dignity ^(J)keeping his children submissive, ⁵ for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for ^(K)God's church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may ^(L)become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by ^(M)outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into ^(N)a snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

^8 (O)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,^{[c] (P)}not addicted to much wine, ^(Q)not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must ^(R)hold the mystery of the faith with ^(S)a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And ^(T)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ^11 (U)Their wives likewise^[d] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, ^(V)faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be ^(W)the husband of one wife, ^(X)managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For ^(Y)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

^6 (A)If you put these things before the brothers,^[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have ^(B)followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, ^(C)silly myths. Rather ^(D)train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while ^(E)bodily training is of some value, godliness ^(F)is of value in every way, as ^(G)it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ The saying is ^(H)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we toil and strive,^[b] because we have our hope set on the living God, ^(I)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach ^(J)these things. ^12 (K)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^(L)an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ^14 (M)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ^(N)by prophecy when the council of elders ^(O)laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,^[c] so that ^(P)all may see your progress. ^16 (Q)Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save ^(R)both yourself and ^(S)your hearers.