1 Timothy 3:8-4:16

English Standard Version

Qualifications for Deacons

^8 (A)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,^{[a] (B)}not addicted to much wine, ^(C)not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must ^(D)hold the mystery of the faith with ^(E)a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And ^(F)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ^11 (G)Their wives likewise^[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, ^(H)faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be ^(I)the husband of one wife, ^(J)managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For ^(K)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, ¹⁵ if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. ¹⁶ Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4 Now ^(Q)the Spirit expressly says that ^(R)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to ^(S)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² through the insincerity of ^(T)liars whose consciences are seared, ^3 (U)who forbid marriage and ^(V)require abstinence from foods ^(W)that God created ^(X)to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For ^(Y)everything created by God is good, and ^(Z)nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(AA)received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is made holy ^(AB)by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

^6 (AC)If you put these things before the brothers,^[f] 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 ^(AD)followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, ^(AE)silly myths. Rather ^(AF)train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while ^(AG)bodily training is of some value, godliness ^(AH)is of value in every way, as ^(AI)it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ The saying is ^(AJ)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we toil and strive,^[g] because we have our hope set on the living God, ^(AK)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach ^(AL)these things. ^12 (AM)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^(AN)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 (AO)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ^(AP)by prophecy when the council of elders ^(AQ)laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,^[h] so that ^(AR)all may see your progress. ^16 (AS)Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save ^(AT)both yourself and ^(AU)your hearers.