1 Timothy 3:1-5

Contemporary English Version

Church Officials

3 It is true that^[a] anyone who desires to be a church official^[b] wants to be something worthwhile. ²^(A) That's why officials must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage.^[c] They must be self-controlled, sensible, well-behaved, friendly to strangers, and able to teach. ³They must not be heavy drinkers or troublemakers. Instead, they must be kind and gentle and not love money.

⁴Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful. ⁵If they don't know how to control their own families, how can they look after God's people?

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Footnotes

3.1 It is true that: These words may be taken with 2.15. If so, that verse would be translated: “It is true that women will be saved … holy, and modest.” And 3.1 would be translated, “Anyone who desires … something worthwhile.”
3.1 church official: Or “bishop.”
3.2 be faithful in marriage: Or “be the husband of only one wife.”