Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in these days ^(A)when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists^[a] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in ^(B)the daily distribution.

Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, servants^[a] of Christ Jesus,

To all the ^(A)saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the ^(B)overseers^[b] and ^(C)deacons:^[c]

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.