10 They must first be tested;(A) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women[a] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers(B) but temperate(C) and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife(D) and must manage his children and his household well.(E) 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church(F) of the living God,(G) the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery(H) from which true godliness(I) springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,(J)
    was vindicated by the Spirit,[b]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,(K)
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.(L)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
  2. 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

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