1 Timothy 3:2-10
New Living Translation
2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[a] He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[b] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[c] 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
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1 Timothy 3:2-10
New International Version
2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach,(A) faithful to his wife,(B) temperate,(C) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,(D) able to teach,(E) 3 not given to drunkenness,(F) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,(G) not a lover of money.(H) 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect.(I) 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)(J) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited(K) and fall under the same judgment(L) as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,(M) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.(N)
8 In the same way, deacons[b](O) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(P) and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(Q) 10 They must first be tested;(R) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:4 Or him with proper
- 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
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