Qualifications for Deacons

(A)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,[a] (B)not addicted to much wine, (C)not greedy for dishonest gain. 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.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Or devious in speech
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or Wives likewise, or Women likewise

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

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.

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In the same way, deacons[a](A) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(B) and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(C) 10 They must first be tested;(D) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. 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.
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons