1 Timothy 3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Qualifications of Bishops
3 The saying is sure:[a] whoever aspires to the office of bishop[b] desires a noble task.(A) 2 Now a bishop[c] must be above reproach, married only once,[d] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,(B) 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.(C) 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert,[e] or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.(D)
Qualifications of Deacons
8 Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;(E) 9 they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 11 Women[f] likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be married only once,[g] and let them manage their children and their households well; 13 for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Our Religion
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.(F) 16 Without any doubt, the mystery of godliness is great:
He[h] was revealed in flesh,
vindicated[i] in spirit,[j]
seen by angels,
proclaimed among gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.(G)
Footnotes
- 3.1 Some interpreters place these words at the end of the previous paragraph. Other ancient authorities read The saying is commonly accepted
- 3.1 Or overseer
- 3.2 Or an overseer
- 3.2 Gk the husband of one wife
- 3.6 Gk neophyte
- 3.11 Or Women deacons or Wives
- 3.12 Gk be husbands of one wife
- 3.16 Gk Who; other ancient authorities read God or Which
- 3.16 Or justified
- 3.16 Or by the Spirit
1 Timothy 3
New Living Translation
Leaders in the Church
3 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader,[a] he desires an honorable position.” 2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] 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[c] 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.[d] 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.
11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Truths of Our Faith
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith[f]:
Christ[g] was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.[h]
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
Footnotes
- 3:1 Or an overseer, or a bishop; also in 3:2, 6.
- 3:2 Or must have only one wife, or must be married only once; Greek reads must be the husband of one wife; also in 3:12.
- 3:3 Greek must not drink too much wine; similarly in 3:8.
- 3:6 Or he might fall into the same judgment as the devil.
- 3:11 Or the women deacons. The Greek word can be translated women or wives.
- 3:16a Or of godliness.
- 3:16b Greek He who; other manuscripts read God.
- 3:16c Or in his spirit.
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
