Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task.

⁷ Since an overseer^(A) manages God’s household,^(B) he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.^(C)

²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock^(A) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.^(B) Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a](C) which he bought^(D) with his own blood.^[b](E)

² Be shepherds of God’s flock^(A) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(B) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(C) but eager to serve;

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(A) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(B)—of whom I am the worst.

¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth^(A) and someone should bring that person back,^{(B) 20} remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save^(C) them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.^(D)

¹⁵ See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God^(A) and that no bitter root^(B) grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A)

²⁵ For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[a](A) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(B) and Overseer of your souls.^(C)