¹⁰ And ^(A)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

^22 (A)Do not be hasty in the ^(B)laying on of hands, nor ^(C)take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Test the Spirits

4 Beloved, ^(A)do not believe every spirit, but ^(B)test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for ^(C)many ^(D)false prophets ^(E)have gone out into the world.

^6 (A)if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife,^[a] and his children are believers^[b] and not open to the charge of ^(B)debauchery or insubordination. ⁷ For an overseer,^{[c] (C)}as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not ^(D)be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent ^(E)or greedy for gain,

¹³ For ^(A)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may ^(A)become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

² Therefore ^(A)an overseer^[a] must be above reproach, ^(B)the husband of one wife,^{[b] (C)}sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, ^(D)hospitable, ^(E)able to teach,

^8 (A)who will sustain you to the end, ^(B)guiltless ^(C)in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in these days ^(A)when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists^[a] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in ^(B)the daily distribution. ² And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.