¹⁰ But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

²² Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor ^(A)share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

¹³ For those who have served well as deacons ^(A)obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

⁶ if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, ^(A)having faithful children not accused of ^[a]dissipation or insubordination. ⁷ For a ^[b]bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, ^(B)not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

⁶ not a ^[a]novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;

^8 (A)who will also confirm you to the end, ^(B)that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in those days, ^(A)when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the ^(B)Hellenists,^[a] because their widows were neglected ^(C)in the daily distribution. ² Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ^(D)“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

Love for God and One Another

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but ^(A)test the spirits, whether they are of God; because ^(B)many false prophets have gone out into the world.

^22 (A)in the body of His flesh through death, ^(B)to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—