^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.

^11 (A)Take no part in the ^(B)unfruitful ^(C)works of darkness, but instead ^(D)expose them.

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

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.

⁶ These they set before the apostles, and ^(A)they prayed and ^(B)laid their hands on them.

¹¹ for whoever greets him ^(A)takes part in his wicked works.

^14 (A)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ^(B)by prophecy when the council of elders ^(C)laid their hands on you.

⁴ Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

² and of ^(A)instruction about washings,^{[a] (B)}the laying on of hands, ^(C)the resurrection of the dead, and ^(D)eternal judgment.

Qualifications for Elders

^5 (A)This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and ^(B)appoint elders in every town as I directed you— ^6 (C)if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife,^[a] and his children are believers^[b] and not open to the charge of ^(D)debauchery or insubordination. ⁷ For an overseer,^{[c] (E)}as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not ^(F)be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent ^(G)or greedy for gain, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, ^(H)and disciplined. ⁹ He must ^(I)hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in ^(J)sound^[d] doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.