Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

This saying is trustworthy:(A) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,[a](B) he desires a noble work.” An overseer,(C) therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,(D) respectable, hospitable,(E) able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.(F) He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.(G) Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s(H) trap.

Deacons,(I) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith(J) with a clear conscience.(K) 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives,[b](L) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,(M) faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3:1 Or bishop, or pastor
  2. 3:11 Or Women

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Drill Bible, Gray Hardcover
CSB Drill Bible, Gray Hardcover
Retail: $17.99
Our Price: $10.29
Save: $7.70 (43%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, black
CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $20.21
Save: $14.78 (42%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, brown mountains
CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, brown mountains
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $22.50
Save: $22.49 (50%)
CSB Kids Bible, Hardcover
CSB Kids Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $11.43
Save: $8.56 (43%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Invitation New Testament, Case of 108
CSB Invitation New Testament, Case of 108
Retail: $106.92
Our Price: $78.99
Save: $27.93 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Outreach Bible for Kids
CSB Outreach Bible for Kids
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $2.50
Save: $2.49 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars