1 Timothy 3:8-13

English Standard Version

Qualifications for Deacons

⁸^(A)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,^[a] ^(B)not addicted to much wine, ^(C)not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹They must ^(D)hold the mystery of the faith with ^(E)a clear conscience. ¹⁰And ^(F)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ¹¹^(G)Their wives likewise^[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, ^(H)faithful in all things. ¹²Let deacons each be ^(I)the husband of one wife, ^(J)managing their children and their own households well. ¹³For ^(K)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1 Timothy 3:8 Or devious in speech
1 Timothy 3:11 Or Wives likewise, or Women likewise

Acts 6:1-4

English Standard Version

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. ²And 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. ³^(C)Therefore, brothers,^[b] pick out from among you seven men ^(D)of good repute, ^(E)full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. ⁴But ^(F)we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”