^8 (A)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not ^[a]insincere, ^(B)not prone to drink much wine, ^(C)not greedy for money, ^9 (D)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ^10 (E)These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. ^11 [b]Women must likewise be dignified, ^(F)not malicious gossips, but ^[c](G)temperate, faithful in all things. ^12 (H)Deacons must be ^(I)husbands of one wife, and ^[d](J)good managers of their children and their own households. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons ^(K)obtain for themselves a ^[e]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Unity of the Spirit

4 Therefore I, ^(A)the prisoner of the Lord, ^(B)urge you to ^(C)walk in a manner worthy of the ^(D)calling with which you have been ^(E)called, ² with all ^(F)humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another ^(G)in love, ³ being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the ^(H)bond of peace. ⁴ There is ^(I)one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one ^(J)hope of your calling; ^5 (K)one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all ^(L)who is over all and through all and in all.