Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 This saying is trustworthy:^(A) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,^[a](B) he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer,^(C) therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,^(D) respectable, hospitable,^(E) able to teach, ³ not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.^{(F) 4} He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.^{(G) 7} Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s^(H) trap.

⁸ Deacons,^(I) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, ⁹ 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.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I write these things to you, hoping to come^(N) to you soon. ¹⁵ But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,^(O) which is the church of the living God,^(P) the pillar and foundation of the truth.^{(Q) 16} And most certainly, the mystery of godliness^(R) is great:

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;^(A) I will remove your heart of stone^[a] and give you a heart of flesh.^{(B) 27} I will place my Spirit within you^(C) and cause you to follow my statutes and carefully observe my ordinances.^(D)

A Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(A) Because of his great mercy^(B) he has given us new birth^(C) into a living hope^(D) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead^{(E) 4} and into an inheritance that is imperishable,^(F) undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven^(G) for you. ⁵ You are being guarded by God’s power^(H) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.^{(I) 6} You rejoice in this,^[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials^{(J) 7} so that the proven character of your faith^(K)—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire^(L)—may result^(M) in praise, glory, and honor^(N) at the revelation of Jesus Christ.^{(O) 8} Though you have not seen^(P) him, you love him;^(Q) though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice^(R) with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets,^(S) who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. ¹¹ They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ^(T) within them was indicating when he testified in advance^(U) to the sufferings of Christ^(V) and the glories^(W) that would follow.^{[b] 12} It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you^(X) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven^(Y)—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.

A Call to Holy Living

¹³ Therefore, with your minds ready for action,^(Z) be sober-minded^(AA) and set your hope^(AB) completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation^(AC) of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children,^(AD) do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. ¹⁵ But as the one who called you^(AE) is holy,^(AF) you also are to be holy in all your conduct; ¹⁶ for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.^[c](AG)