Qualifications of Church Leaders

3 This saying is trustworthy:^[a](A) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,^(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) an able teacher,^{[b] 3} not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy^(F)— ⁴ one who manages his own household competently, having 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 fall into the condemnation of 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} And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹ Wives,^(L) too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,^(M) faithful in everything. ¹² Deacons must 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 act 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: