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This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

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This is a true saying: If a man desire the office of bishop, he desireth a good work.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt at teaching;

not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

one who ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all dignity.

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

He must not be a novice in the faith, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good reputation with those who are outsiders, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Read full chapter