1 Timothy 3:1-7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Qualifications of Bishops
3 The saying is sure:[a] whoever aspires to the office of bishop[b] desires a noble task.(A) 2 Now a bishop[c] must be above reproach, married only once,[d] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,(B) 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.(C) 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert,[e] or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.(D)
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1 Timothy 3:1-7
International Standard Version
Qualifications for Leaders in the Church
3 This is a trustworthy saying:[a]
The one who would an elder be,
a noble task desires he.
2 Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife,[b] stable, sensible, respectable, hospitable to strangers, and teachable.[c] 3 He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money. 4 He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. 5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, so that he won’t become arrogant and fall into the Devil’s condemnation. 7 He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn’t[d] fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by[e] the Devil.
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- 1 Timothy 3:1 This formula accompanied early Christian sayings on which full reliance could be placed.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 Or devoted to his wife; lit. a man of one woman
- 1 Timothy 3:2 Or able to teach
- 1 Timothy 3:7 Lit. outsiders, lest he
- 1 Timothy 3:7 Lit. the trap of
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