Add parallel Print Page Options

Qualifications of Bishops

The saying is sure:[a] whoever aspires to the office of bishop[b] desires a noble task.(A) Now a bishop[c] must be above reproach, married only once,[d] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,(B) not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.(C) He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert,[e] or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.(D)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3.1 Some interpreters place these words at the end of the previous paragraph. Other ancient authorities read The saying is commonly accepted
  2. 3.1 Or overseer
  3. 3.2 Or an overseer
  4. 3.2 Gk the husband of one wife
  5. 3.6 Gk neophyte

Qualifications for Leaders in the Church

This is a trustworthy saying:[a]

The one who would an elder be,
a noble task desires he.

Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife,[b] stable, sensible, respectable, hospitable to strangers, and teachable.[c] He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money. He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, so that he won’t become arrogant and fall into the Devil’s condemnation. 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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:1 This formula accompanied early Christian sayings on which full reliance could be placed.
  2. 1 Timothy 3:2 Or devoted to his wife; lit. a man of one woman
  3. 1 Timothy 3:2 Or able to teach
  4. 1 Timothy 3:7 Lit. outsiders, lest he
  5. 1 Timothy 3:7 Lit. the trap of