Qualifications for Deacons

(A)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,[a] (B)not addicted to much wine, (C)not greedy for dishonest gain. They must (D)hold the mystery of the faith with (E)a clear conscience. 10 And (F)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 (G)Their wives likewise[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, (H)faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be (I)the husband of one wife, (J)managing their children and their own households well. 13 For (K)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Or devious in speech
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or Wives likewise, or Women likewise

Deacons,[a] too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced,[b] addicted to wine, or greedy for money. They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. 10 But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, let them serve in ministry.[c] 11 Their wives[d] must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything. 12 Deacons[e] must be husbands of one wife[f] and must manage their children and their families well. 13 Those who serve well in ministry[g] gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah[h] Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Or Ministers
  2. 1 Timothy 3:8 Lit. double-worded
  3. 1 Timothy 3:10 Or them be deacons
  4. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or Women
  5. 1 Timothy 3:12 Or Ministers
  6. 1 Timothy 3:12 Or devoted to their wives; lit. men of one woman
  7. 1 Timothy 3:13 Or well as deacons
  8. 1 Timothy 3:13 Or Christ