(A)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [a]insincere, (B)not prone to drink much wine, (C)not greedy for money, (D)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 (E)These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [b]Women must likewise be dignified, (F)not malicious gossips, but [c](G)temperate, faithful in all things. 12 (H)Deacons must be (I)husbands of one wife, and [d](J)good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (K)obtain for themselves a [e]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Or given to double-talk
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 I.e., either deacons’ wives or deaconesses
  3. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or level-headed
  4. 1 Timothy 3:12 Lit managing well
  5. 1 Timothy 3:13 Lit good

Qualifications for Deacons

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 10 and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if they[a] are above reproach. 11 The wives[b] likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:10 Here “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“are”) which is understood as conditional
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or “The women”