^3 (A)Therefore, brothers,^[a] pick out from among you seven men ^(B)of good repute, ^(C)full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by ^(A)outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into ^(B)a snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

^8 (C)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,^{[a] (D)}not addicted to much wine, ^(E)not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must ^(F)hold the mystery of the faith with ^(G)a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And ^(H)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ^11 (I)Their wives likewise^[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, ^(J)faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be ^(K)the husband of one wife, ^(L)managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For ^(M)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, ¹⁵ if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

¹⁷ But ^(A)the wisdom from above is first pure, then ^(B)peaceable, gentle, open to reason, ^(C)full of mercy and good fruits, ^(D)impartial and ^(E)sincere. ¹⁸ And ^(F)a harvest of righteousness ^(G)is sown in peace by those who make peace.

^13 (A)Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

¹⁰ and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has ^(A)shown hospitality, ^(B)has washed the feet of the saints, has ^(C)cared for the afflicted, and has ^(D)devoted herself to every good work.