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Deacons diakonos, likewise hōsautōs, must be dignified semnos, not gossips dilogos, not addicted polys to wine oinos, not greedy for gain aischrokerdēs, holding echō to the ho mystery mystērion of the ho faith pistis with en a clean katharos conscience syneidēsis. 10 And de they houtos should also kai be tested dokimazō first prōton; then eita let them serve diakoneō if they are found eimi above reproach anenklētos. 11 Wives gynē likewise hōsautōs must be dignified semnos, not slanderers diabolos, clear-minded nēphalios, faithful pistos in en all things pas. 12 Deacons diakonos each should be eimi men anēr of one heis woman gynē, managing proistēmi children teknon and kai · ho their own idios households oikos well kalōs. 13 For gar those ho who serve diakoneō well kalōs are acquiring peripoieō a good kalos standing bathmos for themselves heautou and kai great polys confidence parrēsia in en faith pistis, which ho is in en Christ Christos Jesus Iēsous.

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[a]Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, but upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity]. 10 These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons. 11 [b]Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Though the Greek word for “deacon” does not occur in Acts (only Paul uses it), it is generally thought that the origin of the office or ministry is found in Acts 6:1-6, where Luke reports that seven men were appointed to assist the church leaders in serving and ministering to members of the congregation.
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 In Greek, the same word is used for both woman and wife. This verse may refer specifically to either deacons’ wives or deaconesses, rather than the congregation in general.