1 Timothy 3:1-13
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Qualifications of Church Leaders
3 This saying is trustworthy:[a](A) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,(B) he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer,(C) therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,(D) respectable, hospitable,(E) an able teacher,[b] 3 not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy(F)— 4 one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.(G) 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s(H) trap.
8 Deacons,(I) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith(J) with a clear conscience.(K) 10 And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives,(L) too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,(M) faithful in everything. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:1 “This saying is trustworthy” could refer to 1Tm 2:15.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 Or hospitable, skillful in teaching
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