⁷ Remember your leaders,^(A) who spoke the word of God^(B) to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate^(C) their faith.

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders^(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you^(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task.

¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife^(A) and must manage his children and his household well.^(B)

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good^(A)

⁵ The reason I left you in Crete^(B) was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint^[a] elders^(C) in every town, as I directed you.

⁷ Since an overseer^(A) manages God’s household,^(B) he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.^(C)

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder^(A) and a witness^(B) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^(C)