1 Timothy 3
1 This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.
Here is a trustworthy word: if a man aspires to the position of overseer, he desires a good work.
2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Now then, it is obligatory for the overseer to be above reproach, a one woman man, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, good at teaching,
3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
not a drinker, not a bully, not corrupt [financially], but gentle, peaceful, not greedy;
4 An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
one who rules his own house well, having children who obey him with due respect
5 For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how can he take care of God's congregation?);
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
not a recent convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same judgment that the devil did.
7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Also, it is necessary for him to have a good reputation with those who are outside the congregation, so as not to fall into reproach and the devil's snare.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
Similarly, deacons must be respectable, not deceitful, not heavy drinkers, not corrupt [financially];
9 They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
10 Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
But let these also first be tested; then, if they are blameless, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
Similarly, women must be respectable, not slanderers, temperate, trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
Let deacons be one woman men, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and considerable confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things
Although I hope to come to you shortly, I am writing these things to you
15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
in case I am delayed, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in God's household, which is the Church of the living God, pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
Yes, the mystery of our religion is confessedly great: God was manifested in flesh, was vindicated in spirit, was revealed to angels, was proclaimed among nations, was believed in the world, was received up in glory!
