1 Timothy 3

1 This saying is true. If one earnestly seek the office of a bishop, he desires an excellent work.

2 The bishop, then, must be unblamed, the husband of one wife, vigilant, prudent, of comely behavior, hospitable, fit to teach;

3 not given to wine, no striker, but gentle; not quarrelsome, nor a lover of money:

4 one who rules well his own house, having his children in subjection to him with all gravity:

5 for if one know not how to govern his own house; how shall he take care of the congregation of God?

6 Not a new convert, lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover, he must even have a good report from those without, that he may not fall into reproach, and the snare of the devil.

8 The deacons, in like manner, must be grave, not double-tongued, not giving themselves to much wine, not persons who earn money by base methods;

9 holding fast the secret of the faith with a pure conscience.

10 But let those also be first proved: then let them exercise the office of the deacon, being without blame.

11 The women, in like manner, must be grave, not slanderers; but vigilant, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling well their children and their families.

13 For they who have performed the office of a deacon well, procure to themselves an excellent degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you soon.

15 But if I tarry long, that you may know you ought to behave yourselves in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.--

16 And, confessedly, great is the secret of godliness; --he who has manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit; seen of messengers, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.