1 Timothy 3
1 Anyone who aspires to be an elder [in the congregation] (OR, a bishop) desires a noble/honorable task.
Esta é uma palavra fiel: Se alguém deseja o episcopado, excelente obra deseja.
2 [Since that is a task that others should respect], an overseer must [live] in such a way that [no one] can truly (say that he has done [anything that is] wrong/find fault with him). Specifically, [he must be] faithful to his wife. He must think clearly [about what he does]. He must be able to control his behavior. He must be sensible. He must be dignified/respectable. He must welcome and care for guests. He must be able to teach [God’s truth] well.
Convém pois que o bispo seja irrepreensível, marido de uma mulher, vigilante, sóbrio, honesto, hospitaleiro, apto para ensinar;
3 He must not be a drunkard. He must not be ready/quick to fight [those who make him angry]. On the contrary, he must be gentle and he must not be quarrelsome. He must not be greedy for a lot of money.
Não dado ao vinho, não espancador, não cobiçoso de torpe ganância, mas moderado, não contencioso, não avarento;
4 He must lead and care for his own household/family well. For example, he must be a man whom his children obey and completely respect,
Que governe bem a sua própria casa, tendo seus filhos em sujeição, com toda a modéstia;
5 because if anyone does not know how he should lead well and care for well the people who live in his own house, (he certainly cannot care for God’s congregation!/how can he care for God’s congregation?) [RHQ]
(Porque, se alguém não sabe governar a sua própria casa, como terá cuidado da igreja de Deus?)
6 He must not be one who has just recently [trusted in Jesus], because [if you choose a man] like that, he might become conceited/proud [because you chose him so soon]. As a result of his being conceited/proud, God will condemn him like he condemned the devil [because he was conceited/proud].
Não neófito, para que, ensoberbecendo-se, não caia na condenação do diabo.
7 Moreover, [an elder must live] in such a way that non-Christians speak well of him, because [if he conducts himself like] that, people will not say evil things about him, and the devil will not capture/trap him [MET] [like people capture animals] in a trap.
Convém também que tenha bom testemunho dos que estão de fora, para que não caia em afronta, e no laço do diabo.
8 [Those whom you choose to serve as] deacons likewise [must be ones who conduct themselves suitably/appropriately. Specifically], they must be (serious/worthy that people respect them). They must (be sincere/mean what they say). They must not like to drink a lot of alcohol. They must not (be greedy/have a strong desire to get money).
Da mesma sorte os diáconos sejam honestos, não de língua dobre não dados a muito vinho, não cobiçosos de torpe ganância;
9 They must sincerely believe the message that [God] has now revealed [to us].
Tendo o mistério da fé em uma pura consciência.
10 [Like you do for the elders], you must examine ([their character/how they conduct their lives]) [before you appoint them to serve]. Then if they are without fault, let them serve as deacons.
E também estes sejam primeiro provados, depois sirvam, se forem irrepreensíveis.
11 Their wives (OR, The women who are deacons) likewise [must conduct themselves suitably/appropriately. Specifically, they must be] (serious/worthy that people respect them). They must not speak evil about people. They must not drink a lot of alcohol. They must be faithful in everything that they do.
Da mesma sorte as suas mulheres sejam honestas, não maldizentes, sóbrias e fieis em todas as coisas.
12 Deacons must be faithful to their wives, and they must lead well and care well for their children and [other] people in their houses.
Os diáconos sejam maridos de uma mulher, e governem bem a seus filhos e a suas próprias casas.
13 Because if deacons serve well, people will respect them, and they will be able [to speak] very boldly/confidently about what they believe concerning Christ Jesus.
Porque os que servirem bem, adquirirão para si um bom grau, e muita confiança na fé que há em Cristo Jesus.
14 Although I hope that I will come and visit you soon, I am writing these things to you [now]
Escrevo-te estas coisas, esperando ir vêr-te bem depressa;
15 in order that if I (am delayed/things prevent me from visiting to you soon), you will know how believers should conduct their lives [and you will be able to teach that to them]. [I am talking about] all those who are members of God’s family, all the congregations that belong to the all-powerful God, all those who uphold/support [MET] the true [message].
Mas, se tardar, para que saibas como convém andar na casa de Deus, que é a igreja de Deus vivo, a coluna e firmeza da verdade.
16 It is certainly true that [the message that God] has now revealed is very wonderful! From it, we learn this spiritual truth that we say/sing about [Christ] (OR, We affirm this teaching to be true and very important.) It is what shows us how to live (in a godly manner/in a manner that pleases God). It is what God has now revealed, even though it was not known before. [We] ([affirm/say that it is true]) concerning Jesus Christ that, He is the one who appeared on the earth in a human body. God’s Spirit showed/demonstrated that he is/was truly the Messiah (OR, that he always acted righteously); Angels saw him; people preached about him in many nations; People in many parts of the world believed the message about him. God took him up into heaven.
E sem dúvida alguma grande é o mistério da piedade: Deus foi manifestado em carne, foi justificado em espírito, visto dos anjos, pregado aos gentios, crido no mundo, e recebido acima na glória.
