1 Timotheus 3
1 Glaubwürdig ist das Wort: Wer nach einem Aufseheramt trachtet, der begehrt eine schöne Wirksamkeit.
Anyone who aspires to be an elder [in the congregation] (OR, a bishop) desires a noble/honorable task.
2 Nun soll aber ein Aufseher untadelig sein, eines Weibes Mann, nüchtern, besonnen, ehrbar, gastfrei, lehrtüchtig;
[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.
3 kein Trinker, kein Raufbold, sondern gelinde, nicht händelsüchtig, nicht habsüchtig;
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.
4 einer, der seinem eigenen Hause wohl vorsteht und die Kinder mit aller Würde in Schranken hält
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,
5 wenn aber jemand seinem eigenen Hause nicht vorzustehen weiß, wie wird er für die Gemeinde Gottes sorgen?
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]
6 kein Neuling, damit er nicht aufgeblasen werde und dem Gericht des Teufels verfalle.
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].
7 Er muß aber auch ein gutes Zeugnis haben von denen außerhalb [der Gemeinde], damit er nicht der Lästerung und der Schlinge des Teufels verfalle.
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.
8 Gleicherweise sollen auch die Diakonen ehrbar sein, nicht doppelzüngig, nicht vielem Weingenuß ergeben, nicht gewinnsüchtig;
[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).
9 sie sollen das Geheimnis des Glaubens in reinem Gewissen bewahren.
They must sincerely believe the message that [God] has now revealed [to us].
10 Und diese soll man zuerst prüfen; dann mögen sie dienen, wenn sie untadelig sind.
[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.
11 Ihre Frauen sollen ebenfalls ehrbar sein, nicht verleumderisch, sondern nüchtern, treu in allem.
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.
12 Die Diakonen sollen jeder nur eine Frau haben, ihren Kindern und ihrem Hause wohl vorstehen;
Deacons must be faithful to their wives, and they must lead well and care well for their children and [other] people in their houses.
13 denn wenn sie ihren Dienst wohl versehen, erwerben sie sich selbst eine schöne Stufe und viel Freimütigkeit im Glauben in Christus Jesus.
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.
14 Solches schreibe ich dir in der Hoffnung, bald zu dir zu kommen,
Although I hope that I will come and visit you soon, I am writing these things to you [now]
15 falls ich aber verzöge, damit du wissest, wie man wandeln soll im Hause Gottes, welches die Gemeinde des lebendigen Gottes ist, Pfeiler und Grundfeste der Wahrheit.
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].
16 Und anerkannt groß ist das Geheimnis der Gottseligkeit: Gott ist geoffenbart im Fleisch, gerechtfertigt im Geist, erschienen den Engeln, gepredigt unter den Heiden, geglaubt in der Welt, aufgenommen in Herrlichkeit.
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.
