Timotheum I 3
1 Fidelis sermo: si quis episcopatum desiderat, bonum opus desiderat.
How true is this saying: “To aspire to be to be a supervisor in the church is to be ambitious for a noble task.”
2 Oportet ergo episcopum irreprehensibilem esse, unius uxoris virum, sobrium, prudentem, ornatum, pudicum, hospitalem, doctorem,
The supervisor should be of blameless character; a faithful partner; living a temperate, discreet, and well-ordered life; hospitable, and a skilful teacher,
3 non vinolentum, non percussorem, sed modestum: non litigiosum, non cupidum,
not addicted to drink or brawling, but of a forbearing and peaceable disposition, and not a lover of money;
4 sed suæ domui bene præpositum: filios habentem subditos cum omni castitate.
they should provide for their own household well, and their children should kept under control and be well-behaved.
5 Si quis autem domui suæ præesse nescit, quomodo Ecclesiæ Dei diligentiam habebit?
If someone does not know how to provide for their own household, how can they take charge of the church of God?
6 Non neophytum: ne in superbiam elatus, in iudicium incidat diaboli.
The supervisor should not be a recent convert, or they might become blinded by pride and fall under the same judgement as the devil.
7 Oportet autem illum et testimonium habere bonum ab iis, qui foris sunt, ut non in opprobrium incidat, et in laqueum diaboli.
They should also be well spoken of by outsiders, so that they may not incur censure and so fall into the devil’s trap.
8 Diaconos similiter pudicos, non bilingues, non multo vino deditos, non turpe lucrum sectantes:
So, too, assistants should be serious and straightforward, not given to taking much drink or to questionable money-making,
9 habentes mysterium fidei in conscientia pura.
but people who hold the deep truths of the faith and have a clear conscience.
10 Et hi autem probentur primum: et sic ministrent, nullum crimen habentes.
They should be tested first, and only appointed to their office if no objection is raised against them.
11 Mulieres similiter pudicas, non detrahentes, sobrias, fideles in omnibus.
It should be the same with the women in this office. They should be serious, not gossips, sober, and trustworthy in all respects.
12 Diaconi sint unius uxoris viri: qui filiis suis bene præsint, et suis domibus.
Assistants should be faithful partners who manage their children and their households well.
13 Qui enim bene ministraverint, gradum bonum sibi acquirent, et multam fiduciam in fide, quæ est in Christo Iesu.
Those who have filled that post with honour gain for themselves an honourable position, as well as great confidence through the faith that they place in Christ Jesus.
14 Hæc tibi scribo, sperans me ad te venire cito.
I am writing this to you, though I hope that I will come to see you before long;
15 Si autem tardavero, ut scias quomodo oporteat te in domo Dei conversari, quæ est Ecclesia Dei vivi, columna et firmamentum veritatis.
but in case I should be delayed, I want you to know what your conduct ought to be in the household of God, which is the church of the living God – the pillar and stay of the truth.
16 Et manifeste magnum est pietatis sacramentum, quod manifestatum est in carne, iustificatum est in spiritu, apparuit Angelis, prædicatum est Gentibus, creditum est in mundo, assumptum est in gloria.
Yes, and undeniably wonderful are the deep truths of our religion; for – “He was revealed in our nature, pronounced righteous in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up into glory.”
