But the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and non-hypocritical faith.

He must also have a good reputation among outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], or else he could fall into reproach [i.e., from worldly people] and [therefore] into the devil's trap.

Similarly, deacons should be serious-minded [i.e., dignified], not saying one thing while meaning another, not drinking a lot of wine [Note: The wine of Paul's day was used as a common drink, and was either non-intoxicating or far less intoxicating than wine today], not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means.

For every creature of God is good, and none to be rejected, if used with thanksgiving:

Let none despise thy youth; but be thou a type of the faithful, in word, in intercourse, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

Thus, they bring the judgment [for being untrustworthy] on themselves because they have broken their previous pledge. [Note: This probably refers to younger widows who pledged themselves to fulfill some important church activity and then quit suddenly to get married. But some suggest it refers to them leaving the faith and marrying a non-Christian].

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Against an elder receive none accusation: but under two or three witnesses.

Put hands swiftly upon none, nor participate in others' sins: keep thyself pure.

the only One who has immortality,
dwelling in unapproachable light;
no one has seen or can see Him,
to Him be honor and eternal might.
Amen.