It is a trustworthy saying: if any one aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: he was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

if I am delayed, you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

(If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?).

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, and not fond of sordid gain;

He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

The women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

they must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

They must also first be tested; and then if they are beyond reproach, let them serve as deacons.

Deacons must be the husband of one wife, and must manage their children and their households well.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,

For those who have served well as deacons gain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity