The saying [is] trustworthy: if anyone aspires to supervision, he desires a good work.

And most certainly, great is the mystery of godliness: Who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the Gentiles, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

But if I am delayed, [I am writing] in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth.

(but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

Therefore the overseer must be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,

not newly converted, lest he become conceited [and] fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Deacons likewise [must be] dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain,

But [he] must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.

The wives likewise [must be] dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all [things].

holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,

and these also must be tested first; then let them serve [if they] are above reproach.

Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing [their] children and their own households well.

I am writing these [things] to you, hoping to come to you in a short time.

For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith [that is] in Christ Jesus.

not addicted to wine, not a violent person, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money,

managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity