I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

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

and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

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

but in case I am delayed, I write so that 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.

By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,

which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,