(And let these also first be proved, then let them take the office of deacons, if they be found blameless.)

These things I write unto thee, hoping to come to thee shortly.

If thou lay these things before the brethren, thou wilt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, as one brought up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, to which thou hast attained.

These things declare and teach.

Meditate on these things, be wholly in them, that thy proficiency may be manifest in all.

But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let these learn first to shew piety at home, and to make suitable returns to their parents: for this is becoming, and acceptable in the sight of God.

These things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou keep to these things without preference of persons, doing nothing with partiality.

These things teach and exhort. If any one teach otherwise, and adhere not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness;

But do thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, piety, fidelity, love, patience, meekness.