A minister then must be a man of irreproachable character, true to his one wife, temperate, sober-minded, well-behaved, hospitable to strangers, and with a gift for teaching;

but ruling his own household wisely and well, with children kept under control with true dignity.

And they must also be well-tried men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons.

A deacon must be true to his one wife, and rule his children and his own household wisely and well.

For those who have filled the deacon's office wisely and well, are already gaining for themselves an honourable standing, and are acquiring great freedom of speech in proclaiming the faith which rests on Christ Jesus.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to show piety towards their own homes and to prove their gratitude to their parents; for this is well pleasing in the sight of God.

She must have been true to her one husband, and well reported of for good deeds, as having brought up children, received strangers hospitably, washed the feet of God's people, given relief to the distressed, and devoted herself to good works of every kind.

Let the Elders who perform their duties wisely and well be held worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.