1 Timothy 3

3 ¹ Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble work. ² So an overseer must be blameless: one wife's husband, level-headed, disciplined, orderly, hospitable, able to teach. ³ not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive with all dignity ⁵ —for if someone doesn't know how to manage his own household, how will he care for our Father's church? ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he may be puffed up and fall into the devil's condemnation. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so he doesn't fall into disgrace and the devil's trap.

⁸ Deacons too must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to much wine, not greedy for shameful gain. ⁹ They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They too must first be tested; then, if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ The women likewise must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, but clear-minded and faithful in everything. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ Deacons who serve well earn themselves a good standing and great confidence in faith in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith

¹⁴ I am writing these instructions to you, though I hope to come to you soon. ¹⁵ But if I'm delayed, so you'll know how one ought to behave in our Father's household, the church of the living Father, pillar and support of the truth. ¹⁶ Undeniably, the mystery of devotion to God is great: he appeared in flesh, was proved right by the Holy Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. ^a a v16 This early confession sings of Jesus—the one who came in the flesh, rose vindicated, and was taken up in glory; "he" refers to him throughout.