1 Timothy 3

New Living Translation

Leaders in the Church

3 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader,^[a] he desires an honorable position.” ²So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.^[b] He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. ³He must not be a heavy drinker^[c] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. ⁴He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. ⁵For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

⁶A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.^[d] ⁷Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

⁸In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. ⁹They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. ¹⁰Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

¹¹In the same way, their wives^[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

¹²A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. ¹³Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Truths of Our Faith

¹⁴I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, ¹⁵so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

¹⁶Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith^[f]:

Christ^[g] was revealed in a human body
    and vindicated by the Spirit.^[h]
He was seen by angels
    and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
    and taken to heaven in glory.

Footnotes

3:1 Or an overseer, or a bishop; also in 3:2, 6.
3:2 Or must have only one wife, or must be married only once; Greek reads must be the husband of one wife; also in 3:12.
3:3 Greek must not drink too much wine; similarly in 3:8.
3:6 Or he might fall into the same judgment as the devil.
3:11 Or the women deacons. The Greek word can be translated women or wives.
3:16a Or of godliness.
3:16b Greek He who; other manuscripts read God.
3:16c Or in his spirit.