In the same way, deacons[a](A) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(B) and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(C) 10 They must first be tested;(D) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women[b] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers(E) but temperate(F) and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife(G) and must manage his children and his household well.(H) 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons

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

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. 3:11 Or the women deacons. The Greek word can be translated women or wives.

Church Officers

Church officers[a] should be serious. They must not be liars, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money. And they must have a clear conscience and hold firmly to what God has shown us about our faith. 10 They must first prove themselves. Then if no one has anything against them, they can serve as officers.

11 Women[b] must also be serious. They must not gossip or be heavy drinkers, and they must be faithful in everything they do.

12 Church officers must be faithful in marriage.[c] They must be in full control of their children and everyone else in their home. 13 Those who serve well as officers will earn a good reputation and will be highly respected for their faith in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 3.8 Church officers: Or “Deacons.”
  2. 3.11 Women: Either church officers or the wives of church officers.
  3. 3.12 be faithful in marriage: See the note at 3.2.

(A)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [a]insincere, (B)not prone to drink much wine, (C)not greedy for money, (D)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 (E)These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [b]Women must likewise be dignified, (F)not malicious gossips, but [c](G)temperate, faithful in all things. 12 (H)Deacons must be (I)husbands of one wife, and [d](J)good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (K)obtain for themselves a [e]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Or given to double-talk
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 I.e., either deacons’ wives or deaconesses
  3. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or level-headed
  4. 1 Timothy 3:12 Lit managing well
  5. 1 Timothy 3:13 Lit good

Qualifications of Deacons

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, (A)not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the [a]mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not [b]slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (B)obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:9 hidden truth
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 malicious gossips