1 Timothy 3

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Qualifications of Bishops

3 The saying is sure:^[a] whoever aspires to the office of bishop^[b] desires a noble task.^{(A) 2} Now a bishop^[c] must be above reproach, married only once,^[d] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,^{(B) 3} not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.^{(C) 4} He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, ⁵ for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert,^[e] or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.^(D)

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;^{(E) 9} they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ Women^[f] likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons be married only once,^[g] and let them manage their children and their households well; ¹³ for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Our Religion

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.^{(F) 16} Without any doubt, the mystery of godliness is great: