Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^(C) faithful to his wife,^(D) temperate,^(E) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^(F) able to teach,^{(G) 3} not given to drunkenness,^(H) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,^(I) not a lover of money.^{(J) 4} He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^[a] respect.^{(K) 5} (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^{(L) 6} He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(M) and fall under the same judgment^(N) as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(O) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^(P)

⁸ In the same way, deacons^[b](Q) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^(R) and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^{(S) 10} They must first be tested;^(T) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ In the same way, the women^[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^(U) but temperate^(V) and trustworthy in everything.

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

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(Y) of the living God,^(Z) the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(AA) from which true godliness^(AB) springs is great:

4 The Spirit^(AF) clearly says that in later times^(AG) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(AH) and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.^{(AI) 3} They forbid people to marry^(AJ) and order them to abstain from certain foods,^(AK) which God created^(AL) to be received with thanksgiving^(AM) by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good,^(AN) and nothing is to be rejected^(AO) if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God^(AP) and prayer.

⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,^[e] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith^(AQ) and of the good teaching that you have followed.^{(AR) 7} Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;^(AS) rather, train yourself to be godly.^{(AT) 8} For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,^(AU) holding promise for both the present life^(AV) and the life to come.^{(AW) 9} This is a trustworthy saying^(AX) that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,^(AY) who is the Savior of all people,^(AZ) and especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things.^{(BA) 12} Don’t let anyone look down on you^(BB) because you are young, but set an example^(BC) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(BD) and in purity. ¹³ Until I come,^(BE) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^(BF) to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(BG) when the body of elders^(BH) laid their hands on you.^(BI)

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^(BJ) both yourself and your hearers.