3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
3:2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3:3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
3:4 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* respect. / *Or him with proper
3:5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
3:8 In the same way, deacons* are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. / *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.
3:9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
3:11 In the same way, the women* are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. / *Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
3:12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
3:13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
3:14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
3:15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,* was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. / *Or vindicated in spirit
3:2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3:3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
3:4 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* respect. / *Or him with proper
3:5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
3:8 In the same way, deacons* are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. / *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.
3:9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
3:11 In the same way, the women* are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. / *Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
3:12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
3:13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
3:14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
3:15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,* was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. / *Or vindicated in spirit