¹This is a trustworthy saying: If any man aspires to be an overseer, he desires a good work. ²An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one woman, circumspect, temperate, orderly, hospitable, able to teach; ³not given to wine, not violent but gentle, not combative, not covetous; ⁴one who rules his own household well, having his children in subjection with all dignity. ⁵For if someone does not know how to rule his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? ⁶Not a new convert, or he might get puffed up, and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷Moreover he must have a good reputation with those outside, so that he not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

⁸Likewise also deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for gain, ⁹holding to the mystery of the faith in a clear conscience. ¹⁰And these however you must first prove, and then they shall serve, after being found blameless. ¹¹Likewise also the wives must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate, trustworthy in all things. ¹²Deacons must be the husband of one woman, ruling well their own children and households. ¹³For those serving well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves, and great assurance in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴I am writing these things to you even though I expect to be present with you soon; ¹⁵but it is so that in case I delay, you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the foundation of the truth.

¹⁶And without question, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, certified by the Spirit, visited by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up into glory.