[1] This is a true saying, A man desiring the position of a Bishop has a
desire for a good work. [2] The Bishop, then, is to be a man of good name,
the husband of one wife, self-controlled, serious-minded, having respect
for order, opening his house freely to guests, a ready teacher; [3] Not
quickly moved to wrath or blows, but gentle; no fighter, no lover of money;
[4] Ruling his house well, having his children under control with all
serious behaviour; [5] (For if a man has not the art of ruling his house,
how will he take care of the church of God?) [6] Not one newly taken into
the church, for fear that, through his high opinion of himself, he may come
into the same sin as the Evil One. [7] And he is to have a good name among
those outside the church, so that nothing may be said against him and he
may not be taken by the designs of the Evil One. [8] Deacons, in the same
way, are to be serious in their behaviour, not false in word, not given to
taking much wine or greatly desiring the wealth of this world; [9] Keeping
the secret of the faith in a heart free from sin. [10] And let these first
be put to the test; then let them become Deacons if there is nothing
against them. [11] Women are to be serious in behaviour, saying no evil of
others, controlling themselves, true in all things. [12] Let Deacons be
husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their houses well. [13] For
those who have done good work as Deacons get for themselves a good position
and become free from fear in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. [14] I am
writing these things to you, though I am hoping to come to you before long;
[15] But if I am long in coming, this will make clear to you what behaviour
is right for men in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and base of what is true. [16] And without argument, great
is the secret of religion: He who was seen in the flesh, who was given
God's approval in the spirit, was seen by the angels, of whom the good news
was given among the nations, in whom the world had faith, who was taken up
in glory.
