1 Timothy 3:7-16
3:7 And he must be well thought of by
those outside the faith,
so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.
3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,
3:9 holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.
3:11 Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect.
3:12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households.
3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Conduct in God’s Church
3:14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you
3:15 in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.
3:16 And we all agree, our religion contains amazing revelation:
He was revealed in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.