Study Desk

^(C1)It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the ^(C2)office of ^(F1)overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

^(F1)(C1)An overseer, then, must be above reproach, ^(C2)the husband of one wife, ^(F2)(C3)temperate, self-controlled, respectable, ^(C4)hospitable, ^(C5)skillful in teaching,

^(C1)not overindulging in wine, not ^(F1)a bully, but gentle, not contentious, ^(C2)free from the love of money.

He must be one who ^(C1)manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of ^(C1)the church of God?),

and not a new convert, so that he will not become ^(C1)conceited and fall into ^(C2)condemnation ^(F1)incurred by the devil.

And he must ^(C1)have a good reputation with ^(C2)those outside the church, so that he will not fall into ^(F1)disgrace and ^(C3)the snare of the devil.

^(C1)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not ^(F1)insincere, ^(C2)not prone to drink much wine, ^(C3)not greedy for money,

^(C1)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

^(C1)These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

^(F1)Women must likewise be dignified, ^(C1)not malicious gossips, but ^(F2)(C2)temperate, faithful in all things.

^(C1)Deacons must be ^(C2)husbands of one wife, and ^(F1)(C3)good managers of their children and their own households.

For those who have served well as deacons ^(C1)obtain for themselves a ^(F1)high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.