Study Desk

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

Here is a trustworthy saying:^(a) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(b) desires a noble task.

Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^(c) faithful to his wife,^(d) temperate,^(e) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^(f) able to teach,^(g)

not given to drunkenness,^(h) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,⁽ⁱ⁾ not a lover of money.^(j)

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^[a] respect.^(k)

(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)^(l)

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(m) and fall under the same judgment⁽ⁿ⁾ as the devil.

He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(o) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.^(p)

In the same way, deacons^[b](q) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^(r) and not pursuing dishonest gain.

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^(s)

They must first be tested;^(t) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, the women^[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^(u) but temperate^(v) and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife^(w) and must manage his children and his household well.^(x)

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church^(y) of the living God,^(z) the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Beyond all question, the mystery^(aa) from which true godliness^(ab) springs is great: He appeared in the flesh,^(ac) was vindicated by the Spirit,^[d] was seen by angels, was preached among the nations,^(ad) was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.^(ae)