Study Desk

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

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

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

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

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.