CHAPTER 3
An
overseer,
then,
must
be
above reproach,
the husband
of but one
wife,
temperate,
self-controlled,
respectable,
hospitable,
able to teach,
An overseer must manage
his
own
household
well
and keep
his children
under
control,
with
complete
dignity.
For
if
someone
does not
know
how
to manage
his
own
household,
how can he care for
the church
of God?
He must not be
a recent convert,
or he may become conceited
and fall
under
the same condemnation
as the
devil.
Furthermore,
he must
have
a good
reputation
with
outsiders,
so that
he will not fall
into
disgrace
and
into the snare
of the
devil.
Additionally,
they
must first be tested.
Then,
if they are
above reproach,
let them serve as deacons.
In the same way,
the women
must be dignified,
not
slanderers,
but temperate
and faithful
in
all things.
A deacon
must be
the husband
of but one
wife,
a good
manager
of his children
and
of his
own
household.
For
those who
have served
well as deacons
acquire
for themselves
a high
standing
and
great
confidence
in
the faith
that is
in
Christ
Jesus.
so that,
if
I am delayed,
you will know
how
each one must
conduct himself
in
God’s
household,
which
is
the church
of the living
God,
the pillar
and
foundation
of the
truth.
By common confession,
the
mystery
of godliness
is
great:
He
appeared
in
the flesh,
was vindicated
by
the Spirit,
was seen
by angels,
was proclaimed
among
the nations,
was believed in
throughout
the world,
was taken up
in
glory.