1 Timothy 3 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

Overseers and Deacons

1This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man seeks the office of overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task.

2Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3not addicted to wine, not a bully nor quick-tempered and hot-headed, but gentle and considerate, free from the love of money.

4He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

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

6and He must not be a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

7And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.

8 Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,

9but upholding and fully understanding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

10These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach, let them serve as deacons.

11Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, trustworthy in all things.

12Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

13For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing, and great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14I hope to come to you before long, but I am writing these instructions to you

15in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

16And great, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He (Jesus Christ) who was revealed in human flesh,

Was justified and vindicated in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the nations,

Believed on in the world,

Taken up in glory.