3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.

3:2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3:3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

3:4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.

3:5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

3:8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

3:9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

3:11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

3:13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

3:14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,

3:15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.