31 It is a trustworthy statement : if any man aspires to the office of overseer , it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer , then , must be above reproach , the husband of one wife , temperate , prudent , respectable , hospitable , able to teach , 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious , but gentle , peaceable , free from the love of money . 4 He must be one who manages his own household well , keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household , how will he take care of the church of God ?), 6 and not a new convert , so e that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil . 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil .
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity , not double-tongued , or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain , 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience . 10 These men must also first be tested ; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach . 11 Women must likewise be dignified , not malicious gossips , but temperate , faithful in all things . 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife , and good managers of their children and their own households . 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus .
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long ; 15 but in case I am delayed , I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God , which is the church of the living God , the pillar and support of the truth . 16 By common confession , great is the mystery of godliness : He who was revealed in the flesh , Was vindicated in the Spirit , Seen by angels , Proclaimed among the nations , Believed on in the world , Taken up in glory .
