| 3 | 1 Timothy | ||
| 1 | There is a popular saying: 'To aspire to leadership is an honourable ambition.' | Qualifications of Bishops 1Tm.3.1-7 | |
| 2 | Our leader, therefore, or bishop, must be above reproach, faithful to his one wife, sober, temperate, courteous, hospitable, and a good teacher; | ||
| 3 | he must not be given to drink, or a brawler, but of a forbearing disposition, avoiding quarrels, and no lover of money. | ||
| 4 | He must be one who manages his own household well and wins obedience from his children, and a man of the highest principles. | ||
| 5 | If a man does not know how to control his own family, how can he look after a congregation of God's people? | ||
| 6 | He must not be a convert newly baptized, for fear the sin of conceit should bring upon him a judgement contrived by the devil. | ||
| 7 | He must moreover have a good reputation with the non-Christian public, so that he may not be exposed to scandal and get caught in the devil's snare. | ||
| 8 | Deacons, likewise, must be men of high principle, not indulging in double talk, given neither to excessive drinking nor to money-grubbing. | Qualifications of Deacons 1Tm.3.8-13 | |
| 9 | They must be men who combine a clear conscience with a firm hold on the deep truths of our faith. | ||
| 10 | No less than bishops, they must first undergo a scrutiny, and if there is no mark against them, they may serve. | ||
| 11 | Their wives, equally, must be women of high principle, who will not talk scandal, sober and trustworthy in every way. | ||
| 12 | A deacon must be faithful to his one wife, and good at managing his children and his own household. | ||
| 13 | For deacons with a good record of service may claim a high standing and the right to speak openly on matters of the Christian faith. | ||
| 14 | I am hoping to come to you before long, but I write this | The Mystery of Our Religion 1Tm.3.14-16 | |
| 15 | in case I am delayed, to let you know how men ought to conduct themselves in God's household, that is, the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. | ||
| 16 | And great beyond all question is the mystery of our religion:
vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels; who was proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, glorified in high heaven.' | ||
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