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