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1 Timothy 3:8-16
New King James Version
1 Timothy 3:8-16
New King James Version
Qualifications of Deacons
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, (A)not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the [a]mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not [b]slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (B)obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The Great Mystery
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and [c]ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the [d]mystery of godliness:
(C)God[e] was manifested in the flesh,
(D)Justified in the Spirit,
(E)Seen by angels,
(F)Preached among the Gentiles,
(G)Believed on in the world,
(H)Received up in glory.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:9 hidden truth
- 1 Timothy 3:11 malicious gossips
- 1 Timothy 3:15 foundation, mainstay
- 1 Timothy 3:16 hidden truth
- 1 Timothy 3:16 NU Who
1 Timothy 3:8-16
New International Version
1 Timothy 3:8-16
New International Version
8 In the same way, deacons[a](A) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(B) and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(C) 10 They must first be tested;(D) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women[b] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers(E) but temperate(F) and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife(G) and must manage his children and his household well.(H) 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church(I) of the living God,(J) the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery(K) from which true godliness(L) springs is great:
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
- 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
- 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
New King James Version (NKJV) 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.