1 Timothy 3:8-15

English Standard Version

Qualifications for Deacons

^8 (A)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,^{[a] (B)}not addicted to much wine, ^(C)not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must ^(D)hold the mystery of the faith with ^(E)a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And ^(F)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ^11 (G)Their wives likewise^[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, ^(H)faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be ^(I)the husband of one wife, ^(J)managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For ^(K)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, ¹⁵ if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.