Open English Translation 1TIM Chapter 3

3 This is a trustworthy saying: ‘If anyone is aspiring to be an overseer, then it’s a good task that he’s desiring.’ 2 So it’s fitting that an overseer be above reproach,[ref] be the husband of one wife, sober, sensible, respectable, hospitable, a good teacher, 3 not dependent on alcohol or greedy or a bully, but rather gentle, peace-loving, 4 a good, dignified leader in his own home and in disciplining his children. 5 (If someone doesn’t know how to lead his own household, how could he take care of God’s assembly.) 6 He mustn’t be a new believer because that might lead him to becoming proud and from there to fall into the devil’s judgement. 7 It’s also fitting for him to have a good reputation with those outside the assembly so that he doesn’t end up getting mocked and from there falling into the devil’s trap.

8 Similarly helpers in the assembly should also be dignified, should only speak the truth, shouldn’t be greedy or addicted to wine 9 and should cling to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 Once they’ve proven themselves to be without any misconduct, them let them be working in the assembly. 11 Their wives too should be dignified, should only speak the truth, and should be sober and faithful in everything they do. 12 These helpers in the assembly should be husbands of one wife, and should lead their children and their households well. 13 Those helpers who serve well will earn a good reputation for themselves and increase in confidence in their faith in Yeshua the messiah.

14 I am writing all this to you in the hope that I can come soon, 15 but if I get delayed, at least you’ll know how to organise God’s household, that is the assembly of the living God who is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 But yes, this godliness is quite a mystery: he appeared in a body, was declared innocent by the spirit, was seen by messengers, was preached among the nations, was believed in around the world, and then was taken up to heaven to be honoured.