BSB 1 TIM Chapter 3

Qualifications for Overseers

(Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4)

3 [This is] a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, [the] husband of but one wife,[fn] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, [and] free of the love of money.

4 [An overseer must] manage [his] own household well [and] keep [his] children under control, with complete dignity. 5 [For] if someone {does} not know how to manage [his] own household, [how] can he care for [the] church of God? 6 [He must] not [be] a recent convert, or he may become conceited [and] fall under [ the same ] condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and [into the] snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

(Acts 6:1–7)

8 Deacons likewise [must be] dignified, not double-tongued [or] given to much wine [or] greedy for money. 9 They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, [the] women[fn] [must be] dignified, not slanderers, [but] temperate [and] faithful in all things.

12 A deacon must be [the] husband of but one wife, a good manager [of his] children and [of his] own household. 13 For those who have served well [as deacons] acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in [the] faith that [is] in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

14 [Although] I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things 15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is [the] church of [the] living God, [the] pillar and foundation of the truth.

16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great:

[He] appeared[fn] in [the] flesh,

was vindicated by [the] Spirit,[fn]

was seen by angels,

was proclaimed among [the] nations,

was believed in throughout [the] world,

was taken up in glory.