3:1 This saying 1 is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, 2 he desires a good work.” 3:2 The overseer 3 then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, 4 temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 3:4 He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity. 5 3:5 But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God? 3:6 He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant 6 and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact. 7 3:7 And he must be well thought of by 8 those outside the faith, 9 so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap. 10
3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, 11 not two-faced, 12 not given to excessive drinking, 13 not greedy for gain, 3:9 holding to the mystery of the faith 14 with a clear conscience. 3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. 3:11 Likewise also their wives 15 must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife 16 and good managers of their children and their own households. 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves 17 and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 18
3:14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions 19 to you 3:15 in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves 20 in the household of God, because it is 21 the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.