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is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3 not given to wine, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy or a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well and keep his children obedient and respectful in every way. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, will he might become conceited and fall into the same condemnation as the Devil. 7 Moreover, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the snare of the Devil.
8 Deacons, likewise, must be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; 9 they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 But let them first be tested; then if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, but temperate, and faithful in all things.
12 A deacon must be the husband of one wife, managing his children and his own household well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you soon, 15 but if I am delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Without a doubt, the mystery of godliness is great:
He was manifested in the flesh,
was vindicated in the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.