1 Timothy 3

3 ¹ Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble work. ² Now an overseer must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, clear-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive with all dignity ⁵ —for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of our Father? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

⁸ Deacons likewise must be worthy of respect, sincere, not drinking too much wine, and not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They too must first be tested; then, if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ The women likewise must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, but clear-minded and faithful in everything. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ For those who serve well as deacons gain an excellent standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith

¹⁴ I am writing these instructions to you, though I hope to come to you soon. ¹⁵ But if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of our Father, which is the church of the living Father, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Holy Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory. ^a a v16 This early confession sings of Jesus—the one who came in the flesh, rose vindicated, and was taken up in glory; "he" refers to him throughout.