Overseers in the Father's House
Character, not ability, qualifies leaders. An overseer must be blameless, gentle, not greedy, and able to manage his own household; deacons are tested first. Paul writes so Timothy knows how to conduct himself in our Father's household, and quotes a hymn about Christ.
3 1Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble work. 2So an overseer must be blameless: faithful to his wife, level-headed, disciplined, orderly, hospitable, able to teach. 3Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive with all dignity, 5for if someone doesn't know how to manage his own household, how will he care for our Father's church? 6He must not be a new convert, or he may be puffed up and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so he doesn't fall into disgrace and the devil's trap.
8Deacons too must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to much wine, not greedy for shameful gain. 9They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They too must first be tested; then, if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons. 11The women likewise must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, but clear-minded and faithful in everything. 12A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Deacons who serve well earn themselves a good standing and great confidence in faith in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith
14I am writing these instructions to you, though I hope to come to you soon. 15But if I'm delayed, you will know how one ought to behave in our Father's household, the church of the living Father, pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Undeniably, the mystery of devotion to God is great: he appeared in flesh, was proved right by the Holy Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among nations, believed in throughout the world, 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.
