1 Timothy, Chapter 3

1. This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a leader, he desires a good work.    2. A leader then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, watchful, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;    3. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy for unjust gain; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;    4. One who rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all seriousness;    5. (For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)    6. Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he falls into the condemnation of the devil.    7. Moreover he must have a good report from those who are outside, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.    8. Likewise must the deacons be serious, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for unjust gain;    9. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.    10. And let these also first be tested; then let them occupy the office of a deacon, being found blameless.    11. Even so must their wives be serious, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.    12. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.    13. For those who have occupied the office of a deacon well purchase for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.    14. These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly:    15. But if I delay long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.    16. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.