(Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4)
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This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.
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An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife,(a) temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
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not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
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An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
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For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
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He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
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Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
(Acts 6:1–7)
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Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
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They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
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Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
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In the same way, the women (b) must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
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A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
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For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
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Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things
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in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
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By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared (c) in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,(d) was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
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