1 This is a trustworthy saying: a3:1 This formula accompanied early Christian sayings on which full reliance could be placed. The one who would an elder be, a noble task desires he. ISV — 1Timothy 3:1
2 Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, b3:2 Or devoted to his wife; lit. a man of one woman stable, sensible, respectable, hospitable to strangers, and teachable. c3:2 Or able to teach ISV — 1Timothy 3:2
3 He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money. ISV — 1Timothy 3:3
4 He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. ISV — 1Timothy 3:4
5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? ISV — 1Timothy 3:5
6 He must not be a recent convert, so that he won’t become arrogant and fall into the devil’s condemnation. ISV — 1Timothy 3:6
7 He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn’t d3:7 Lit. outsiders, lest he fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by e3:7 Lit. the trap of the devil. ISV — 1Timothy 3:7
8 Ministers, f3:8 Or Deacons too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced, g3:8 Lit. double-worded addicted to wine, or greedy for money. ISV — 1Timothy 3:8
9 They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. ISV — 1Timothy 3:9
10 But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers. h3:10 Or deacons ISV — 1Timothy 3:10
11 Their wives i3:11 Or Women must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything. ISV — 1Timothy 3:11
12 Ministers j3:12 Or Deacons must be husbands of one wife k3:12 Or devoted to their wives; lit. men of one woman and must manage their children and their families well. ISV — 1Timothy 3:12
13 Those ministers l3:13 Or deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah m3:13 Or Christ Jesus. ISV — 1Timothy 3:13
14 I hope to come to you soon. However, I’m writing this to you ISV — 1Timothy 3:14
15 in case I am delayed, so that you may know how to behave in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ISV — 1Timothy 3:15
16 By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great: n3:16 What follows probably represents an early Christian hymn or creed. In flesh was he o3:16 Other mss. read God revealed to sight, kept righteous by the Spirit’s might, adored by angels singing. p3:16 Lit. he was seen by angels To nations was he manifest, believing souls found peace and rest, q3:16 Lit. he was believed in the world our Lord in heaven reigning! r3:16 Lit. he was taken up in glory ISV — 1Timothy 3:16