1Timothy 3

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 youISV — 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