1This is a true and trustworthy saying: “If a man aspires to be a bishop, a leader in the church, he desires a noble position and task.” 2A bishop must be above reproach, faithful to one wife, temperate, sober minded, of good behavior and reputation, hospitable, able to teach; 3Not indulging in excess of wine; not violent or quarrelsome, but patient; nor greedy for money. 4He must be one who manages his own household well, with obedient, respectful children. 5If someone cannot manage his own household, how can he properly manage and care for the church of God?; 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited, deluded in pride, which is the trap the devil fell into, and earned him condemnation of God. 7He must also have a good reputation among non-believers - those that are outside of the church, so that he is not disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

8In the same way, the deacons must be sincere, worthy of respect, not over-indulging in wine, greedy for filthy lucre, 9But holding to the deep truths of the faith with a pure conscience. 10And let them first be examined; and if found worthy, then let them serve as a deacon. 11In the same way, their wives must be respected, not given to malicious talk, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12A deacon must be faithful to one wife, managing his own household well, with obedient, respectful children. 13Those that have served well as a deacon obtain for themselves a good standing, with great confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

14While I am hoping to come to you shortly, I write these things to you so that, 15If I am delayed long, you may know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Beyond question, this is a great mystery from which true godliness springs: that God did, indeed, appear in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among and to the nations, was believed in by world; and then was taken up in glory into heaven.