(A)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [a]insincere, (B)not prone to drink much wine, (C)not greedy for money, (D)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 (E)These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [b]Women must likewise be dignified, (F)not malicious gossips, but [c](G)temperate, faithful in all things. 12 (H)Deacons must be (I)husbands of one wife, and [d](J)good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (K)obtain for themselves a [e]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but [f]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in (L)the household of God, which is the (M)church of (N)the living God, the (O)pillar and support of the truth. 16 Beyond question, great is (P)the mystery of godliness:

He who was (Q)revealed in the flesh,
Was [g](R)vindicated [h]in the Spirit,
(S)Seen by angels,
(T)Proclaimed among the nations,
(U)Believed on in the world,
(V)Taken up in glory.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 Or given to double-talk
  2. 1 Timothy 3:11 I.e., either deacons’ wives or deaconesses
  3. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or level-headed
  4. 1 Timothy 3:12 Lit managing well
  5. 1 Timothy 3:13 Lit good
  6. 1 Timothy 3:15 Lit if I delay
  7. 1 Timothy 3:16 Or justified
  8. 1 Timothy 3:16 Or by

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