Paul lists the qualities of overseers and deacons: blameless, faithful in marriage, self-controlled, hospitable and of good reputation. He says he writes so that Timothy may know how to behave in God's household, the church.
1 This is a true saying , If a man desire the office of a bishop , he desireth a good work .
2 A bishop then must be blameless , the husband of one wife , vigilant , sober , of good behaviour , given to hospitality , apt to teach ;
3 Not given to wine , no striker , not greedy of filthy lucre ; but patient , not a brawler , not covetous ;
4 One that ruleth well his own house , having his children in subjection with all gravity ;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house , how shall he take care of the church of God ?)
6 Not a novice , lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil .
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without ; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil .
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave , not doubletongued , not given to much wine , not greedy of filthy lucre ;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience .
10 And let these also first be proved ; then let them use the office of a deacon , being found blameless .
11 Even so must their wives be grave , not slanderers , sober , faithful in all things .
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife , ruling their children and their own houses well .
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree , and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus .
14 These things write I unto thee , hoping to come unto thee shortly :
15 But if I tarry long , that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God , which is the church of the living God , the pillar and ground of the truth .
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness : God was manifest in the flesh , justified in the Spirit , seen of angels , preached unto the Gentiles , believed on in the world , received up into glory .