1   This is a faithful saying, If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ^note 2   A bishop therefore ^note must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, prudent, of good behaviour, hospitable, apt to teach; 3   Not given to wine, no striker, not desirous of filthy gain, but gentle, patient, not loving money; 4   Ruling his own house well, having his children in subjection with all seriousness. ^note 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 new convert, left being puffed up, ^note he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7   He ought also to have a good report ^note from them that are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8   Likewise the deacons must be serious, ^note not double tongued, not given to much wine, not desirous of filthy gain:

Holding fast the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ^note 9    10   And let these be proved first, ^note then let them minister, being found blameless. 11   In like manner their wives must be serious, not slanderers, vigilant, faithful in all things. ^note 12   Let the deacons be 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 ^note and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14   These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee shortly: 15   But if I tarry, that thou mayst know how to behave ^note in the house of God, which is the church of the living God.

16   The mystery of godliness ^note is the pillar and ground of the truth, and without controversy a great thing: God was manifested in the flesh, was justified by the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up into glory.

Previous section

Next section