1 Timothy 3

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

First Timothy 3 outlines the qualifications and character traits required for individuals serving as overseers and deacons within the church. An overseer must be above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, and able to manage his own household well without being a recent convert. Deacons must similarly be dignified, sincere, moderate in speech and habits, tested, and faithful in holding to the mystery of the faith. The author explains that these instructions are written to guide conduct within God's household, which is described as the church of the living God and the foundation of the truth. The chapter concludes by citing a widely acknowledged confession concerning the mystery of godliness, detailing key events regarding Jesus Christ.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

¹This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. ²An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ⁴An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. ⁵For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? ⁶He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. ⁷Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. ⁸Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. ⁹They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. ¹²A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household. ¹³For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things ¹⁵in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.