Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 This saying is trustworthy:^(A) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,^[a](B) he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer,^(C) therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,^(D) respectable, hospitable,^(E) able to teach, ³ not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.^{(F) 4} He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.^{(G) 7} Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s^(H) trap.

⁸ Deacons,^(I) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, ⁹ holding the mystery of the faith^(J) with a clear conscience.^{(K) 10} They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹ Wives,^[b](L) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,^(M) faithful in everything. ¹² Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I write these things to you, hoping to come^(N) to you soon. ¹⁵ But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,^(O) which is the church of the living God,^(P) the pillar and foundation of the truth.^{(Q) 16} And most certainly, the mystery of godliness^(R) is great:

Demonic Influence

4 Now the Spirit^(W) explicitly says that in later times^(X) some will depart from the faith,^(Y) paying attention to deceitful spirits^(Z) and the teachings of demons,^{(AA) 2} through the hypocrisy^(AB) of liars whose consciences^(AC) are seared. ³ They forbid marriage^(AD) and demand abstinence^(AE) from foods that God created^(AF) to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good,^(AG) and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,^{(AH) 5} since it is sanctified by the word of God^(AI) and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith^(AJ) and the good teaching that you have followed.^{(AK) 7} But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.^(AL) Rather, train yourself in godliness.^{(AM) 8} For the training of the body has limited benefit,^(AN) but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.^{(AO) 9} This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.^{(AP) 10} For this reason we labor and strive,^[d] because we have put our hope in the living God,^(AQ) who is the Savior^(AR) of all people,^(AS) especially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech,^(AT) in conduct,^(AU) in love,^[e](AV) in faith, and in purity.^{(AW) 13} Until I come,^(AX) give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,^(AY) with the laying on of hands^(AZ) by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save^(BA) both yourself and your hearers.^(BB)