1 Timothy 3
NIV — New International Version Bible (NIV)
NIVUK — New International Version - UK Bible (NIVUK)
Verse 1
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Verse 2
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Verse 3
not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Verse 4
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect.
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect.
Verse 5
(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
Verse 6
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
Verse 7
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Verse 8
In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Verse 9
They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
Verse 10
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Verse 11
In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
Verse 12
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
Verse 13
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Reasons for Paul’s instructions
Verse 14
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing to you with these instructions so that,
Verse 15
if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Verse 16
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.