Fluent Translation · Read & Reflect
1 Timothy 3
Overseers
This saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to oversight, they desire a good work. Therefore an overseer must be above accusation, faithful to one spouse, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, managing their own household well, having children who are respectful and obedient, because if someone does not know how to care for their own household, how will they care for God’s church? The overseer must not be a recent convert, so that they do not become conceited and fall into the devil’s judgment. They must also have a good reputation with outsiders so that they do not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
Deacons
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they are above accusation. Women likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, sober, faithful in everything. Deacons must be faithful to one spouse, managing their children and their households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the trust that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon.
But if I am delayed, I am writing so that you may know how people should conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
And without question, great is the mystery of godliness:
He was revealed in flesh,
set right in Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
trusted in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.