1 Timothy 3

 

1 Faithful (and true) is this saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer (that watches over the cares and concerns of the household of God), he desires a good work.

 

2 It behooves the overseer to be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sound minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable (to strangers), and able to teach (the faith),

 

3 Not inclined to (the abuse of) wine (or strong drink), not contentious but gentle and peaceful, not greedy for gain or the lover of money,

 

4 One that cares for his own house well, whose children are not riotous or disobedient with all dignity,

 

5 (Because if one does not know how to care well for their own house, how will they care for the church of God?)

 

6 They should not be a new convert, so as not to find themselves lifted up with pride (in their heart) where they fall into the condemnation of (judging themselves according to the flesh which is the wisdom of) the accuser (the devil).

 

7 Now also it behooves them to have a good testimony from those outside (the church) so that they do not fall into reproach (and are caught in an accusation) by the snare of (those animated by death, which is the device) the devil (uses).

 

8 Deacons likewise must not be deceitful or an abuser of wine (or strong drink), not given to greed, the love of money or dishonest gain,

 

9 Holding the mystery (of the gospel) contained in the faith (of the Son of God) with a pure heart (and conscience toward God the Father to serve them with His incorruptible life).

 

10 Also let these things first be proven; then allow them serve (as a deacon) being blameless (free from accusation).

 

11 And their wives likewise should be dignified and not a false accuser, clear-minded, trustworthy in all things.

 

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, that care well for their children and their own household.

 

13 For those who (desire to) serve excellently, as a deacon obtain to (and stand as) a good influence (to the church body), and (do so) with great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (our Lord).

 

14 These things I write to you, but I am hoping to come to you shortly:

 

15 But if it takes longer than expected, (I am writing) so that you might know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is (His body) the church of the living God, the pillar (of support) and foundation of the truth (in Christ).

 

16 And apart from any and all dispute, great (and filled with the most stunning awe and amazement one could ever experience) is the mystery (of all the ages), of Godliness (Godlikeness inside human flesh, wherein the everlasting kindness and love of God was revealed in) the righteous act of (the only true) God (the only immortal) to serve us with His life (and immortality): that He was manifest inside of dying (human) flesh, (by which He, the just and the justifier) justified (all men from the accusation that dying flesh was not a word they were not the children of God, by standing up from the grave in incorruptible flesh and ascending in that flesh higher than the heavens) through the Spirit, seen of angels, preached among the nations, (to the fatherless, the stranger and the widow), believed on in the world, and received up into glory (on the right hand of the Majesty on high).