New International Version NIV
Common English Bible CEB
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
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This saying is reliable: if anyone has a goal to be a supervisor in the church, they want a good thing.
2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
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So the church's supervisor must be without fault. They should be faithful to their spouse, sober, modest, and honest. They should show hospitality and be skilled at teaching.
3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
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They shouldn't be addicted to alcohol or be a bully. Instead, they should be gentle, peaceable, and not greedy.
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 respect.
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They should manage their own household well—they should see that their children are obedient with complete respect,
5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
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because if they don't know how to manage their own household, how can they take care of God's church?
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
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They shouldn't be new believers so that they won't become proud and fall under the devil's spell.
7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
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They should also have a good reputation with those outside the church so that they won't be embarrassed and fall into the devil's trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
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In the same way, servants in the church should be dignified, not two-faced, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money.
9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
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They should hold on to the faith that has been revealed with a clear conscience.
10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
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They should also be tested and then serve if they are without fault.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
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In the same way, women who are servants in the church should be dignified and not gossip. They should be sober and faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
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Servants must be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and their own households well.
13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
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Those who have served well gain a good standing and considerable confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
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I hope to come to you quickly. But I'm writing these things to you so that
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.
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if I'm delayed, you'll know how you should behave in God's household. It is the church of the living God and the backbone and support of the truth.
16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
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Without question, the mystery of godliness is great: he was revealed as a human, declared righteous by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached throughout the nations, believed in around the world, and taken up in glory.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible