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3:1 The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. 3:2 Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. 3:4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way-- 3:5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 3:7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. 3:8 Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; 3:9 they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 3:10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 3:11 Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. 3:12 Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; 3:13 for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 3:14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, 3:15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. 3:16 Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.