| 章 |
| 3:1 |
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.
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| 3:2 |
Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,
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| 3:3 |
not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.
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| 3:4 |
He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way--
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| 3:5 |
for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 3:8 |
Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;
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| 3:9 |
they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
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| 3:10 |
And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.
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| 3:11 |
Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.
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| 3:12 |
Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well;
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| 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.
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| 3:14 |
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that,
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| 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.
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| 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.
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