CHAPTER 3

1 It is a true saying, If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth an excellent work.

2 A bishop, therefore, must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, temperate, modest not wickedly desirous of gain,

3 But mild, not quarrelsome, not covetous,

4 Who ruleth well his own house, who hath his children in subjection with all reverence.

5 (And if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take charge of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest, being swelled with pride, he fall into condemnation of the devil.

7 He must also have a good report from those who are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 In like manner, the deacons must be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not wickedly desirous of gain;

9 Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these be first tried, next let them minister when they have been found blameless.

11 In like manner, their wives must be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be husbands of one wife, who rule their children and their houses in a becoming manner,

13 For they who have served well procure for themselves a good (or, honorable) degree, and much liberty in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee soon and,

15 If I shall delay, that thou mayest see how thou oughtst to conduct thyself in the house of God; which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.

16 And, without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, obtained belief in the world, was received into glory.