Qualifications for Deacons

1 Timothy 3

⁸ _i Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, _{1 j} not addicted to much wine, _k not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must _l hold the mystery of the faith with _m a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And _n let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ¹¹ _o Their wives likewise must ₂ be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, _p faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be _q the husband of one wife, _q managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For _r those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

1. Cross References
   Philippians 1:1
   Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
   
2. Cross References
   1 Timothy 5:23
   (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)
   Titus 2:3
   Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.
   
3. Cross References
   Titus 1:7
   For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.
   1 Peter 5:2
   Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.
   
4. Cross References
   1 Timothy 1:19
   Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.
   
5. Cross References
   Acts 23:1
   And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Timothy 5:22
   Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
   
7. Cross References
   Titus 2:3
   Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.
   
8. Cross References
   Titus 2:10
   Not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
   
9. Cross References
   1 Timothy 3:2
   Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
   1 Timothy 3:4
   He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.
   
10. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:2
    Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
    1 Timothy 3:4
    He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.
    
11. Cross References
    Matthew 25:21
    His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
    

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.