1 Timothy 3:2-12

Qualifications for Overseers

2 Therefore x an overseer 1 must be above reproach, y the husband of one wife, 2 z sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, a hospitable, b able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but c gentle, not quarrelsome, d not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity e keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for w God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may f become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by g outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into h a snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

8 i Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, 3 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 4 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.

  1. Cross References
    Titus 1:6 - 9
    If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
  2. Cross References
    1 Timothy 5:9
    Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband.
  3. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:11
    Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
    Titus 2:2
    Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
  4. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:9
    Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
  5. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:24
    And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.
  6. Cross References
    Titus 3:2
    To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
  7. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:5
    Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.
    1 Timothy 6:10
    For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
  8. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:12
    Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
  9. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:1
    The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
  10. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:4
    He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.
    2 Timothy 3:4
    Treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
  11. Cross References
    Mark 4:11
    And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables.
  12. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:26
    And they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
    1 Timothy 6:9
    But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
  13. 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:
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:19
    Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.