1 Timothy 3:1-13

Qualifications for Overseers

1 The saying is v trustworthy: If anyone aspires to w the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 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. 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
    1 Timothy 1:15
    The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 20:28
    Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:9
    Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:12
    Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
  11. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:1
    The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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:
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:19
    Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.