3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, 1 not two-faced, 2 not given to excessive drinking, 3 not greedy for gain, 3:9 holding to the mystery of the faith 4 with a clear conscience. 3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. 3:11 Likewise also their wives 5 must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife 6 and good managers of their children and their own households. 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves 7 and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 8
3:14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions 9 to you 3:15 in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves 10 in the household of God, because it is 11 the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.