1This saying is trustworthy:3:1 1Tm 1:15; 4:9 “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,3:1 Or bishop, pastor3:1 Ac 20:28; Php 1:1; Ti 1:7 he desires a noble work.”

2An overseer,3:2–4 Ti 1:6–8 therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,3:2 Ti 2:2,5 respectable, hospitable,3:2 Lv 19:34; 1Pt 4:9; 2Jn 10 able to teach,

3not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.3:3 1Tm 6:10

4He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity.

5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?)

6He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.3:6 1Tm 5:12; 2Pt 2:3; Rv 20:1–15

7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s3:7 Ac 13:10 trap.

14I write these things to you, hoping to come3:14 1Tm 4:13 to you soon.

15But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,3:15 1Co 3:16; 2Co 6:16; Eph 2:21–22; 1Pt 2:5; 4:17 which is the church of the living God,3:15 Mt 16:16; 1Tm 4:10 the pillar and foundation of the truth.3:15 Ps 119:142; 2Co 11:10; 2Th 2:10

16And most certainly, the mystery of godliness3:16 2Pt 1:3 is great: