1 Timothy 3:8-16

8In the same way, deacons must live good lives, so that people respect them. They must not be hypocrites. They must not drink too much wine. They must not want to get a lot of money for themselves.

9They must completely believe the true message that God has shown us about Christ. They must be sure in their minds about it.

10Before anyone becomes a deacon, you must first test their character. If they are good enough, then let them serve God as deacons.

11Deacons' wives must live good lives, so that people respect them. They must not say bad things against people. They must think carefully about how they live. People should know that they are honest in everything they do.

12A deacon must be the husband of one wife. He must take care of his children and everyone who lives in his house.

13If a deacon serves God's people well, then people will respect him as a good person. He will become strong to tell people about his faith in Christ Jesus.

14I hope to come to visit you soon. But anyway, I want to write these things to you now.

15Then, even if I cannot come to you soon, you will know how people in God's family should live. That family is the church of God, who lives for ever. God's family, the church, teaches God's true message and keeps it safe.

16Yes, the message that God has shown us about Jesus Christ is very great. We all agree to this: God showed him to us as a man. God's Spirit showed that he always did what was right. Angels saw him. People taught his message in many countries of the world. People in the world believed in him. God took him up to be with himself in heaven.