1 Timothy 3 (A Chapter a Day)

Overseers and Deacons

1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,^[a] he desires a noble task. 2Now
the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife,
temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11In the same way, their wives^[b] are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if
I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in
God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
foundation of the truth. 16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He^[c] appeared in a body,^[d]
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Timothy 3:1 Traditionally bishop; also in verse 2
2. 1 Timothy 3:11 Or way, deaconesses
3. 1 Timothy 3:16 Some manuscripts God
4. 1 Timothy 3:16 Or in the flesh

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

1 Timothy 2 (A Chapter a Day)

Instructions on Worship

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And
for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am
telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith
to the Gentiles.

8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15But women^[a] will be saved^[b] through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Timothy 2:15 Greek she
2. 1 Timothy 2:15 Or restored

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society