1 Timothy 3

http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+3/

Paul writes about church leaders. He says the bishops or other top leaders must have good reputations, be sober, have one wife, use good judgement, be hospitable, be respectable, and be able to teach. He must not drink excessively or be violent. He should be gentle. He should not be quarrelsome or love money. He should be able to manage his family well and his children should respectfully obey him because if he can't control his own family, how can he control the church. He must not be a new Christian or the devil could corrupt him with arrogance. People who are not Christians should speak well of him or he will bring down the reputation of the church. Deacons must also be of good character. They cannot be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. They must have clear consciences of the mysteries of faith. He must be evaluated, and if he has a good reputation, he may be a deacon. Their wives must also be of good character, and they should not gossip or be quick to anger. A deacon is to have only one wife. He must manage his children. Paul says he hopes to visit but is sending the letter in case he can't. He wants Timothy to know how the members of God's church should live. God's family is the church. God is acknowledged to be great. He appeared in human nature, was approved by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was announced throughout the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken to Heaven in glory.