Qualifications for Overseers (Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4)
1 CPDV It is a faithful saying: if a man desires the episcopate, he desires a good work. BSB BSB: This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 CPDV Therefore, it is necessary for a bishop to be beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, gracious, chaste, hospitable, a teacher, BSB BSB: An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 CPDV not a drunkard, not combative but restrained, not quarrelsome, not covetous; BSB BSB: not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
4 CPDV but a man who leads his own house well, having children who are subordinate with all chastity. BSB BSB: An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
5 CPDV For if a man does not know how to lead his own house, how will he take care of the Church of God? BSB BSB: For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
6 CPDV He must not be a new convert, lest, being elated by pride, he may fall under the sentence of the devil. BSB BSB: He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
7 CPDV And it is necessary for him also to have good testimony from those who are outside, so that he may not fall into disrepute and the snare of the devil. BSB BSB: Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons (Acts 6:1–7)
8 CPDV Similarly, deacons must be chaste, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not pursuing tainted profit, BSB BSB: Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
9 CPDV holding to the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. BSB BSB: They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 CPDV And these things should be proven first, and then they may minister, being without offense. BSB BSB: Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
11 CPDV Similarly, the women must be chaste, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. BSB BSB: In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
12 CPDV Deacons should be the husband of one wife, men who lead their own children and their own houses well. BSB BSB: A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
13 CPDV For those who have ministered well will acquire for themselves a good position, and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. BSB BSB: For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness 14 CPDV I am writing these things to you, with the hope that I will come to you soon. BSB BSB: Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things
15 CPDV But, if I am delayed, you should know the manner in which it is necessary to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and the foundation of truth. BSB BSB: in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 CPDV And it is clearly great, this mystery of piety, which was manifested in the flesh, which was justified in the Spirit, which has appeared to Angels, which has been preached to the Gentiles, which is believed in the world, which has been taken up in glory. BSB BSB: By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.