1 Timothy 3 – NIV & CCB

New International Version

1 Timothy 3:1-16

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

1Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his 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, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full3:4 Or 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.

8In the same way, deacons3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1. are to be 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, the women3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12A deacon must be faithful to his 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.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

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 from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

was vindicated by the Spirit,3:16 Or vindicated in spirit

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations,

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.

Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)

提摩太前书 3:1-16

监督与执事的资格

1“人若渴望做教会的监督,他是在爱慕尊贵的工作。”这句话千真万确。 2做监督的人必须无可指责,只有一位妻子,为人节制自律、通情达理、受人尊敬、乐于接待客旅、善于教导, 3不酗酒、不好斗、要温和、不争吵、不贪财, 4善于管理自己的家,受儿女的敬重和孝顺。 5一个人要是不懂得管理自己的家,又怎能照顾上帝的教会呢? 6初信主的人不可做监督,免得他自高自大,遭受魔鬼所受的惩罚。 7做监督的在教会以外也必须有好名声,以免被人指责,陷入魔鬼的圈套。

8同样,做执事的也要品行端正,说话诚实,不好酒,不贪财, 9要存着清洁的良心持守奥妙的真道。 10他们要先接受考验,倘若无可指责,就可以立他们为执事。 11执事的妻子3:11 执事的妻子”或译“女执事”。也要品行端正,不搬弄是非,为人节制,做事忠心。 12执事只能有一位妻子,他要管好自己的儿女和自己的家。 13尽忠职守的执事能得到好声誉,也会对基督耶稣有坚定的信心。

奥妙无比的信仰

14我希望能尽快去你那里,但还是写信告诉你这些事。 15这样,如果我行期延误,你也可以知道在上帝的家中该怎么做。这家是永活上帝的教会,是真理的柱石和根基。 16毫无疑问,我们伟大的信仰奥妙无比:

祂以肉身显现,

被圣灵证明为义,

被天使看见,

被传扬到列邦,

被世人信奉,

被接到天上的荣耀中。