3:5. But if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?
3:6. Not a neophyte: lest, being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil.
A neophyte…. That is, one lately baptized, a young convert.
3:7. Moreover, he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3:8. Deacons in like manner: chaste, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre:
3:9. Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience.
3:10. And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime.
3:11. The women in like manner: chaste, not slanderers, but sober, faithful in all things.
3:12. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife: who rule well their children and their own houses.
3:13. For they that have ministered well shall purchase to themselves a good degree and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.