1 Timothy 3:8-16 outlines qualifications for deacons and women in church roles, emphasizing dignity, honesty, temperance, and faithfulness. Deacons must be tested, blameless, faithful in marriage, and manage their households well, earning respect and confidence through service. The women, possibly leaders, share similar standards. Paul stresses proper conduct in the church, God’s household, and ends with a hymn celebrating Christ’s life, proclamation, and ascension.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 details qualifications for church overseers, prioritizing character: aspiring to the role is noble (v.1). Must be blameless, one-wife husband, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, teachable (v.2); not drunk, violent, quarrelsome, or greedy, but gentle and peaceable (v.3). Manage household well with obedient children (vv.4-5). Not a new convert to avoid pride and devil’s condemnation (v.6). Good reputation with outsiders to evade disgrace and devil’s snare (v.7). Focuses on integrity and witness.