1 Timothy 3.1-7, Overseer επισκοπης
- Not open to condemnation
- Faithful to wife in marriage
- Level headed, self controlled
- Discreet, reasonable
- Orderly, well behaved
- Hospitable
- Skillful in teaching
- Not drink too much
- Not a bully or violent
- Fair and courteous
- Peaceable
- Not love money
- Leads good household
- Leads children well
- Not new convert
- Good reputation with unbelievers
1 Timothy 3.8-10, 12-13, Deacon διακονος
- Worthy of respect, dignified
- No devious speech, not insincere
- Not drink too much
- Not greedy for dishonest gain
- Honestly holds the faith
- First tested and approved
- If no reason for reproach, let them serve
- Faithful to wife in marriage
- Leads children and home well
- Deacons who serve well secure great standing and boldness in the faith
Timothy 3.11. women who serve in the church, possibly wives of deacons. Doubt they are deaconesses.
- Dignified, worthy of respect
- Not gossips, do not slander
- Self-controlled, temperate, level headed
- Faithful, trustworthy, dependable in all they do.
- See 1 Timothy 5.11-15 and 2 Timothy 3.6-7 for the high ethical standards for women in general. See 1 Timothy 2.9-15 for limitations on the service of women. Some refer to Romans 16.1 where Phoebe is called a διακονος diakonos (agent, assistant, attendant, servant, or deacon).