MLV(i)
7 But it is also essential for him to have a good testimony from those who are outside the congregation; in order that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
{‘Unimpeachable,’(below, G423), ‘irreproachable,’(Tit 1, G410), are both in the qualifications of the Lord’s earthly congregation’s leadership, described in various Bible versions and locations within as: elders, bishops, overseers, pastors, shepherds, presbyters; (all terms are always plural in the Bible). These words do not translate well into English. They are simply a description of a person not under an accusation by an enemy or legal system or better as under any kind of accusation, this person is blameless, guiltless and has an impeccable reputation. Another note: ‘children’is plural in Greek.}
8 Deacons likewise must be honorable, not double-tongued, not taking-heed to much wine, not covetous; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a clean conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; thereafter let them serve, being irreproachable.
11 Women likewise must be honorable, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, governing their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well are acquiring for themselves a good rank and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am slow, these things are in order that you may know how men ought to conduct themselves in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
{‘Unimpeachable,’(below, G423), ‘irreproachable,’(Tit 1, G410), are both in the qualifications of the Lord’s earthly congregation’s leadership, described in various Bible versions and locations within as: elders, bishops, overseers, pastors, shepherds, presbyters; (all terms are always plural in the Bible). These words do not translate well into English. They are simply a description of a person not under an accusation by an enemy or legal system or better as under any kind of accusation, this person is blameless, guiltless and has an impeccable reputation. Another note: ‘children’is plural in Greek.}
8 Deacons likewise must be honorable, not double-tongued, not taking-heed to much wine, not covetous; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a clean conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; thereafter let them serve, being irreproachable.
11 Women likewise must be honorable, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, governing their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well are acquiring for themselves a good rank and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am slow, these things are in order that you may know how men ought to conduct themselves in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.