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He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. People who are not Christians must speak well of him, or he might become the victim of disgraceful insults that the devil sets as traps for him.

Deacons[a] must also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 English equivalent difficult.

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited(A) and fall under the same judgment(B) as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,(C) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.(D)

In the same way, deacons[a](E) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(F) and not pursuing dishonest gain.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 3:8 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.