Qualifications of Deacons

8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, bnot given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the 6mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not 7slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons cobtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The Great Mystery

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and 8ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the 9mystery of godliness:

dGod 1was manifested in the flesh,

eJustified in the Spirit,

fSeen by angels,

gPreached among the Gentiles,

hBelieved on in the world,

iReceived up in glory.

The Great Apostasy

4 Now the Spirit 1expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed ato deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 bspeaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience cseared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is 2sanctified by the word of God and prayer.