1 Timothy 3
1 Anyone who aspires to be an elder [in the congregation] (OR, a bishop) desires a noble/honorable task.
Das ist je gewißlich wahr, so jemand ein Bischofsamt begehret, der begehret ein köstlich Werk.
2 [Since that is a task that others should respect], an overseer must [live] in such a way that [no one] can truly (say that he has done [anything that is] wrong/find fault with him). Specifically, [he must be] faithful to his wife. He must think clearly [about what he does]. He must be able to control his behavior. He must be sensible. He must be dignified/respectable. He must welcome and care for guests. He must be able to teach [God’s truth] well.
Es soll aber ein Bischof unsträflich sein, eines Weibes Mann, nüchtern, mäßig, sittig, gastfrei, lehrhaftig,
3 He must not be a drunkard. He must not be ready/quick to fight [those who make him angry]. On the contrary, he must be gentle and he must not be quarrelsome. He must not be greedy for a lot of money.
nicht ein Weinsäufer, nicht pochen, nicht unehrliche Hantierung treiben, sondern gelinde, nicht haderhaftig, nicht geizig,
4 He must lead and care for his own household/family well. For example, he must be a man whom his children obey and completely respect,
der seinem eigenen Hause wohl vorstehe, der gehorsame Kinder habe mit aller Ehrbarkeit
5 because if anyone does not know how he should lead well and care for well the people who live in his own house, (he certainly cannot care for God’s congregation!/how can he care for God’s congregation?) [RHQ]
(so aber jemand seinem eigenen Hause nicht weiß vorzustehen, wie wird er die Gemeinde Gottes versorgen?),
6 He must not be one who has just recently [trusted in Jesus], because [if you choose a man] like that, he might become conceited/proud [because you chose him so soon]. As a result of his being conceited/proud, God will condemn him like he condemned the devil [because he was conceited/proud].
nicht ein Neuling, auf daß er sich nicht aufblase und dem Lästerer ins Urteil falle.
7 Moreover, [an elder must live] in such a way that non-Christians speak well of him, because [if he conducts himself like] that, people will not say evil things about him, and the devil will not capture/trap him [MET] [like people capture animals] in a trap.
Er muß aber auch ein gut Zeugnis haben von denen, die draußen sind, auf daß er nicht falle dem Lästerer in die Schmach und Strick.
8 [Those whom you choose to serve as] deacons likewise [must be ones who conduct themselves suitably/appropriately. Specifically], they must be (serious/worthy that people respect them). They must (be sincere/mean what they say). They must not like to drink a lot of alcohol. They must not (be greedy/have a strong desire to get money).
Desselbigengleichen die Diener sollen ehrbar sein, nicht zweizüngig, nicht Weinsäufer, nicht unehrliche Hantierung treiben
9 They must sincerely believe the message that [God] has now revealed [to us].
die das Geheimnis des Glaubens in reinem Gewissen haben.
10 [Like you do for the elders], you must examine ([their character/how they conduct their lives]) [before you appoint them to serve]. Then if they are without fault, let them serve as deacons.
Und dieselbigen lasse man zuvor versuchen; danach lasse man sie dienen, wenn sie unsträflich sind.
11 Their wives (OR, The women who are deacons) likewise [must conduct themselves suitably/appropriately. Specifically, they must be] (serious/worthy that people respect them). They must not speak evil about people. They must not drink a lot of alcohol. They must be faithful in everything that they do.
Desselbigengleichen ihre Weiber sollen ehrbar sein, nicht Lästerinnen, nüchtern, treu in allen Dingen.
12 Deacons must be faithful to their wives, and they must lead well and care well for their children and [other] people in their houses.
Die Diener laß einen jeglichen sein eines Weibes Mann, die ihren Kindern wohl vorstehen und ihren eigenen Häusern.
13 Because if deacons serve well, people will respect them, and they will be able [to speak] very boldly/confidently about what they believe concerning Christ Jesus.
Welche aber wohl dienen, die erwerben sich selbst eine gute Stufe und eine große Freudigkeit im Glauben in Christo Jesu.
14 Although I hope that I will come and visit you soon, I am writing these things to you [now]
Solches schreibe ich dir und hoffe, aufs schierste zu dir zu kommen.
15 in order that if I (am delayed/things prevent me from visiting to you soon), you will know how believers should conduct their lives [and you will be able to teach that to them]. [I am talking about] all those who are members of God’s family, all the congregations that belong to the all-powerful God, all those who uphold/support [MET] the true [message].
So ich aber verzöge, daß du wissest, wie du wandeln sollst in dem Hause Gottes, welches ist die Gemeinde des lebendigen Gottes, ein Pfeiler und Grundfeste der Wahrheit.
16 It is certainly true that [the message that God] has now revealed is very wonderful! From it, we learn this spiritual truth that we say/sing about [Christ] (OR, We affirm this teaching to be true and very important.) It is what shows us how to live (in a godly manner/in a manner that pleases God). It is what God has now revealed, even though it was not known before. [We] ([affirm/say that it is true]) concerning Jesus Christ that, He is the one who appeared on the earth in a human body. God’s Spirit showed/demonstrated that he is/was truly the Messiah (OR, that he always acted righteously); Angels saw him; people preached about him in many nations; People in many parts of the world believed the message about him. God took him up into heaven.
Und kündlich groß ist das gottselige Geheimnis: Gott ist offenbaret im Fleisch, gerechtfertiget im Geist, erschienen den Engeln, geprediget den Heiden, geglaubet von der Welt, aufgenommen in die HERRLIchkeit.
