O chapter 3 of 1st Timothy Chapter 3 of 1st Timothy presents the essential characteristics for a minister to be considered fit and worthy to exercise the role of leader in the congregation. Furthermore, it highlights the qualities that deacons must possess to assume their responsibilities in the Kingdom of God.
According to chapter 3, the bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, measured, decent, hospitable and able to teach. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation, not be given to wine, not violent but gentle, not contentious and not covetous. As for deacons, they must be respectable, not double-tongued, not addicted to too much wine, not greedy, guarding the mystery of faith with a clear conscience.
In fact, Paul's first letter to Timothy is notable for providing comprehensive details about the qualifications for leadership in the church, surpassing any other writing in the New Testament. Paul draws up a list of essential qualities for both elders and deacons, outlining high standards for those who wish to assume responsible roles in the Christian community.