1 Timothy 3:12
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Cross-references
In 1 Timothy 3:2, the same 'husband of one wife' requirement applies to overseers, showing consistent marital standards for church leaders.
In 1 Timothy 3:4, overseers must manage their household well, exactly what is required of deacons here.
In 1 Timothy 3:5, the rationale is given: household management demonstrates ability to care for God's church, supporting the deacon's requirement.
Titus 1:6 lists the same 'husband of one wife' and family management requirement for elders, showing consistent pastoral qualifications.
In Philippians 1:1, deacons are mentioned as a recognized church office, providing context for the qualifications given here.
In Genesis 18:19, Abraham is commended for directing his children and household in God's ways, paralleling the deacon's duty to manage his household well.