Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
One wife (note, 1 Timothy 3:2).
Ruling (their) children. There is no article; 'ruling children' implying he regarded the having children to rule as a qualification (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6).
Their own houses - distinguished from "the church of God" (note, 1 Timothy 3:5). In the deacons, as in the bishops, he mentions the first condition of office rather than the qualifications for its discharge. The practical side of Christianity is most dwelt on in the pastoral letters, in opposition to heretical teachers; moreover, as miraculous gifts began to be withdrawn, the safest criterion would be the candidate's previous moral character, the disposition and talent for the office being presupposed. So in Acts 6:3, "Look ye out among you seven men of honest report." Less stress is laid on personal dignity in the deacon than in the bishop (notes, cf. 1 Timothy 3:2-3).