Study Desk

And I was so eager that I even made trouble for the church. I did everything the Law demands in order to please God.

My friends at Philippi, you remember what it was like when I started preaching the good news in Macedonia. After I left there, you were the only church that became my partner by giving blessings and by receiving them in return.

He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that he would be above all others.

I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for his body, the church.

God's plan was to make me a servant of his church and to send me to preach his complete message to you.

Give my greetings to the followers at Laodicea, especially to Nympha and the church that meets in her home.

After this letter has been read to your people, be sure to have it read in the church at Laodicea. And you should read the letter that I have sent to them.

From Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church in Thessalonica, the people of God the Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that God will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

From Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church in Thessalonica, the people of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is true that anyone who desires to be a church official wants to be something worthwhile.

Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful.

Church officers should be serious. They must not be liars, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money.

Church officers must be faithful in marriage. They must be in full control of their children and everyone else in their home.

so that if I am delayed, you will know how everyone who belongs to God's family ought to behave. After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth.

Use the gift you were given when the prophets spoke and the group of church leaders blessed you by placing their hands on you.

If a woman who is a follower has any widows in her family, she should help them. This will keep the church from having that burden, and then the church can help widows who are really in need.

Church leaders who do their job well deserve to be paid twice as much, especially if they work hard at preaching and teaching.

Don't listen to any charge against a church leader, unless at least two or three people bring the same charges.

Church officials are in charge of God's work, and so they must also have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business.

and to the church that meets in your home. It is also to our dear friend Apphia and to Archippus, who serves the Lord as we do.