Study Desk

Greetings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church of those in Thessalonica, who are in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be yours.

Greetings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church of those in Thessalonica, who are in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

If a man does not know how to lead his own family, he will not be able to take care of God's church.

An elder must also have the respect of people who are not part of the church. Then he will not be criticized by others and be caught in the devil's trap.

so that, even if I cannot come soon, you will know how people should live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God. And God's church is the support and foundation of the truth.

If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should take care of them herself. Then the church will not have that burden and will be able to care for the widows who have no one else to help them.

The elders who lead the church in a good way should receive double honor—in particular, those who do the work of counseling and teaching.

Tell those who sin that they are wrong. Do this in front of the whole church so that the others will have a warning.

Also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, who serves with us in the Lord's army, and to the church that meets in your home.

Are you sick? Ask the elders of the church to come and rub oil on you in the name of the Lord and pray for you.

The church in Babylon sends you greetings. They were chosen just as you were. Mark, my son in Christ, also sends his greetings.

They told the church about the love you have. Please help them to continue their trip. Help them in a way that will please God.

I wrote a letter to the church, but Diotrephes will not listen to what we say. He always wants to be the leader.

When I come, I will talk with him about what he is doing. He lies and says evil things about us, but that is not all. He refuses to welcome and help the believers who travel there. And he will not let others help them. If they do, he stops them from meeting with the church anymore.

"Write this to the angel of the church in Ephesus: "Here is a message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

"Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna: "Here is a message from the one who is the First and the Last, the one who died and came to life again.

"Write this to the angel of the church in Pergamum: "Here is a message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword.

"Write this to the angel of the church in Thyatira: "Here is a message from the Son of God, the one who has eyes that blaze like fire and feet like shining brass.

"Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis: "Here is a message from the one who has the seven spirits and the seven stars. "I know what you do. People say that you are alive, but really you are dead.

"Write this to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: "Here is a message from the one who is holy and true, the one who holds the key of David. When he opens something, it cannot be closed. And when he closes something, it cannot be opened.