Study Desk

From Paul, Silas, and Timothy— To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

In every church service I want the men to pray, men who are dedicated to God and can lift up their hands in prayer without anger or argument.

This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.

A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;

For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?

He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap.

Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money;

A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well.

But if I delay, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

But if any Christian woman has widows in her family, she must take care of them and not put the burden on the church, so that it may take care of the widows who are all alone.

I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions:

For since a church leader is in charge of God's work, he should be without fault. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard or violent or greedy for money.

and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus:

Are any among you sick? They should send for the church elders, who will pray for them and rub olive oil on them in the name of the Lord.

I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you

Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.

They have spoken to the church here about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way that will please God.

I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say.

When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church!

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: "This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands.