Study Desk

This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you grace and peace.

This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position."

So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.

For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?

A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.

Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.

so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.

If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.

Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

A church leader is a manager of God's household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

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

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.

Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.

They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.