Study Desk

because it may be awhile before I get there. I wanted you to know how you should act among people in the church which is the house of the living God. The church holds up the truth.

Until I come, read and preach and teach the Word of God to the church.

A woman over sixty years old whose husband has died may receive help from the church. To receive this help, she must have been the wife of one man.

If you have any women whose husbands have died in your family, you must care for them. The church should not have to help them. The church can help women whose husbands have died who are all alone in this world and have no one else to help them.

Do not listen to what someone says against a church leader unless two or three persons say the same thing.

Show those who keep on sinning where they are wrong in front of the whole church. Then others will be afraid of sinning.

Do not be in a hurry about choosing a church leader. You do not want to have any part in other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.

I left you on the island of Crete so you could do some things that needed to be done. I asked you to choose church leaders in every city.

A church leader is God's servant. His life must be so that no one can say anything against him. He should not try to please himself and not be quick to get angry over little things. He must not get drunk or want to fight. He must not always want more money for himself.

We are also writing to the church that meets in your home. This letter is also for our Christian sister Apphia and it is for Archippus who is a soldier together with us.

Let us not stay away from church meetings. Some people are doing this all the time. Comfort each other as you see the day of His return coming near.

What if a man comes into your church wearing a gold ring and good clothes? And at the same time a poor man comes wearing old clothes.

Is anyone among you sick? He should send for the church leaders and they should pray for him. They should pour oil on him in the name of the Lord.

I want to speak to the church leaders among you. I am a church leader also. I saw Christ suffer and die on a cross. I will also share His shining-greatness when He comes again.

In the same way, you younger men must obey the church leaders. Be gentle as you care for each other. God works against those who have pride. He gives His loving-favor to those who do not try to honor themselves.

The church which is in the city of Babylon says hello. It has been chosen by God the same as you have been. My son, Mark, says hello also.

The church leader writes to the chosen lady and to her children. I love you because of the truth. I am not the only one who loves you. All who know the truth love you.

The church leader writes to the much-loved Gaius. I love you because of the truth.

They have told the church about your love. It will be good for you to help them on their way as God would have you.

I wrote a letter to the church. But Diotrephes wants to be the leader and put himself first. He will have nothing to do with us.