Letters to the Churches

Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.

For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.

These things command and teach.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.

Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.

Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:

the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

Honor widows that are widows indeed.

But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

These things also command, that they may be without reproach.

But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

for already some are turned aside after Satan.

If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.