Instructions for Relations in the Assembly
1 Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren.
2 The older women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
Widows
3 Honour widows who are truly widows.
4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety toward their own household and to repay their parents; for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
5 Now she who is truly a widow, and left alone, has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.
6 But she who gives herself to pleasures is dead even while she lives.
7 And these things also charge, that they may be without reproach.
8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow indeed is to be enrolled if she is sixty years old or more, having been the wife of one husband,
10 well attested for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
11 But the younger widows refuse, for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they will marry,
12 having condemnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle but tattlers and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and let not the assembly be burdened; that it may relieve those who are truly widows.
Elders and their Honour; Accusations and Discipline
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer is worthy of his reward.”
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder unless at the witness of two or three.
20 Those who sin, rebuke before all, that the rest also may have fear.
21 I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without partiality, doing nothing by favouritism.
22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 The sins of some men are openly evident, preceding them to judgement; and some men they follow after.
25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden.
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