Reprimand not an elder, but exhort [him] as father, younger men as brethren,
elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters in all purity.
Honour widows that are widows indeed;
but if any widow hath children or descendants, let them learn first to show piety toward their own house and render requital to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
Now she that is a widow indeed, and left desolate, hath set her hope on God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
But she that devoteth herself to pleasure is dead while living.
And these things charge that they may be irreproachable.
But if one doth not provide for his own and especially his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
Let a widow be enrolled not more than sixty years old, wife of one man,
witnessed of in good works, if she reared children, if she entertained strangers, if she washed saints’ feet, if she relieved afflicted [persons], if she followed up every good work.
But younger widows refuse; for when they wax wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
having as accusation that they slighted their first faith.
And withal they learn also [to be] idle, going about the houses; and not only idle but also tattlers and busy-bodies, speaking things that are not fitting.
I wish therefore that the younger marry, bear children, rule the house, give none occasion to the adversary for railing;
for already have some been turned aside after Satan.
If any believing [man or] woman hath widows, let [such an one] relieve them, and let not the assembly be burdened, that it may relieve those that are really widows.
Let the elders that preside well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they that labour in word and teaching.
For the scripture saith, An ox when treading out corn thou shalt not muzzle, and Worthy [is] the workman of his hire.
Against an elder receive not an accusation except at [the mouth of] two or three witnesses.
Those that sin rebuke before all that the rest also may have fear.
I testify before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels that thou keep these things apart from prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.
Lay hands quickly on no one, neither be a partaker in others’ sins; keep thyself pure.
Be no longer a water-drinker, but use a little wine on account of thy stomach and thy frequent illnesses.
Of some men the sins are openly manifest, going before unto judgment, and some also they follow after;
and likewise also the good works are openly manifest, and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.