Those who are being held as slaves should treat their masters as if they were worthy of full respect. That way people won’t say bad things about God’s name and about what we teach.
to control themselves and be pure, and to take good care of their homes. The younger women must also be taught to be kind and follow the lead of their husbands. Then no one will be able to say bad things about God’s word.
Keep your conscience clear, so that even if people say bad things about you as believers in Christ, they’ll be ashamed when the way you live proves them wrong.
People who don’t believe might accuse you of doing wrong. But lead such good lives among them that they’ll see your good deeds and give glory to God on the day Jesus returns.
Now then, why are you trying to test God by putting a heavy load on the shoulders of the Gentiles? Our people of long ago couldn’t carry that load, and we today can’t either.
The men answered, “We’ve come from Cornelius, a Roman commander. He’s a good man who worships God. All the Jewish people respect him. A holy angel told him to invite you to his house so he could hear what you have to say.”
So I encourage younger widows to get married again, have children, and take care of their own homes. That way the enemy won’t get the chance to say bad things about them.