1 Thess. 1-5; 2 Thess. 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-3 ]NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul advocated thoroughly vetting prospective leaders in the early church. He held Timothy responsible to make s ure prospective leaders conformed to requirements as clarified in chapter three. These standards applied to elders and deacons who would serve the saints of God in local churches. Since the Lord’s reputation is at stake in the conduct of leaders, it’s wise for churches to observe these standards.