The New Testament provides specific instructions to various groups within the Christian community, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities within the early Church. These instructions are primarily found in the Pauline Epistles and other apostolic writings, offering guidance on how believers should conduct themselves in accordance with their faith.

Instructions to Husbands and Wives

The apostle Paul addresses husbands and wives in several passages, emphasizing mutual love and respect. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, while husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This sacrificial love is further elaborated in Colossians 3:18-19, where wives are again called to submit, and husbands are warned not to be harsh with their wives.

Instructions to Parents and Children

Paul also provides guidance for family relationships, particularly between parents and children. In Ephesians 6:1-4, children are instructed to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right. Fathers are specifically cautioned not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. A similar exhortation is found in Colossians 3:20-21, reinforcing the importance of obedience and nurturing.

Instructions to Slaves and Masters

The New Testament addresses the social institution of slavery, offering instructions to both slaves and masters. In Ephesians 6:5-9, slaves are told to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ. Masters, in turn, are reminded to treat their slaves with fairness and without threats, recognizing that both slave and master have the same Master in heaven. Colossians 3:22-4:1 echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the need for justice and equality.

Instructions to Church Leaders

Church leaders, including elders and deacons, receive specific instructions regarding their conduct and responsibilities. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers and deacons, highlighting the importance of being above reproach, self-controlled, and hospitable. Titus 1:5-9 provides similar criteria for elders, stressing the need for sound doctrine and the ability to refute false teachings.

Instructions to the Congregation

The broader Christian community is also given directives on how to live out their faith collectively. In Romans 12:9-21, believers are encouraged to love sincerely, hate what is evil, and cling to what is good. They are called to live in harmony, be patient in affliction, and overcome evil with good. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges Christians not to forsake assembling together but to encourage one another, especially as the Day of the Lord approaches.

Instructions to Young and Old

Paul provides guidance to both younger and older members of the church in Titus 2:1-8. Older men are encouraged to be temperate and sound in faith, while older women are to be reverent and teach what is good. Younger women are instructed to love their families and be self-controlled, and young men are urged to be self-disciplined and set an example of good works.

These specific instructions reflect the apostolic concern for order, harmony, and godliness within the Christian community, ensuring that each group fulfills its role in accordance with the teachings of Christ.