So, as a dire disturbance and a serious discussion had been created between Paul and Barnabas and them, they decided that Paul and Barnabas and some others from their number should go up to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles and elders about this question.

When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem surrounded him, and continued to bring a number of serious charges against him, none of which they could prove.

Deacons, too, must be serious, sincere in their talk, not addicted to strong drink or dishonest gain,

The deaconesses too must be serious, not gossips; they must be temperate and perfectly trustworthy.

the older men to be temperate, serious, and sensible, healthy in faith, in love, and in steadfastness;

to be serious, pure, home keepers, kind, and subordinate to their husbands, so as not to cause God's message to suffer reproach.

In everything you yourself continue to set them a worthy example of doing good; be sincere and serious in your teaching,

training us to give up godless ways and worldly cravings and live serious, upright, and godly lives in this world,

But the end of everything on earth is near. So be serious and sober minded, that you may give yourselves to prayer.