4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy, and together with you be refreshed.

You also must help us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and petition. And with this in view, keep alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and also pray for me, that in the opening of my mouth, utterance may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, and also Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

But we ask you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith.

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all perseverance, with signs and wonders and mighty works.

for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: the God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. read more.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And after he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; concerning whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was completing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' "Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him. Though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we preach to you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' As for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to decay, he spoke in this way: 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' Therefore he also says in another Psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers and saw decay; but he whom God raised did not see decay. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Therefore take care, so that what is said in the prophets may not come upon you: 'Behold, you scoffers, and wonder, and perish; for I am going to do a deed in your days, a deed you will never believe, if someone declares it to you.'" As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people begged that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house."

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father's will. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,

And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place."

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

(Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.

When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

And as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. read more.
The Son of Man goes just as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." Then Judas, who was betraying him, answered, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it."

While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man; seize him." And at once he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. read more.
Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his own transgression by a donkeya beast without speechwho spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Deacons must be the husband of one wife, and must manage their children and their households well.

Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

When Jesus come into Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. read more.
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and flog you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one city, flee to another. For truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! "So do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father's will. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. "Therefore whoever acknowledges me before men, him I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man 'against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.

Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on rocky places, where they did not have much soil, and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of soil. read more.
But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. But other seed fell on good soil and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

"Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. read more.
But when the sun came up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. But other seed fell on good soil and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced thirtyfold, sixty, and a hundred." And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but to those outside everything is in parables; so that 'seeing they may see but not perceive, and hearing may hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven.'" And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in them. And these likewise are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for only a time. Then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, but the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good soil, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit thirtyfold, sixty, and a hundred."

"A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. read more.
But others fell on good soil, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When he had said this he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

And those who had seized Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had assembled.

"You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. But I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard his blasphemy.

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish." He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

And when they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

And when Peter saw this he addressed the people, "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, read more.
but killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Jesus has given him perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago. Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; you shall listen to everything he tells you. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from among the people.' And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came afterwards, also announced these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' For you first, God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways."

if we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple, as to how this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man stands before you healed. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the chief cornerstone. read more.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought.

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who live according to the pattern you have in us.

We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

Let no one look down on your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

not as lording it over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the lawthough not being myself under the lawso that I might win those under the law. To those who are without law, I became as one without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I might by all means save some. read more.
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.

But if anyone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who informed you and for conscience' sake the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? read more.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please all men in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!

Then little children were brought to him that he might put his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.

And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.

Now they were also bringing infants to him that he might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us."

But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the other evil things Herod had done,

and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. read more.
Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan went out to him, and confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire."

For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. read more.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his high officers and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. And when the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom." So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!" Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." And the king was exceedingly sorry; but, because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. And immediately the king sent an executioner and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.

Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go."

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they trampled one another, he began to say to his disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'

Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." And they discussed among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread." But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? read more.
Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Having so fond an affection for you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.

We give thanks to God always for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers; remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you;

for you know how, as a father with his own children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you

Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,

He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house.

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker,

Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;

Share in hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service gets entangled in civilian affairs, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth."

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness to the things which you have seen of me, and also to the things in which I will appear to you;

And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving most of all over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

And when our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given me by the working of his power.

if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a minister.

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, distresses,

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

And when it was day, he called his disciples to himself; and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:

Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her!"

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed,

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I went up because of a revelation; and I set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who were of reputation, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. read more.
But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had slipped in to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. We did not yield to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. And from those who were reputed to be something (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)those, I say, who were of repute added nothing to me; but on the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. read more.
Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I do not lie.) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; they only heard it said, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.

How then can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?

For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness,

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: greetings.

And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

And Jesus said to them, "Come follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves.

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands:

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands:

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them.

There arose such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.

and not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work which we are carrying on, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; and as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. And he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. read more.
And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, proving by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

So there was much joy in that city.

He took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with his whole household that he had believed in God.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share for the sake of his body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. Of this church I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and upset the faith of some.

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; for he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. read more.
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may have less anxiety. So receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a servant of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.

Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it survives, he will receive a reward. read more.
If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; read more.
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, bound in the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will see my face no more. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with the blood of his Own. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night and day to admonish each one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" When he had said this, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving most of all over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Yet in the same way these men in their dreamings defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile the glorious ones. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a reviling judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But these men revile whatever they do not understand; and the things that they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals do, by these things they are destroyed.

But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and they were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, and brought them out, and said, read more.
"Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life." And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported back, "We found the prison securely locked, and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed about them, wondering what would come of this. And someone came and told them, "Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." Then the captain went along with the officers and brought them back without violence, for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned. When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesuswhom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a while. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." So they took his advice, and they called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. When he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. read more.
The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." So he went out and followed him; and he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she kept insisting that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell this to James and to the brethren." Then he left and went to another place. Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while.

Now as Peter went through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. read more.
And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

When we had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. read more.
When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live." However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. They waited, expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead; but after they had waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed sick with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give me also this power, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! read more.
You have no part or share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."

When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. read more.
But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop making crooked the straight ways of the Lord? Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give me also this power, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! read more.
You have no part or share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness exceed it in glory. read more.
For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was fading away came with glory, much more is the glory of that which lasts.

I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?

And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to accompany him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. read more.
As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions which had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Now there was a man named Simon, who had formerly practiced magic in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and they all, from the least to the greatest, gave attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the Great Power of God." And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their deeds.

Show yourself in all respects an example of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. read more.
But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are the money of blood." So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.

But Paul chose Silas and left, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

And he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

And the statement pleased the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you through prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of God's varied grace.

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged,

And I wept greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, "Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; and as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.

We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a time in his light.

As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with the blood of his Own.

Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked, for by trade they were tentmakers.

And Peter stayed for many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.

Then after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

who has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For the overseer must be blameless as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not fond of sordid gain,

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

Tychicus will tell you all about my affairs. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness,

For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.

and if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

Working together with him, then, we urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.