4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Then he said to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers few. Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest to thrust laborers into his harvest.

And he said to them, The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers few; pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest to thrust out laborers into his harvest.

But I exhort you by the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those that obey not in Judea, and that my service which is for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and be refreshed together with you.

you also striving together for us in prayer, that thanks may be rendered for us by many persons for the gift bestowed on us by many.

praying with all prayer and supplication on every occasion with the spirit, and watching in the same with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, and for me, that a word may be given me at the opening of my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, in behalf of which I perform an embassy in bonds, that I may speak boldly in them, as I ought to speak.

Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner salutes you, and Mark the nephew of Barnabas,??oncerning whom you received commandments, if he comes to you receive him,??11 and Jesus called Justus, who are of the circumcision; these are the only co-laborers for the kingdom of God who have been a comfort to me.

And we beseech you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Remember your guides who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the end of their life follow the faith.

The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all patience, in miracles, and prodigies, and mighty works.

that our gospel came not to you in word only, but with power and with the Holy Spirit and with full assurance, as you know what we were among you for your sakes.

holding fast the word of life, for my glorying in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain, nor labor in vain.

And Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, said, Men of Israel, and you that fear God, hear. The God of this people chose our fathers, and raised up the people in the exile in the land of Egypt, and brought them out of it with a high arm. And when he had borne with their conduct forty years in the wilderness, read more.
and had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he distributed their land to them by lot. And after this he gave judges four hundred and fifty years till Samuel the prophet. And then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years; and removing him, he raised up for them David for a king, of whom also he said and testified, I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will. Of the posterity of this man, according to his promise, has God raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus; John having preached before his coming the baptism of a change of mind to all the people of Israel. And when John completed his course, he said, Who do you suppose I am? I am not [the Christ]; but behold, there comes after me one the sandal of whose feet I am not worthy to untie. Men and brothers, children of the race of Abraham, and you that fear God, the word of this salvation is sent to you. For those living at Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing him and the words of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning [him]; and [although] they found no cause of death [in him], they requested of Pilate that he might be destroyed; and when they had performed all things written of him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and he appeared many days to those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we declare to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this to us their children in raising up Jesus, as it is written also in the first psalm, You are my son, to-day have I begotten you. And that he raised him from the dead never more to return to destruction, he said thus; I will give you the sure promises of David. Wherefore also in another place he says, Thou wilt not suffer thy holy one to see destruction. For David, having in his generation served the will of God, fell asleep, and was gathered to his fathers and saw destruction; but he whom God raised up saw not destruction. Be it known to you therefore, men and brothers, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins, and every one who believes is justified by him from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. See then that what is said by the prophets does not come upon you; Behold, despisers, and wonder and perish, for I perform a work in your days, a work which you shall by no means believe even if one declares it to you. And when they had gone out, [the people] requested that these words might be spoken to them on the next sabbath. And the congregation being dismissed, many of the Jews and pious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who gave them additional instructions, and persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

For if you have ten thousand teachers in Christ still you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you by the gospel.

And they were offended with him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, except in his native country, and in his own house;

And there were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch; Barnabas and Simeon called Niger [the black], and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster brother of Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.

Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion [1.5 mills]? and one of them cannot fall to the ground without your Father. Even the 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 assarions [3 cents], and one of them is not forgotten before God? But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, for you are of more value than many sparrows.

Peter therefore was kept by the guard; but prayer was made incessantly by the church to God for him.

And now, Lord, look down upon their threatenings, and grant to thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word,

And praying, they said, Do thou, Lord, the searcher of all hearts, show which of these two thou hast chosen to take the place of this service and apostleship from which Judas fell by transgression to go to his place.

Then went one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot to the chief priests, and said, What will you give me to deliver him to you? And they gave him thirty [shekels] of silver [$16.80]. And from that time he sought a good opportunity to deliver him up.

This man therefore purchased a field with the price of the wickedness, and falling headlong burst in the middle and all his bowels were poured out;

Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting, returned the thirty shekels of silver [$16.80] to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned, betraying innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see you to it. And throwing down the silver in the temple he departed; and having gone away strangled himself.

And as they were eating, he said, I tell you truly, that one of you will betray me. And being grieved exceedingly, they each one began to say to him, Lord, is it I? But he answered and said, He that dips his hand with me in the dish, he shall betray me. read more.
The Son of man goes indeed, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it would be good for him if that man had not been born. And Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said, Is it I, Rabbi? He said to him, As you say.

And while he was yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. And he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, The one that I shall kiss is he; take him. And immediately coming forward to Jesus, he said, Hail, Rabbi, and kissed him. read more.
But Jesus said to him, Comrade, for what have you come? Then they came forward, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

having left the right way they have gone astray, following in the way of Balaam the son of Beor who loved the wages of wickedness, but had a rebuke of his transgression; the dumb ass, speaking with a man's voice, forbade the madness of the prophet.

It is necessary therefore that a bishop should be blameless, a husband of one wife, circumspect, sober, well-behaved, hospitable, apt to teach,

Let the deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling well their children and their own houses.

Have we not a right to lead about a sister, a wife, as also the other apostles; and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

And Jesus coming into the house of Peter, saw his wife's mother lying and sick with a fever.

But when they disputed and blasphemed, shaking his garments he said to them, Your blood be upon your heads; I, pure, from this time will go to the gentiles.

And if any one does not receive you, nor hear your words, when you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet. I tell you truly, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in a day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. read more.
But beware of men; for they will deliver you to Sanhedrims, and scourge you in their synagogues, and you shall be brought before governors, and kings, for my sake, for a testimony to them and the nations. But when they have delivered you up be not anxious how you shall speak, or what you shall say, for it shall be given you in that hour what to say; for it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you. And a brother shall deliver a brother to death, and a father a son; and children shall rise up against their parents and put them to death; and you shall be hated by all men for my sake. But he that endures to the end shall be saved. And when they persecute you in one city, flee to another. For I tell you truly, that you will not finish the cities of Israel till the Son of man shall come. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is sufficient for the disciple to be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they call the members of his family by that name. Fear them not, therefore, for there is nothing concealed that shall not be revealed, nor hid that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light, and what you hear in the ear, preach on the house-tops. And fear not those who kill the body and are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion [1.5 mills]? and one of them cannot fall to the ground without your Father. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. Every one, therefore, who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father in heaven; and whoever denies me before men, him will I also deny before my Father in heaven. Think not that I have come to send peace on the earth. I have not come to send peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man at variance against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies shall be those of his own house. He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he that does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He that finds his life shall lose it, and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it. He that receives you receives me, and he that receives me receives him that sent me.

Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I have not kept back from declaring to you all the counsel of God.

And he spoke to them many things in parables, saying; Behold, a sower went out to sow; and as he sowed, some fell by the way, and the birds came and devoured it. And some fell on rocky places, where it had not much earth, and it came up immediately, because it had no depth of earth; read more.
and when the sun arose it was scorched, and because it had no root it was dried up. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. But some fell on good ground, and bore fruit; some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty-fold.

Hear! behold a sower went out to sow; and in sowing, some fell on the way, and the birds came and devoured it. And some fell on a rocky place, where it had not much earth, and it came up immediately, because it had no depth of earth; read more.
and when the sun rose, it was scorched, and because it had no root it was dried up. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And some fell on good ground, and produced fruit, growing up and increasing, and bore one thirty, one sixty, and one a hundred. And he said, He that has ears, let him hear. And when he was alone, those about him, with the twelve, asked him the parable. And he said to them, To you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those without all things are in parables; that seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand, lest at any time they should turn, and be forgiven. And he said to them, Do you not know this parable? How then will you know all parables? The sower sows the word. And these are those where the word is sown by the way; and when they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word which was sown upon them. And these in like manner are those sown on the rocky places; when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy, and have no root in themselves, but are temporary [disciples]. Then, when affliction or persecution occurs on account of the word, they are immediately offended. And those sown among thorns are different. They are those who hear the word, and the cares of life, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires of other things coming in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And these are those sown in good ground, who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit, one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred.

A sower went out to sow his seed; and in his sowing, some fell by the way, and was trodden down, and the birds of heaven devoured it; and some fell on the rock, and springing up it was dried up, because it had no moisture; and some fell in the midst of thorns, and the thorns springing up choked it; read more.
and some fell on good ground, and growing up bore fruit a hundred fold. Having said these things, he cried, He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

And having taken Jesus, they led him away to Caiaphas, the chief priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled.

You know that after two days is the passover, and the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified. Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were assembled in the court of the chief priest, who was called Caiaphas,

But Jesus was silent. And the chief priest answering, said to him, I adjure you, by the living God, to tell me if you are the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said to him, As you say; but I tell you that hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the chief priest rent his clothes, saying, He has blasphemed; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy.

And one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest that year, said to them, You know nothing at all, neither consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that all the nation should perish. This he said not of himself, but being chief priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation;

and Caiaphas was the one who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should be destroyed for the people.

And when they had prayed the place was shaken in which they were assembled, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness.

And Peter seeing it answered the people, Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this? or why do you look intently at us as if by our power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied before Pilate when he decided to release him; but you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked a murderer to be given you, read more.
but killed the Prince of life, whom God has raised from the dead, whose witnesses we are. And by the faith of his name, his name has made strong this man whom you behold and know, and the faith which is by him has given him this entire soundness before you all. And now, brothers, I know that you did it without knowledge, as did also your rulers; but what God had before declared by the mouth of all the prophets that his Anointed should suffer, he has so accomplished. Change your minds, therefore, and turn yourselves, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and he send to you Jesus Christ before appointed, whom heaven must receive till the times of the restoration of all things of which God has spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since the world began. Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you, of your brothers, like me; him shall you hear in all things which he shall speak to you; and every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from the people. And all the prophets, from Samuel and those following him in order, who have spoken, have also announced these days. You are the children of the prophets, and of the promise which God promised to our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. God having raised up his servant has sent him to you first, to bless you by turning each [one of you] from your evil ways.

if we are to-day examined concerning the good work done to the sick man, by what means he has been cured, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazoraean, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him has this man stood before you sound. This is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the head of a corner. read more.
And there is salvation in no other; for there is no other name given under heaven among men, by which we can be saved. And seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and supposing that they were illiterate and common men, they wondered, and perceived that they had been with Jesus;

But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, judge; for we cannot but tell what we have seen and heard.

And hearing this they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. And the chief priest coming, and those with him, called the Sanhedrim together, and all the eldership of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Be followers of me, brothers, and observe those who walk so as you have us for an example.

not that we have not a right [to a support], but that we may make ourselves an example for you to follow us.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the faithful, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

not as having a lordship over God's inheritance but being examples to the flock;

to the Jews I have been as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to those under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain those under the law; to those without law, as without law, being not without law to God, but with law to Christ, that I might gain those without law; to the weak I have been as weak, that I might gain the weak; I have been all things to all men, that I may save some in all conditions; read more.
and I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may be a partaker of it.

All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful, but all things do not edify.

But if any one says to you, This has been offered to an idol, eat not for his sake that informed you, and for conscience' sake. I mean not your conscience, but that of the other. For why is my freedom limited by the conscience of another? If I partake with thanks, why am I blamed for that for which I give thanks? read more.
Whether then you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Be without offense both to Jews and Greeks, and the church of God, as I also please all in all things, not seeking my own profit but that of many, that they may be saved.

Be it so, I was not burdensome to you; but being crafty I caught you with deceit.

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

And they brought him little children that he should touch them; and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

And they brought him also infants, that he should touch them; and the disciples seeing it reproved them.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and asked him, saying, Dismiss her, for she cries after us.

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him on account of Herodias his brother's wife and for all the evil deeds which Herod had done,

Change your minds, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying; A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And this John had his clothes of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins, and his food was locusts and wild honey. read more.
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region about the Jordan, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come for the baptism, he said to them; Offspring of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit, therefore, worthy of a change of mind; and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for a father; for I tell you that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham; and already the axe lies at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, which bears not good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water to a change of mind; but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not fit to bear; he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and fire; whose winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean his threshing floor, and gather his wheat into the storehouse; but the chaff he will burn with an inextinguishable fire.

For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. And Herodias was displeased with him, and wished to kill him, but was not able. For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he preserved him, and hearing him, did many things, and heard him gladly. read more.
And on a convenient day, when Herod made a supper in honor of his birthday, for his great men, and the chiliarchs, and the first men of Galilee, the daughter of this Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herod, and those that reclined with him. And the king said to the girl, Ask me what you will and I will give it to you; and he swore to her, Whatever you shall ask of me I will give you, to half of my kingdom. And she went out and said to her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And coming in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying, I wish you to give me immediately on a plate the head of John the Baptist. And the king was extremely sorry, but on account of the oaths, and those reclining with him, he was not willing to refuse her. And the king immediately sending an executioner, commanded him to bring his head. And he went out and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a plate, and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.

Then John said to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, Offspring of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits, therefore, worthy of a change of mind. And say not within yourselves, We have Abraham for a father; for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And already also the axe lies at the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bears not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

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

Again he said to him a second time; Simon, son of John, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, Lord, you know that I am a friend to you. He said to him, Feed my sheep. He said to him a third time; Simon, son of John, are you a friend to me? Peter was grieved that he said to him the third time, Are you a friend to me? and he said to him, Lord you know all things; you know that I am a friend to you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. I tell you most truly, that when you were young you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you become old, you shall stretch out your hands and another shall bind you and carry you where you would not;

AT that time, the multitude being assembled by ten thousands, so that they trod one on another, he said to his disciples, Beware, first, of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy;

Woe to you blind guides, who say, Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound.

And Jesus said to them, Observe and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. But they reasoned within themselves, saying, It is because we have not taken bread. But Jesus knowing it, said, Why do you reason within yourselves, men of little faith, because you have not taken bread? read more.
Do you not yet understand nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many travelling-baskets you took up? nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many store-baskets you took up? Why do you not understand that I spoke to you not of bread, to 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.

so being greatly desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but our own souls, because you were dear to us.

as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you being all partakers of my grace.

We thank God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before God even our Father, knowing, brothers beloved by God, your election,

as you know how we exhorted and comforted you, as a father each one of his own children,

And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of things to be spoken;

who is faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was in his house.

AND certain persons having come down from Judea taught the brothers, If you are not circumcised according to the custom of Moses you cannot be saved.

Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest to thrust laborers into his harvest.

PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy the brother, to the beloved. Philemon and our fellow-laborer,

Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I have not kept back from declaring to you all the counsel of God.

as you learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and my fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and servant of my need,

Endure evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one who serves as a soldier is involved in the business of life, that he may please him who has employed him as a soldier.

but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

And we are his witnesses of these things, and also the Holy Spirit which God has given to those that obey him.

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and witness both of what you have seen and [of visions ] in which I will appear to you,

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

And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word which he said, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

And when we had completed the days we went out and proceeded on our journey, they all attending us with their wives and children till without the city, and kneeling down on the shore we prayed, and having saluted each other we went to the ship, and they returned to their homes.

of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

and their word will eat like a gangrene; of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

of which I was made a minister by the gracious gift of God, given to me by the operation of his power.

if indeed you continue founded and established in the faith, and not moved from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached in all the creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the nations, administering as a priest the gospel of God, that the offering of the nations may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Let a man so regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

but in every thing commending ourselves as ministers of God, in great patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

PAUL and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

JUDAS, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to the beloved in God the Father, and the called who are kept by Jesus Christ.

But do you be sober in all things, endure evil, do the work of an evangelist, perform fully your ministry.

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

But do you, O man of God, avoid these things; but pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, meekness.

And when it was day he called his disciples; and having chosen twelve of them, whom he named apostles,

Rejoice over her, heaven, and you holy angels and apostles and prophets, for God has executed your judgment on her.

Let the elders who rule well be accounted worthy of a double compensation, especially those who labor in word and teaching.

The elders among you I exhort, who am a co-elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed;

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking also Titus; and I went up by a revelation, and proposed to them the gospel which I preach to the gentiles, but privately to persons of distinction, lest I should run or had run in vain. But Titus who was with me, and was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised; read more.
but on account of false brothers brought in secretly to act as spies against our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, to bring us into servitude, we did not yield to them by subjection, for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But from those of distinction, whatever they were it makes no difference to me,??od is partial to no man,??or those of distinction added nothing to me, but on the contrary seeing that I was intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter was of the circumcision,??8 for he that operated in Peter for the apostleship of the circumcision, operated also in me for the gentiles,??9 and knowing the grace given me, James and Cephas and John, who were manifest pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that we should go to the gentiles and they to the circumcision;

But when God who gave me being and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the gentiles, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, neither did I go to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went to Arabia and returned again to Damascus. read more.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and staid with him fifteen days; and I saw no other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. And what I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not. Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. But I was unknown by face to the churches of Christ in Judea, only they heard that he who persecuted us formerly, now preached the faith which he formerly destroyed; and they glorified God in me.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without one preaching?

of which I was made a herald and an apostle,?? speak the truth, I lie not,?? teacher of nations in faith and truth.

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to piety,

JAMES, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greeting.

And he said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishermen of men.

And Jesus said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishermen of men.

And he immediately constrained his disciples to go into the ship, and to go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the multitude;

And he said to them, Come to a solitary place by yourselves, and rest a little; for many were coming and going, and there was no convenient time to eat. And they went away to a solitary place in the ship by themselves.

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

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks,

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

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks,

And Barnabas wished to take with them John called Mark;

And there was a sharp contention, so that they separated from each other; and Barnabas taking Mark sailed to Cyprus.

and not only so, but he has also been chosen by the churches as our travelling companion in this charity ministered by us for the glory of the same Lord and our promptitude,

If [any one inquires] respecting Titus, he is my companion and co-laborer for you; if our brothers, they are apostles of churches and the glory of Christ.

Then those that received his word were baptized, and there were added on that day about three thousand souls;

AND when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one mind together. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a violent wind borne along, and it filled all the house where they were sitting; and there appeared to them divided tongues as of fire, and [one] sat on each one of them; read more.
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

AND a certain Jew by the name of Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, being powerful in the Scriptures. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit spoke and taught correctly the doctrines concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John; and this man began to speak boldly in the synagogue, and Priscilla and Aquila hearing him took him and taught him more accurately the way. read more.
And he wishing to go into Achaia, the brothers sent him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. And when he came he helped those much who had believed through the grace; for he argued powerfully against the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

And the multitudes attended with one accord to the things said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the miracles which he performed.

But because they believed Philip preaching the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.

and there was great joy in that city.

And taking them that hour of the night, he washed them from their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his, immediately, and conducting them up into his house he set a table, and rejoiced with all his house, having believed in God.

Now I rejoice in sufferings for you, and supply the deficiencies of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church, of which I was made a minister according to the dispensation of God given me for you, to complete the word of God,

and their word will eat like a gangrene; of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection has passed already, and overturn the faith of some.

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and my fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and servant of my need, for he greatly desired you all and was anxious, because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick nigh to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. read more.
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him again you may rejoice and I be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and have such in estimation, because on account of the work he was nigh to death, not having consulted properly for his life, that he might fully supply your lack of service to me.

Epaphras, who is of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always striving for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has great zeal for you and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

But thanks be to God, who put this care for you into the heart of Titus, for he received the exhortation, and being extremely diligent went to you of his own accord.

And if any man builds on this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, reeds, each one's work shall be manifest; for the day shall show it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the same fire shall try every man's work what it is. If any one's work continues which he has built, he shall receive a reward; read more.
if any one's work is consumed, he shall suffer loss, and he shall be saved, but so as by fire.

And from Miletus sending to Ephesus he called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them, You know from the first day that I came into Asia, how I was with you at all times, serving the Lord with all humility, and tears and trials that befell me by the conspiracies of the Jews, read more.
how I kept not back from declaring to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house any thing that was profitable, testifying both to Jews and Greeks the change of mind to God, and the faith in our Lord Jesus. And behold now, I go constrained by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things which shall befall me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But life precious to myself, I make of no account that I may finish my course and the service which I received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom shall see my face no more. Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I have not kept back from declaring to you all the counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood. For I know that after my departure grievous wolves will come among you, not sparing the flock, and of yourselves men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Wherefore watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one of you with tears. And now I commend you to God, and the word of his grace, who is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance with all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver or gold or clothing; you yourselves know that these hands have served my necessities and those with me. I have showed you all things, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. And having said these words he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word which he said, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

In like manner also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject government, and blaspheme glories. But Michael the arch-angel, when disputing with the devil he reasoned about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a charge of blasphemy, but said, The Lord rebuke you. But these blaspheme what they do not understand, and what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.

And the chief priest arose, and all those with him, being the sect of the Sadducees, and were filled with wrath, and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in the public prison. But an angel of the Lord opening the prison doors by night led them out and said, read more.
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And hearing this they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. And the chief priest coming, and those with him, called the Sanhedrim together, and all the eldership of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But the officers going did not find them in the prison; and returning they reported, saying, The prison found we shut with all safety, and the guards standing before the doors, but opening we found no one within. And when they heard these words, both the priest and the commander of the temple and the chief priests doubted concerning them, what this could mean. But some one came and told them, Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then the commander going away with the officers brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned; and having brought them they placed them before the Sanhedrim. And the chief priest asked them, saying, We charged you strictly not to teach in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and wish to bring this man's blood on us. And Peter answering, and the apostles, said, It is necessary to obey God rather than man. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you took and hung on a cross; him has God exalted, a Prince and Saviour at his right hand, to give a change of mind to Israel and the forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things, and also the Holy Spirit which God has given to those that obey him. And when they heard this they were highly offended, and took counsel to kill them. But a certain Pharisee in the Sanhedrim, by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, in honor with all the people, standing up requested them to put the men out a little while; and he said to them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you are about to do to these men. For before these days Theudas arose, saying that he was somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, adhered, who was destroyed, and all who obeyed him passed away and came to nothing. After him arose Judas the Galilean, in the days of the census, and drew away people after him; and he was destroyed, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I tell you, abstain from these men, and let them alone; because if this design, or this work, is from men, it will be destroyed; but if it is from God, you cannot destroy them; lest you be found at some time to be fighting against God. And they were persuaded by him, and calling the apostles and scourging them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. They went therefore from the presence of the Sanhedrim, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer shame for the name of [Christ]; and every day in the temple, and from house to house, they ceased not teaching and preaching the good news of Christ Jesus.

And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to apprehend Peter also,??nd it was during the days of unleavened bread,??4 and having seized he put him in prison, committing him to four companies of four soldiers each to guard him, wishing after the passover to bring him before the people. Peter therefore was kept by the guard; but prayer was made incessantly by the church to God for him. And when Herod was about to bring him forward, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards kept watch before the door. read more.
And behold, an angel of the Lord came, and a light shone in the building; and striking Peter on the side he awoke him saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird yourself, and tie on your sandals. And he did so. And he said to him, Put your cloak about you, and follow me. And going out he followed him, and knew not that it was real which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first guard, and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them of itself, and going out they went forward one street, and immediately the angel left him. And Peter coming to himself said, Now I know that the Lord has really sent his angel and delivered me from the hand of Herod and all the expectation of the Jews. And considering within himself he came to the house of Mary the mother of John called Mark, where a great number were assembled together and praying. And knocking at the door of the gate, a female servant, called Rhoda, came to listen, and knowing the voice of Peter she did not open the gate from joy, but ran in and told that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, You are mad. But she asserted strongly that it was so. And they said, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking; and having opened they saw him, and were astonished. And making signs to them with his hand to be silent, he related how the Lord had conducted him out of the prison, and said, Tell these things to James and the brothers. And going out he departed to another place. And when it was day there was no small stir among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. And Herod seeking and not finding him, examined the guards, and commanded them to be put to death, and going down from Judea to Caesarea remained [there].

And Peter passing through all places, went down also to the saints living at Lydda. And he found there a certain man by the name of AEneas, who had lain on a bed for eight years, and was a paralytic. And Peter said to him, AEneas, Jesus Christ cures you; arise and make your bed for yourself. And he immediately arose; read more.
and all those who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and turned to the Lord.

And departing on the next day we came to Caesarea, and going to the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we staid with him. This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And having continued there many days, there came down a certain prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus,

And when they were saved, they learned that the island was called Melita. And the barbarians showed us no ordinary humanity; for kindling a fire they received us all, on account of the rain which was falling, and the cold. And Paul having collected a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper coming out from the heat fastened on his hand. read more.
And when the barbarians saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, This man is undoubtedly a murderer, whom though saved from the sea justice has not permitted to live. Then shaking off the creature into the fire he suffered no harm; but they expected that he would swell up, or suddenly fall down dead. And waiting a long time, and seeing nothing extraordinary happen to him, they thought differently, and said, He is a god. Near that place were the lands of the first man in the island, whose name was Poplius, who received and entertained us kindly three days. And the father of Poplius lay sick with a fever and dysentery, and Paul came to him, and prayed, and put his hands on him, and cured him. And this being done, the rest also who had sicknesses in the island came and were cured, and they bestowed on us many rewards, and when we left supplied us with things that we needed.

And Simon seeing that the Holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, offered them money, saying, Give me this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hand he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him, Your money go to perdition with you; because you have thought to purchase the gift of God with money. read more.
You have no part nor inheritance in this work; for your heart is not right before God. Turn your mind therefore from this your wickedness, and pray the Lord if perhaps the thought of your mind may be forgiven you; for I see you are in the gall of bitterness and bond of wickedness.

And having gone through the whole island to Paphos, they found a certain magian, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus, who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man having called for Barnabas and Saul desired to hear the word of God; but Elymas the magian, for so his name is interpreted, opposed them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. read more.
But Saul, [called] also Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looking steadily at him said, O full of all deceit and all craft, son of a devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell upon him a mist and darkness, and going about he sought guides.

And Simon seeing that the Holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, offered them money, saying, Give me this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hand he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him, Your money go to perdition with you; because you have thought to purchase the gift of God with money. read more.
You have no part nor inheritance in this work; for your heart is not right before God. Turn your mind therefore from this your wickedness, and pray the Lord if perhaps the thought of your mind may be forgiven you; for I see you are in the gall of bitterness and bond of wickedness.

But if the ministry of death engraved in a writing on stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses on account of the brightness of his face, which passed away, how shall not the ministry of the spirit be glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation was a glory, much more will the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. read more.
For that which was made glorious was not glorious in this respect, on account of the surpassing glory. For if that which has passed away was with glory, much more will that which continues be in glory.

I requested Titus, and sent the brother with him; did Titus make any thing out of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit, in the same steps?

And he went to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there by the name of Timothy, a son of a Jewish woman, a believer, but of a Greek father, who was commended by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Him Paul wished to have go with him; and he took and circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places; for all knew that his father was a Greek. read more.
And when he went through the cities he gave them the ordinances to observe which had been determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

And while they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then having fasted and prayed and imposed hands on them, they sent them forth.

And there was a man by the name of Simon who formerly practised magic in that city, and astonished the nation of Samaria, saying that he was some great person, to whom all from the least to the greatest attended, saying, This is the power of God which is called great. And they attended to him because for a long time he had astonished them with his magic arts.

It is no great thing, therefore, if his ministers transform themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

presenting yourself as an example of good works in all things, in teaching [exhibiting] integrity, gravity, sound argument not to be condemned, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of us.

Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting, returned the thirty shekels of silver [$16.80] to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned, betraying innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see you to it. And throwing down the silver in the temple he departed; and having gone away strangled himself. read more.
And the chief priests taking the silver said, It is not lawful to put it into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And taking counsel, they bought with it the potter's field for a burying place for strangers.

And sending two that served him into Macedonia, Timothy and Erastus, he continued a time in Asia.

We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they will tell you the same things by word.

But Paul choosing Silas went out, commended to the favor of the Lord by the brothers.

and this man began to speak boldly in the synagogue, and Priscilla and Aquila hearing him took him and taught him more accurately the way.

And the proposition pleased all the multitude, and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus, and Nicanor and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch, and set them before the Apostles; and they having prayed imposed hands on them.

Neglect not the gift which is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the imposition of hands of the eldership.

as each has received a gift, minister the same among yourselves as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

and the servant of the Lord must not contend, but must be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient under evil,

And I wept much because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look in it. And one of the elders said to me, Weep not; behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered, he is opening the book and its seven seals.

If [any one inquires] respecting Titus, he is my companion and co-laborer for you; if our brothers, they are apostles of churches and the glory of Christ.

We are embassadors therefore for Christ, as though God besought you by us; we pray you, for Christ, be reconciled to God.

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

You have the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord, my brothers, as an example of patience and long-suffering.

Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood.

And departing thence he came into the house of a man called Justus, who worshipped God, and whose house adjoined the synagogue.

and because he was of the same trade continued and labored with them; for they were tent makers.

And Peter continued many days at Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Then having fasted and prayed and imposed hands on them, they sent them forth.

And they cast their lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant, not of the writing but of the spirit; for the writing kills, but the spirit makes alive.

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes desiring the pre-eminence does not receive us.

Let a man so regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For a bishop must be blameless as a steward of God, not self-indulgent, not soon angry, not given to wine, not contentious, not devoted to base gain,

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

Tychicus will inform you of all things relating to me, who is a beloved brother, and faithful minister, and fellow-servant in the Lord,

and sent Timothy, our brother and God's co-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and to exhort you in behalf of your faith,

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to piety,

as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you being all partakers of my grace.

and spared not the old world, but preserved Noah a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, bringing the flood on the world of the ungodly,

And he called the twelve, and sent them out two and two, and gave them power over impure spirits;

as they delivered them to us who, from the beginning, were eye witnesses and ministers of the word,

And being also co-laborers we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain,??2 for he says, In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you; behold, now is an acceptable time, behold, now is a day of salvation,??3 giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry may not be blamed,