The number of disciples increased at that time. A murmuring arose on the part of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. The twelve called the congregation of the disciples to them. They said: It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God and serve tables.

We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.

Prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch at that time.

There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

When the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they ripped their clothes, and ran in among the people.

When the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they ripped their clothes, and ran in among the people.

Judas and Silas, being prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him.

At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, read more. serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. read more. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

The next morning we left for Caesarea where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist and one of the seven.

As we stayed there several days, a prophet came from Judea, named Agabus.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace that is given to us. Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he who teaches on teaching; read more. or he who exhorts; on exhortation; he who gives let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Greet Andronicus and Junia. They are my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners who are well known among the apostles. They were in Christ before me.

Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the good news: not with wisdom of words, lest the stake of Christ be emptied of its effect.

Though I preach the good news I do not brag about it. Preaching the good news is my duty (obligation) and I must do it! It would be terrible if I did not preach the good news!

God has appointed some in the congregation: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, abilities to direct, different tongues.

God has appointed some in the congregation: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, abilities to direct, different tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and ministerial servants:

He is before all things, and through him all things originate.

Provided that you continue in the faith, grounded (on the foundation) and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the good news you heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven. For this I, Paul, was made a minister.

Because of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Masters, give your servants that which is just and equal. You know that you also have a Master in heaven.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the congregation of God?

If any do not provide for his own, and specially his own household, he denies the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. Let a widow be put on the list if she is under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, read more. having a good reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. Refuse younger widows: for when their sexual impulses come between them and Christ, they desire to marry.

They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain.

They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain.

Be an example of good works in all things, showing no corruption in your doctrine.

Be an example of good works in all things, showing no corruption in your doctrine.

Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. You should avoid foolish arguing and dissentions, questioning; and genealogies, and arguing about law, for they are unprofitable and vain. read more. A divisive and dissentious man should be admonished, and after two times have nothing to do with that man. You know that man sins and is perverted. He is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, give diligence to come to me at Nicopolis where I will winter. Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey quickly and see that they lack nothing.

Is any among you sick? Let him call the elders of the congregation. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of God.