13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

Faithful the word, If any strive for superintendence, he eagerly desires a good work. Therefore an overseer must be irreprehensible, husband of one wife, sober, of sound mind, well arranged, hospitable, giving instruction; Not intoxicated, not a quarrelsome person, not occupied in sordid gain; but equitable, without fighting, exempt from avarice;read more.
Presiding well over his own house, having the children in subjection with all gravity; (And if any know not to preside over his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not newly planted, lest rendered proud he fall into condemnation of the accuser. And he must also have good testimony from them without;lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the accuser.

The elders among you I beseech, a fellow elder, and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a participator of the glory which is about to be revealed: Tend the flock of God which among you, inspecting, not by force, but voluntarily; neither occupied in sordid gain, but of a ready will; Neither as ruling over the portions obtained by lot, but being types of the flock.read more.
And the chief Shepherd having been manifested, ye shall be attired with an unfading crown of glory.

For this I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest rectify things left behind, and set elders in the city, as I directed thee: If any be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in accusation of licentiousness, or disorderly. For a bishop must be irreproachable, as steward of God; not self-sufficient, not prone to anger, not intemperate, not a striker, not occupied in sordid gain.read more.
But hospitable, a lover of good, of sound mind, just, holy, holding firm; Holding firmly the faithful word according to instruction, that he may be able also to beseech in sound doctrine, and to refute those opposing.

And truly he gave the sent; and the prophets; and the bearers of good tidings; and the shepherds, and the teachers;

Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood. For I know this, that there shall come in after my departure grievous wolves to you, not sparing the flock. And of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to tear away disciples after them.read more.
Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears. And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated.

And we ask you, brethren, to know those being fatigued among you, and set over you in the Lord, and reminding you; And to think them above ordinary in love for their work. Live in peace in yourselves.

Believe them guiding you, and yield: (for they watch vigilantly for your souls, as going to return the word.) that with joy they might do this, and not lamenting: for this unprofitable for you.

The elders among you I beseech, a fellow elder, and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a participator of the glory which is about to be revealed: Tend the flock of God which among you, inspecting, not by force, but voluntarily; neither occupied in sordid gain, but of a ready will; Neither as ruling over the portions obtained by lot, but being types of the flock.

Let the elders having presided well be deemed worthy of double honour, chiefly they being wearied in word and doctrine.

If any be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in accusation of licentiousness, or disorderly.

Remember them guiding you, who spake to you the word of God: of whom, observing narrowly the issue of the mode of life, imitate the faith:

And as they were going through the cities, they delivered them the orders to watch, having been determined by the sent and the elders in Jerusalem.

Is any sick among you let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save him being sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he should have wrought sins, it shall be remitted to him.