13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

He that aspires to be a bishop, desires an office that is honourable. a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching: not given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy,read more.
obliging his children to behave with decorum. for if a man is incapable of governing his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil. besides, he ought to stand fair in the opinion of unbelievers, lest he fall into disgrace, and the ambushes of the accuser.

I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest; to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection; not to domineer over the laity, but to be examples for their imitation;read more.
that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade.

I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you, to chuse such as are without reproach, married to but one wife, whose children are obedient, not accused of debauchery, nor unruly. for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not morose, not soon angry, not given to wine, not violent, not desirous of unlawful gain.read more.
but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate; attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.

It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock. nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers.read more.
be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears. and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd.

We entreat you, brethren, to respect those, who labour in the ministry, who by divine appointment preside over you, and instruct you. maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them.

Confide in your guides, and be respectful: that they who are vigilant, as being accountable for your souls, may discharge themselves with cheerfulness, and not with anxiety, which would be to your prejudice.

I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest; to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection; not to domineer over the laity, but to be examples for their imitation;

Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing.

to chuse such as are without reproach, married to but one wife, whose children are obedient, not accused of debauchery, nor unruly.

Remember those who have the rule over you, who have preach'd to you the word of God: imitate their faith; consider their conduct, and the exit they made.

as they pass'd through the cities, they recommended it to the faithful to observe the decisions, made by the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem.

Is any of you sick? let him send for the pastors of the church, to pray for him, and after giving him the unction, in the name of the Lord, the prayer that proceeds from faith, shall save the sick; the Lord will raise him up, and his sins that may have been the occasion, shall be forgiven.