13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

This is a faithful saying, If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop therefore must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, prudent, of good behaviour, hospitable, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not desirous of filthy gain, but gentle, patient, not loving money;read more.
Ruling his own house well, having his children in subjection with all seriousness. For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? Not a new convert, left being puffed up, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. He ought also to have a good report from them that are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and likewise a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed, Feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy gain, but of a ready mind, Neither as lording over the heritage, but being examples to the flock.read more.
And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order the things which remain, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee: If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of luxury or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not passionate, not given to wine, no striker, not desirous of filthy gain:read more.
But a lover of strangers, a lover of good men, prudent, just, holy, temperate, Holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

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

Take heed therefore to yourselves and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Yea, from among yourselves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.read more.
Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, I ceased not to warn every one, night and day, with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified.

Now we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake, and be at peace among yourselves.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch over your souls, as they that must give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with groans: for that is unprofitable for you.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and likewise a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed, Feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy gain, but of a ready mind, Neither as lording over the heritage, but being examples to the flock.

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and teaching.

If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of luxury or unruly.

Remember them that had the rule over you, who spake to you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

And as they went through the cities, they gave them the decrees, which were determined by the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem to keep.

Is any among you sick? 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 the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.