13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

It is certain, if any one is desirous of the episcopal office, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of sordid gain, moderate, not quarrelsome,read more.
not covetous, governing his own family well, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if any one know not how to govern his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not one newly converted, least being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil. He ought also to have an honorable testimony from those that are without, least he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you, taking the episcopal charge of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with a ready mind: nor as lording it over the people, but being examples to the flock.read more.
And when the sovereign Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an unfading crown of glory.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order what remained, and ordain elders in every city as I directed thee: to wit, if any one be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery, 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 greedy of sordid gain:read more.
but hospitable, benevolent, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word, according as he hath been taught, that he may be able both to instruct in sound doctrine, and to convince gainsayers.

And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry,

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.read more.
Watch therefore, remembering that for the space of three years I ceased not by night and by day to warn every one with tears. And now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to the word of his grace: who is able to edify you, and to give you an inheritance among all that are sanctified.

And we entreat you, brethren, to respect those that labour among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and instruct you; and to esteem them very highly in love, on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Be ruled by those that are your guides, and submit to them: for they watch for your souls; (as those that must give an account) that they may do it with joy and not with uneasiness: for this were unprofitable for you.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you, taking the episcopal charge of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with a ready mind: nor as lording it over the people, but being examples to the flock.

Let the elders, who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those that labour in preaching and teaching.

to wit, if any one be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery, or unruly.

Remember your guides, who spake the word of God to you; whose faith imitate, considering the happy end of their conversation.

And as they passed through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees that had been made by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.