4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Then he said to his disciples: The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

He said, therefore, to them: The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he send out laborers into his harvest.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that this service of mine, which is for Jerusalem, may be acceptable to the saints; that I may come to you with joy, by the will of God, and may be refreshed among you.

if you also unite in prayer for our aid, that the favor bestowed on us, through the intercession of many persons, may cause thanks to be given by many for us.

praying with all prayer and supplication, at all times, in the Spirit; and to this end being watchful in all perseverance, and supplication for all the saints: and for me, that speech may be given me, in opening my mouth with boldness, that I may make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, salutes you, and so does Marcus the nephew of Barnabas, concerning whom you received commandments; if he come to you, receive him;

Now we beseech you, brethren, to have regard for those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and that you esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: attentively consider the result of their conduct, and imitate their faith.

Truly, the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in full assurance, as you know what sort of persons we were among you for your sakes.

holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain, nor labor in vain.

Then Paul arose, and waving his hand, said: Men of Israel, and you who fear God, give audience. The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm he brought them out from it. And for about forty years, he cherished them in the wilderness. read more.
And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land among them by lot. And after that he gave them judges, for about four hundred and fifty years, till Samuel the prophet. And afterward they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom he gave this testimony: I have found David the son of Jesse a man after my own heart, who will do all my will. From the posterity of this man, God, according to his promise, raised up for Israel a Savior, Jesus; John having first preached, before his coming, the immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said: Who do you suppose that I am? I am not he; but behold, there is coming after me one, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose. Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, be cause they did not know him, nor the words of the prophets, which are read every sabbath-day, have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death, yet they demanded of Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. But God raised him. from the dead. And he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. And we preach to you good news concerning the promise made to our fathers, that God has fulfilled the same to us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. But that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: I will give you the sure mercies of David. For which reason he says also in another Psalm: Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. For David, after serving the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Be it known to you, therefore, brethren, that through this man is preached to you the remission of sins: and by him, every one that believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Take heed, therefore, lest that which is spoken in the prophets come upon you: Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish. For I work a work in your days, a work which you will not believe, though one fully declare it to you. And as they were departing from the synagogue, they were requested to speak these things to them on the next sabbath. Now, after the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them, and persuaded them to continue faithful to the grace of God.

For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet you have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

And they found in him occasion for offense. But Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honor, unless it be in his own country and in his own house.

Now there were certain prophets and teachers in the church that was at Antioch; Barnabas, and Simeon, who is called Niger, and Lucius of Gyrene, and Manaen, who was brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Are not two sparrows sold for a far thing? and yet not one of them shall fall upon the ground with out your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? yet not one of them is forgotten before God. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.

And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and grant to thy servants that they may speak thy word with all boldness,

and praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all, make known which of these two thou hast chosen, that he may be appointed to this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said: What are you willing to give me, and I will deliver him to you? And they weighed to him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought an opportunity to deliver him up.

Therefore he purchased a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Then Judas, who had delivered him up, when he saw that he was condemned, stung by remorse, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: I have sinned in having delivered up innocent blood. They replied: What is that to us? You will see to that. And he threw down the money in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

And as they were eating, he said: Verily I say to you, One of you will deliver me up. And they were very sad, and began each one of them to say to him: Lord, is it I? He answered and said: He that dips his hand with me in the dish, will deliver me up. read more.
The Son of man goes, as it is written of him; but alas for that man by whom the Son of man is delivered up! It would have been good for that man, if he had not been born. And Judas, who delivered him up, answered and said: Rabbi, is it I? He replied: You have said.

And while he was yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. He that delivered him up had given them a sign, saying: The one that I shall kiss is he; hold him fast. And immediately he came to Jesus, and said: Hail, Rabbi! and kissed him. read more.
Jesus said to him: Friend, for what purpose have you come? Then they came, and laid hands on Jesus, and held him fast.

who have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity, the dumb beast, speaking with man's voice, restrained the madness of the prophet.

A bishop, then, must be blame less, the husband of one wife, watchful, soberminded, modest, hospitable, able to teach,

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Have we not the right to lead about a sister wife, as the other apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

And when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying, and ill of a fever.

But when they set themselves in opposition, and reviled, he shook his clothing, and said to them: Your blood be upon your own head; I am clean. Henceforth I will go to the Gentiles.

And whoever will not receive you, nor hear your words, when you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. Verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be, therefore, wise as serpents, and guileless as doves. read more.
But beware of men: for they will deliver you to the councils, and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what you shall speak; for that which you shall speak shall be given you in that hour: for it is not you that speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father the child; and children will rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all men on my account: but he that endures to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee into another: for verily I say to you, You will not have made the circuit of the cities of Israel before the Son of man shall come. The disciple is not above his teacher, nor the servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his teacher; and for the servant, that he be as his master. If they call the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household? Fear them not, therefore; for there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor hidden that shall not be made known. "What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light: and what you hear in the ear, preach on the house-tops. And fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a far thing? and yet not one of them shall fall upon the ground with out your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows. "Whoever, therefore, will confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever will deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to send peace on the earth. I have not come to send peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man at variance with his father, and the daughter with her mother, and the daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law: and a man's enemies shall be those of his own household. He that loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me: and whoever does not take his cross and fol low after me, is not worthy of me. He that finds his life shall lose it; and he that loses his life for my sake, shall find it. He that receives you, receives me: and he that receives me, receives him that sent me.

For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying: Behold, the sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way: and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on stony places, where they had not much earth; and they immediately sprung up, because they had no depth of earth. read more.
But when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and choked them. Others fell upon good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundred, some fifty. some thirty.

Hear; Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and it came to pass, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth: and it immediately sprung up, because it had no depth of earth. read more.
And when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it produced no fruit. And other seed fell in the good ground, and produced fruit that grew up and increased, and produced, one thirty, one sixty, and one a hundred. And he said: He that has ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, those who were about him, with the twelve, asked him the meaning of the parable. And he said to them: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are without, all things are done in parables; that they may surely see, and not perceive; and that they may surely hear, and not understand; lest they should turn to me, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said to them: Do you not understand this parable? And how then will you understand all parables? The sower sows the word. These are they that received seed by the wayside, where the word is sown; and when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they that, in like manner, received seed in stony places: who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy: and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a time; afterward, when affliction or persecution arises on account of the word, they immediately take offense. And these are they that received seed among thorns; who hear the word, and the anxieties of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And these are they that received seed on the good ground; who hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred.

The sower went forth to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was trodden down, and the birds of the air ate it up. And some fell upon the rock; and when it had sprung up, it withered, because it had no moisture. And some fell in the midst of thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. read more.
And other seed fell into good ground, and sprung up, and produced fruit a hundred-fold. When he had said these things, he cried: He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

And those who took Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the chief priest, where the scribes and elders had come together.

You know that after two days the passover is kept, and the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified. Then the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people met together at the palace of the chief priest, who was called Caiaphas.

But Jesus remained silent. And the chief priest answered and said to him: I adjure you, by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God? Jesus said to him: You have said. Moreover, I say to you, Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty, and coming upon the clouds of heaven. Then the chief priest rent his clothes, and said: He has spoken impiously; what further need have we of witnesses? See now, you have heard his impious words:

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year, said to them: You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is profitable for us, that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish. But this he did not speak of himself; but being chief priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation;

It was Caiaphas who had given counsel to the Jews, that it was profitable that one man should die for the people.

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness.

But when Peter saw it, he answered the people: Men of Israel, why are you astonished at this? or, why do you look so earnestly on us, as if by our own power or godliness we had caused this man to walk? The God of Abra ham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus, whom you delivered up, and whom you rejected in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Just One, and demanded that a murderer should be given to you; read more.
and you slew the Author of life, whom God has raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; even the faith which is by him, has given him this entire soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I know that through ignorance you did this, as did also your rulers. But the things which God fore told by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Christ should suffer, he has thus fulfilled. Repent, therefore, and turn, in order that your sins may be blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus Christ, who was destined for you; whom heaven must retain, till the time for restoring all things that God has spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets of ancient times. For Moses said to the fathers, A prophet like me shall the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren; him shall you hear in all things that he shall say to you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul that will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. And all the prophets, from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. To you first, God, having raised up his Son Jesus, has sent him to bless you, in turning every one of you away from his iniquities.

if we are this day examined with respect unto the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he has been saved, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him does this man stand before you in health. This is the stone that was rejected with contempt by you builders, which has become the head of the corner. read more.
And there is salvation in no other; nor, indeed, is there another name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved. Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and plain men, they were astonished; and they also recognized them, that they had been with Jesus;

Bat Peter and John answering them, said: Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, judge you. For we can not but speak the things that we have seen and heard.

And having heard this, they entered the temple, early in the morning, and taught. But the chief priest, and those who were with him, came and called together the Sanhedrin, and all the eldership of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Be imitators of me, brethren, and observe those who thus walk as you have us for an example.

this we did, not because we have not authority, but that we might give ourselves to you as an example, in order that you might imitate us.

Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in behavior, in love, in spirit, in faithfulness, in purity.

neither as being lords over God's possessions, but being examples to the flock.

And to the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews: to those who are under law, as under law, (not being myself under law,) that I might gain those who are under law; to those who are without law, as without law, (not being myself without law to God, but under law to Christ,) that I might gain those who are without law: to the weak I became like one who was weak, that I might gain the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I may, by all means, save some. read more.
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may share its benefits with you.

All meats are lawful for me; but all are not profitable; all are lawful, but all do not edify.

But if any one say to you: This is sacrificed to idols; eat not, for the sake of him that pointed it out, and for conscience sake: conscience, I say, not your own, but that of the other. Why, then, is my liberty judged by the conscience of another? If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I evil spoken of on account of that for which I give thanks? read more.
Whether, therefore, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no occasion for stumbling, either to the Jews, or to the Greeks, or to the church of God; even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own good, but that of the many, in order that they may be saved.

Be it so, indeed; I did not burden you; but being crafty, I caught you by deceit.

Then little children were brought to him, that he might lay his hands on them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them.

And they brought little children to him, that he might touch them: but his disciples rebuked those who brought them.

And they brought to him infants also, that he might touch them. But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying: Send her away, for she cries after us.

But Herod the tetrarch having been reproved by him on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, and for all the wicked deeds which Herod did,

and saying: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. But the same John had his clothing of camel's hair, and a girdle of leather around his loins, and his food was locusts and wild honey. read more.
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about the Jordan, and were immersed by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his immersion, he said to them: Generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the coining wrath? Bring forth, therefore, fruit worthy of repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham for our father; for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees: therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I immerse you in water, in order to repentance; but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and in fire: whose winnowing-shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his thrashing-floor, and gather his grain into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. And Herodias was angry with him, and desired to have him killed, and was not able; for Herod feared John, because he knew him to be a just and holy man; and he kept him in safety. And having heard him, he did many things, and heard him with pleasure. read more.
And a suitable day having come, when Herod, on his birth day, made a supper for his great men, and his chief officers, and the first men of Galilee; and the daughter of this Herodias having come in, and danced, and pleased Herod and his guests, the king said to the maiden: Ask me what you will, and I will give it to you. And he swore to her: What ever you ask, I will give you, to the half of my kingdom. But she went out, and said to her mother: What shall I ask? She replied: The head of John the Immerser. And she came in immediately, with haste, to the king, and made her request, saying: I desire that you give me, at once, in a dish, the head of John the Immerser. And the king was very sad; yet, on account of his oath and his guests, he would not reject her. And the king immediately sent one of his guards, and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a dish, and gave it to the maiden; and the maiden gave it to her mother.

Therefore he said to the multitudes that came out to be immersed by him: Generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Bring forth, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance. And begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father; for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. And now also the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

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

He said to him again a second time: Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? He said to him: Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Be a shepherd to my sheep. He said to him a third time: Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep. Verily, verily I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself, and walked whither you chose; but when you have become old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you, and lead you whither you would not.

In the mean time, when myriads of the people had come together, so that they trod one upon another, he began to say to his disciples first of all: Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Alas for you, blind guides! who say, Whoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, becomes a debtor.

And Jesus said to them: Take heed and be ware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying: It is because we took no bread. And Jesus perceiving it, said to them: you of little faith! why are you reasoning among yourselves because you took no bread? read more.
Do you not yet understand, nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? How is it that you do not understand, that I did not speak of bread when I commanded you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then they understood that he did not bid them beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

so, having a strong affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives also, because you had become dear to us.

as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; both in my bonds and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, I say I have you all in my heart as being joint par takers of my grace.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering unceasingly your work, which is the result of faith, your labor, the cause of which is love, and your patience, which springs from your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of our God and Father: be cause we know, brethren beloved of God, your election.

as indeed you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father his children,

And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, to bear testimony to those things which were to be spoken afterward;

who is faithful to him that appointed him, as Moses also was faithful in all his house.

And certain men came down from Judea, and taught the brethren, saying: Unless you be circumcised, according to the custom of Moses, you can not be saved.

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy my brother, to Philemon my beloved, and our fellow-laborer,

For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

as you learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ for you,

Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and companion in labor and fellow-soldier, but your apostle, who also ministered to my want,

Do you, there fore, suffer evil, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Every one that serves as a soldier keeps himself free from the business of this life, that he may please him that has chosen him to be a soldier.

But you shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses for me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.

and we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit also, whom God has given to them that obey him.

But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness of the things which you have seen, and of those in which I will appear to you,

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

And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.

And when these days were completed, we went forth, and continued our journey, they all, with their wives and children, conducting us out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had bid each other farewell, we embarked, and they returned home.

whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to revile.

and their word will eat as a gangrene: of whom are Hyrnenaeus and Philetus,

of which I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me, in proportion to the energy of his power:

if you continue in the faith, founded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, have been made a minister.

that I may be the public servant of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, officiating as a priest with respect to the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Let each one so think of us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

but in all things we commend ourselves as the ministers of God, in much suffering, in afflictions, in distresses, in straits,

PAUL and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

JUDE, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are sanctified in God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

But do you be watchful in all things, endure evil, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.?

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

But do you, man of God, shun these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, patience, meekness.

And when it was day, he called to him his disciples; and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:

Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets: for God has avenged you on her.

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

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and a sharer in the glory that is to be revealed.

Then, fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and I took Titus also with me. And I went up because of a revelation, and communicated to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who are of reputation, lest, by any means, I should run or had run in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. read more.
I acted thus indeed on account of false brethren, stealthily brought in, who stole in to spy out our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage, to whom we yielded in submission, not even for an hour, in order that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. But from those who were supposed to be something; (what they were is a matter of no importance to me: God does not accept the person of man;) they, indeed, who were supposed to be something, communicated no additional truth to me; but; on the other hand, seeing that I was intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter was with that of the circumcision, (for he who gave efficiency to Peter, for the apostleship of the circumcision, gave efficiency to me also, as an apostle for the Gentiles,) and knowing the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, but they to the circumcision,

But when God, who chose me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Sou in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I at once declined all conference with flesh and blood: nor did I go up to Jerusalem, to those who were apostles before me; but I went away into Arabia, and then returned to Damascus. read more.
Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem, in order to become personally acquainted with Peter; and I remained with him fifteen days: but of the apostles I saw no other, but James the brother of the Lord. With respect to the things which I now write to you, behold, before God I lie not. Then, I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia: but I was not known, in person, to the churches of Judea which are in Christ. They had heard only that he who formerly persecuted us was now preaching the faith which he once destroyed. And they glorified God in me.

How, then, shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

to give which testimony I have been appointed a preacher and an apostle; (I speak the truth, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faithfulness and in truth.

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledgement of the truth, which is according to godliness;

JAMES, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes that are in the dispersion, greeting.

And he said to them: Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And Jesus said to them: Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And he immediately compelled his disciples to get into the ship, and to go before him to the opposite side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the multitude away.

And he said to them: Come yourselves privately into a desert place, and rest awhile. For there were many coming and going, and they had not leisure even to eat. And they went away, by ship, into a desert place, privately.

the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candle sticks are the seven churches.

To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write: These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, that walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candle sticks are the seven churches.

To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write: These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, that walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

And Barnabas determined to take with him John, whose surname was Mark.

There was, therefore, a sharp contention, so that they separated from each other: and Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.

and who, moreover, was chosen by the -churches as our fellow-traveler with this gift, which is to be distributed by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and as a declaration of your readiness of mind;

If it is necessary to speak of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker for you; if our brethren are spoken of, they are the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Then they that gladly received his word were immersed, and on that day there were added to them about three thou sand souls.

And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one consent in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing, violent wind, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues like fire, which distributed them selves, and sat one on each of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And a certain Jew, named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord; and, being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, knowing only the immersion of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him, and taught him the way of God more accurately. read more.
And when he wished to pass into Achaia, the brethren, exhorting him, wrote to the disciples to receive him. And when he had come, he gave much help to the believers, through the grace conferred on him. For, with great strength, he utterly confounded the Jews publicly, showing, by the Scriptures, that the Christ was Jesus.

And the multitudes with one mind gave heed to the things which were spoken by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he did.

But when they believed Philip, who preached the good news concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were immersed, both men and women.

And there was great joy in that city.

And he took them at that hour of the night, and washed the blood from their stripes; and he was immersed, himself and all his, immediately. And he brought them into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced, believing in God, with all his house.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what remains of my sufferings for Christ in my flesh for the sake of his body, which is the church, of which I was made a minister according to the commission from God, which was given to me for you, that I might fully preach the word of God,

and their word will eat as a gangrene: of whom are Hyrnenaeus and Philetus, who, as it respects the truth, have erred, saying that the resurrection has already taken place; and they overthrow the faith of some.

Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and companion in labor and fellow-soldier, but your apostle, who also ministered to my want, because he longed after you all, and was much distressed, because you had heard that he was sick. And, indeed, he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. read more.
I sent him, therefore, the sooner, that, by seeing him again, you might rejoice, and that I might be the less sorrowful. Receive him, therefore, in the Lord with all joy, and regard such as worthy of honor; because for the work of the Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, that he might supply that which was lacking in your service to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you; he always strives earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I testify for him, that he has a great zeal for you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care for you in the heart of Titus: for he accepted my exhortation, and, being more earnest, he went to you of his own accord.

If any man builds on this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, each man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall make it manifest, for it is revealed with fire: and the fire shall try each man's work, what sort it is. If any man's work abide, which he builds on this, he shall receive a reward; read more.
if any man's work be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so, as through fire.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day on which I came into Asia, how I have been with you during the whole time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; read more.
and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.

Yet, these dreamers also in like manner defile the flesh, despise government, and speak evil of dignitaries. But Michael the archangel, when, contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring a railing accusation, but said: The Lord rebuke you. But these speak evil of the things which they know not: and those things which they know naturally, as animals without reason, in these they corrupt themselves.

But the chief priest arose, and all that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation; and they laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the public prison. But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison by night, and brought them out, and said: read more.
Go, stand in the temple, and speak to the people all the words of this life. And having heard this, they entered the temple, early in the morning, and taught. But the chief priest, and those who were with him, came and called together the Sanhedrin, and all the eldership of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the attendants came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and reported, saying: "We found the prison closed with all safety, and the guards standing before the doors; but when we had opened, we found no one within. When the priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt about them, what this could mean. And some one came and reported to them: Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the attendants, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they made them stand before the Sanhedrin; and the chief priest asked them, saying: Did we not strictly charge you not to teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us. But Peter and the apostles answered and said: "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom you slew by hanging him on a tree. Him has God exalted to his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, in order to give to Israel repentance and remission of sins: and we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit also, whom God has given to them that obey him. And when they heard this, they were enraged; and they determined to put them to death. Then arose a certain man in the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people; and he commanded them to put the apostles out for a little while, and said to them: Men of Israel, consider well with yourselves what you are about to do to these men. For before these days Theudas arose, declaring himself to be some great one; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; and he was slain; and all, as many as believed him, were scattered and brought to naught. After this man, Judas the Galilean arose, in the days of the enrollment, and drew over many people after him; and he was destroyed, and all, as many as believed him, were scattered. And now I say to you, keep away from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to an end; but if it is of God, you can not bring it to an end: and take heed, lest you be found fighting also against God. And they were persuaded by him; and when they had called the apostles in and scourged them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then, they went from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were thought worthy to suffer shame for his name's sake. And daily in the temple, and from house to house, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus the Christ.

And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he apprehended Peter also. Those were the days of unleavened bread. And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four tetrads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the passover. Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church. read more.
When Herod was about to bring him out, on that night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the doors were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands. And the angel said to him: Gird your self, and bind on your sandals; and he did so. And he said to him: Throw your mantle around you, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and he knew not that what was done by the angel was real, but thought that he saw a vision. And when they had passed through the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and the angel immediately departed from him. And when Peter came to himself, he said: Now I know, in truth, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all that was expected by the Jewish people. And being aware of his condition, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark, where many had met together, and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the entrance, a maidservant, named Rhoda, came to listen. And recognizing Peter's voice, she did not open the entrance for joy, but ran in and told that Peter was standing before the entrance. And they said to her: You are mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. Then said hey: It is his angel. But Peter continued to knock; and when they had opened the door, they saw him, and were astonished. But, having made a sign to them with his hand, that they should keep silence, he made known to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, and he said: Tell this to James, and to the brethren. And he went out, and departed to another place. And when it was day, there was no little confusion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. But Herod, when he had sought for him, and found him not, examined the keepers, and commanded them to be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Cesarean, and there he remained.

And it came to pass that Peter, passing through all the places, came down also to the saints that dwelt in Lydda. And he found there a certain man named Aeneas, who was a paralytic, and had kept his bed for eight years. And Peter said to him: Aeneas, Jesus the Christ restores you to health; arise, and spread your bed for yourself. And he immediately arose; read more.
and all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him; and they turned to the Lord.

On the following day we departed, and came to Caesarea, and went into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven; and we remained with him. This man had four virgin daughters, who had the gift of prophesy. And as we remained there many days, there came down, from Judea, a certain prophet, named Agabus;

And when they had saved themselves, they then learned that the island was called Melita. And the barbarians showed us no ordinary kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the rain which was falling, and because of the cold. And when Paul had brought together a heap of brushwood, and laid it on the fire, a viper came out, by reason of the heat, and fastened itself on his hand. read more.
And when the barbarians saw the reptile hanging from his hand, they said to one an other: This man is certainly a murderer, whom, although he has saved himself from the sea, justice does not permit to live. Then he shook the reptile from him into the fire, and suffered no harm. But they were expecting that he would become inflamed and swollen, or would suddenly fall down dead; yet, after expecting it for a long time, and seeing no harm befall him, they changed their mind, and said he was a god. Among the estates about that place were those of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who took us to his house, and, for three days, entertained us kindly. And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul went in to him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and restored him to health. Therefore, after this had been clone, the rest also in the island who had dis eases, came and were cured. And they also honored us with many honors; and, when we put to sea, they supplied us with such things as we needed.

And when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying: Give me, also, this authority, that who ever I shall lay my hands on, may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him: Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God might be purchased with money. read more.
You have neither part nor share in this matter; for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent, there fore, of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the purpose of your heart may be forgiven you. For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

And having gone through the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Bar-jesus; and he was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who was a man of intelligence. This man called for Barnabas and Saul, and expressed an earnest wish to hear the word of God. But the magician Elymas (for this is his name, when translated) withstood them, desiring to turn away the proconsul from the faith. read more.
Then Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, and looking earnestly upon him, said: full of all deceit and all wickedness, child of the devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness, and he went about and sought some to lead him by the hand.

And when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying: Give me, also, this authority, that who ever I shall lay my hands on, may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him: Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God might be purchased with money. read more.
You have neither part nor share in this matter; for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent, there fore, of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the purpose of your heart may be forgiven you. For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

For if the ministering of death, by means of a covenant that was written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the sons of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses, on ac count of the glory of his face, which glory was to come to an end: how shall not the ministering of the spirit be more glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministering of righteousness surpass in glory. read more.
For that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that surpasses. For if that which was to come to an end was glorious, much more that which is to remain is glorious.

I exhorted Titus, and with him sent the brother. Did Titus overreach you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

And he came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess, who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. A good report was given of him by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. This man Paul wished to go with him: and he took him and circumcised him, on account of the Jews that were in those places: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. read more.
And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees that had been resolved on by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem, that they might keep them.

And while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to the work to which I have called them. Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

But there was a certain man, named Simon, who had, be fore this time, been practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, saying that he was some great one; to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the great power of God. And they gave heed to him because he had, for a long time, astonished them with his magic arts.

Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves so as to be like the ministers of righteousness; of such, the end shall be according to their works.

in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in teaching, showing incorruptness, gravity, sound speech that can not be condemned; that he that is opposed may be ashamed, seeing he has no evil thing to say of us.

Then Judas, who had delivered him up, when he saw that he was condemned, stung by remorse, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: I have sinned in having delivered up innocent blood. They replied: What is that to us? You will see to that. And he threw down the money in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. read more.
And the chief priests took the money, and said: It is not lawful to put it into the sacred treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with it the potter's field, as a burial-place for foreigners.

So, having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he remained for a time in Asia.

We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same things in word.

But Paul chose Silas, and departed, having been commended to the grace of God by the brethren.

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him, and taught him the way of God more accurately.

And the speech pleased the whole multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you according to prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

As each has received a gift, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

and the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but gentle toward all men, able to teach, patient under evils,

And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look upon it. And one of the elders said to me: Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has the power to open the book and its seven seals.

If it is necessary to speak of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker for you; if our brethren are spoken of, they are the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Therefore, we act as ambassadors for Christ, as though God entreated through us; we beseech in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God:

He was the burning and shining lamp; and you were willing, for a time, to rejoice in his light.

Take, my brethren, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering evil, and of patience.

Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

And he departed thence, and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, who worshiped God, and whose house joined the synagogue.

and because he was of the same trade, he made his home with them, and worked: for by trade they were tent-makers.

And it came to pass, that he remained many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.

Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

And they gave in their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias: and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

who has made us able ministers of the new covenant, not of letter, but. of spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit makes alive.

I wrote to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.

Let each one so think of us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For the bishop must be blame less, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not passionate, not fond of wine, not quarrelsome, not one who makes money by base means;

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants, for Jesus sake.

All that relates to me, Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord, will make known to you.

and we sent Timothy our brother and minister of God in the gospel of the Christ, in order that he might strengthen and comfort you with respect to your faith,

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledgement of the truth, which is according to godliness;

as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; both in my bonds and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, I say I have you all in my heart as being joint par takers of my grace.

and if he spared not the old world, but brought a flood on the world of the ungodly, and saved Noah, the eighth person, who was a preacher of righteousness;

And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out, two and two, and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

even as they were delivered to us by those who were, from the beginning, eye-witnesses and. ministers of the word;

As co-workers with him, we beseech you, that you receive not the grace of God in vain: