4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Then He says to His disciples, The harvest truly is great and the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that he may send forth laborers into His harvest.

And He said to them, The harvest is indeed great, but the laborers are few: therefore pray you the Lord of the harvest, that He may send forth laborers into His harvest.

But I exhort you, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you cooperate with me in your prayers to God in my behalf; in order that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and my ministry may be acceptable to the saints in Jerusalem; in order that having come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest.

you also cooperating in our behalf in prayer; in order that, the gift which is bestowed upon us from many persons, may through many be a source of thanks given in our behalf.

praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit in every place, and watching unto this same thing in all perseverance and prayer for all the saints, and for me that the word may be given unto me in opening of my mouth, boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chain; in order that in it I may preach boldly, as it behooves me to speak.

Aristarchus my fellow-soldier salutes you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas concerning whom you received commandments; if he may come to you, receive him;

But we intreat you, brethren, to know those who are laboring among you, and standing before you in the Lord, and admonishing you; and that you yourselves esteem them exceedingly in divine love for the sake of their work. Live in peace among yourselves.

Remember your leaders, who spoke to you the word of God: the outgoing of whose deportment seeing, imitate their faith.

For indeed the signs of the apostleship are wrought in me in all patience, in miracles and in wonders and in dynamites.

because our gospel came not unto you in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what sort we were among you for your sakes.

having the word of life; unto my boasting in the day of Christ, because I did not run in vain, neither did I labor in vain.

And Paul, rising up, and beckoning with his hand said; Israelitish men, and those fearing God, hear. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with a strong arm led them out of it; and when he supported them about the time of forty years in the wilderness, read more.
and having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them the inheritance of the land about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things he gave them judges, till Samuel the prophet. And then they asked for a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years; and having deposed him, he raised up to them David for a king; to whom witnessing he also said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who will do all my wishes. From whose seed according to the promise he led forth Jesus, the Savior, to Israel: and John having preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel, before the face of his coming. And when John fulfilled his course, he said, What do you consider me to be? I am not he: but, behold, there comes one after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose. Men, brethren, sons of the race of Abraham, and those among you fearing God, unto us the word of this salvation was sent. For those dwelling in Jerusalem, and the rulers, having rejected him, condemning him, have fulfilled the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath; and having found no cause of death, asked Pilate that he should be executed; and when they perfected all the things which had been written concerning him, taking him down from the cross, placed him in a sepulchre. And God raised him from the dead; who appeared to those coming up with him to Jerusalem from Galilee many days, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we preach unto you the promise, which was made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this unto our children, raising up Jesus, as in the second Psalm it has been written, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And because he raised him up from the dead, no longer about to return to corruption, He has thus said, I will give unto you the faithful mercies of David. Therefore He also says in another place, Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. For David, indeed having served his own generation according to the will of God, went to sleep, and did see corruption: but he, whom God raised up, did not see corruption. Then let it be known unto you, men brethren, that through this one remission of sins is preached: and in him every one believing is justified from all things from which ye were not able to be justified by the law of Moses. Then beware, lest the word which has been spoken by the prophets may come upon you; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and vanish away: because I work a work in your days, a work which you may not believe, though one may proclaim it to you. And they going out, they continued to entreat them that these words should be spoken to them on the next Sabbath. And the synagogue having been adjourned, many of the Jews and pious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking with them, continued to persuade them to abide in the grace of God.

For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

And they were offended in Him. And Jesus said to them; A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.

And there were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch; Barnabas, and Symeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manahem, the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and one of them will not fall to the ground without your Father. But the hairs of your head are all numbered. Then fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? and one of them is not forgotten before God. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are more important than many sparrows.

Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word,

And praying they said, Thou, O Lord, Heart-searcher of all, show up the one of these two, whom thou hast chosen to receive the place of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas departed to go into his own place.

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, going to the chief priests, said, What do you wish to give me, and I will deliver Him to you? And they offered him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he was seeking opportunity that he might betray Him.

Then indeed he purchased a field by the reward of iniquity, and falling headlong, burst asunder in the middle, and all his bowels burst out;

Then Judas, the one having betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, being seized with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I sinned betraying the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to it. And throwing down the money in the temple, he departed; and having gone away hung himself.

And they eating, He said; Truly, I say unto you, that one of you will betray me. And they being exceedingly sorrowful, began each one of them to say to Him, Lord, whether am I the one? And responding He said, The one dipping his hand in the dish with me, the same shall betray me. read more.
Indeed the Son of man goeth, as has been written concerning Him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It was good for him if that man had never been born. But Judas, the one betraying Him, responding said, Master, whether am I the one? He says to him, Thou hast said it.

And He still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. And the one having betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, The one whom I shall kiss, is He: hold Him fast. And immediately coming forward to Jesus, he said, Hail, Master; and kissed Him copiously. read more.
And Jesus said to him, Comrade, unto what do you come? Then having come forward they laid hands on Him, and bound Him.

leaving the straight way, they have wandered off, following in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the reward of iniquity; and had the conviction of his own conscience: the dumb workbeast having spoken with the voice of a man, rebuked the madness of the prophet.

Therefore it behooves the bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, modest, prudent, orderly, hospitable, competent to teach,

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

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

And Jesus having come into the house of Peter, saw his mother-in-law prostrated and burning with fever.

And they opposing, and blaspheming, shaking his garments, he said to them, Your blood be upon your own head; I am pure: from now I will go to the Gentiles.

And whosoever may not receive you, nor hear your words, going out from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Truly I say unto you, It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. Behold, I send you forth like sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. read more.
Beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the sanhedrins, and will beat you in their synagogues; and they will lead you before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony unto them and the Gentiles. And when they may deliver you, be not solicitous how or what you may speak: for it will be given unto you in that hour what you may say. For you are not those speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking in you. And brother will deliver brother unto death, and the father the child: and children will rise up against parents, and put them to death. And you will be hated by all on account of my name: but he that persevereth unto the end, the same shall be saved. And when they may persecute you in this city, fly to another: for truly I say unto you, You may not complete the cities of Israel, until the Son of man may come. The disciple is not above his teacher, nor the servant above his lord. It is sufficient for the disciple that he may be as his teacher, and the servant, as his lord: if they call the landlord Beelzebul, how much more the inmates of his house? Therefore fear them not; for there is nothing hidden, that shall not be revealed; nothing secret, that shall not be known. What I say unto you in the darkness, speak ye in the light: and whatsoever you hear in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Be not afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but fear ye, rather him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and one of them will not fall to the ground without your Father. But the hairs of your head are all numbered. Then fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore every one who shall confess me before the people, I will also confess him before my Father, who is in the heavens. But whosoever may deny me before the people, I will also deny him before my Father who is in the heavens. Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I came to divide a man against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: and the enemies of a man will be the inmates of his own house. He that loveth father and mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whosoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. The one having found his soul shall lose it; and the one losing his soul for my sake shall find it. The one receiving you will receive me, and the one receiving me will receive Him that sent me.

Therefore I witness to you this clay, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I did not shrink to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, Behold a sower went out to sow. And while he was sowing, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and ate them up. And others fell among stones, where they had not much earth: and sprang up immediately, because they had no depth of earth: read more.
and the sun having risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. But others fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell in good ground, and gave fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty.

Hear: Behold, a sower went out to sow: and it came to pass while he was sowing, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured it. And other fell upon stones, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: read more.
and when the sun arose, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And other fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up, and choked it, and it gave no fruit. And other fell in good ground, and springing up and growing, gave fruit, and produced, one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred. And He said, Let the one having ears to hear, hear. And when they were alone, and those around Him along with the twelve asked Him the parable. And He said to them, To you it has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them who are without, all things are in parables: in order that seeing they may see, and not know; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest they may turn, and their sins may he forgiven unto them. And He says to them, Do you not understand this parable? and how will you know all parables? The sower sows the word. And those who are by the way-side, where the word is sown; and when they hear it, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which was sown in their hearts. And those who are sowed upon the rocks are likewise, those who, when they may hear the word, immediately with joy receive it. And they have no root in themselves, but are temporary; then tribulation or persecution arising on account of the word, they are immediately offended: and others are those who are sown among the thorns; they are those hearing the word, and the cares of the age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and desires concerning other things coming into them, choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And these are they who are sown on good ground; whosoever hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred.

A sower went out to sow his seed. And while he was sowing, some fell by the way, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And other fell on the rock; and springing up, withered away, because it had no moisture. And other fell in the midst of thorns, and the thorns growing together, choked it out. read more.
And other fell into good ground, and springing up, produced fruit, a hundredfold. Speaking these things, He cried out, Let the one having ears to hear, hear.

Taking Jesus they led Him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the chief priests and elders were assembled together.

You know that after two days is the passover, and the Son of man is delivered to be crucified. Then the chief priests, and scribes, and elders of the people, were assembled in the hall of the high priest, called Caiaphas.

And Jesus was silent; and the high priest responding said to Him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us if thou art the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus says to him, Thou didst say it. Moreover I say unto you, that, Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest tore his robes, saying, He blasphemed: why have we yet need of witnesses? behold, now you heard His blasphemy:

But one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, You know nothing, you do not consider that it is profitable to you, that one man may die for the people, and the whole nation perish not. And he spoke this not of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation.

And Caiaphas was the one counseling the Jews, that it is profitable that one man die for the people.

And they praying, the place in which they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

And Peter seeing them, responded to the people; Israelitish men, why are you astonished at this, or why do you look upon us as having by our own power or holiness, made this man to walk about? The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Child, Jesus, who you indeed delivered up and denied before the face of Pilate having decided to release Him. And you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and ask that a man who was a murderer should be delivered unto you, read more.
and you slew the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, whose witnesses we are. And through the faith of his name, his name hath made sound this one who you see and know, and through him faith has given unto him this soundness, in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I know that you did it through ignorance, as did your rulers also; and those things which God proclaimed through the mouth of all the prophets that his Christ should suffer, he hath thus fulfilled. Repent, therefore, and turn, that your sins may be blotted out, in order that seasons of soul-renewing may come from the presence of the Lord, and he may send forth Jesus, who has been preached unto you as the Christ, whom it behooves heaven indeed to receive until the times of the restitution of all things which God spoke through the mouth of all his prophets from the beginning. Moses indeed said; The Lord our God will raise up to you from your brethren a prophet like unto me; Him you will hear concerning all things so many as he may speak to you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul whosoever will not hear that prophet, shall be cut off from the people. And indeed all the prophets from Samuel and consecutively, so many as spoke, also proclaimed these days. Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, In thy seed shall the families of the earth be truly blessed. To you God, having first raised up his Son, sent him blessing you, in turning each one from your sins.

if we are this day judged for the benefaction of the impotent man, by whom he has been saved, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, through him this man now stands sound in your presence. This is the stone rejected by your builders, which has become the head of the corner. read more.
And there is salvation in no other; for there is no other name given under heaven among men by which it behooveth us to he saved. And seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and apprehending that they are unlearned and ignorant men, they continued to be astonished, and recognized them, that they were with Jesus;

And Peter and John responding said to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than God, judge ye; for we are not able not to speak those things which we have seen and heard.

And hearing, they came into the temple at daydawn, and were teaching. And the high priest coming and those with him, called together the sanhedrim and all the eldership of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them.

Be ye my imitators, brethren, and mark those thus walking about as you have us an example.

not because we have not the right, but in order that we may give ourselves an example to you, that you may imitate us.

Let no one look with contempt upon your youth; but be you an example of the faithful, in word, in deportment, in divine love, in faith, in purity.

Not as domineering over the heritages, but having become examples of the flock:

And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I may gain the Jews; to those under the law, as under the law, not myself being under law, that I may gain those under the law; to those without law, I became as without law, not being without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, that I may gain those without law. To the weak I became as weak, that I may gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I may indeed save some. read more.
But I do all these things for the sake of the gospel, that I may be its fellow-partaker.

All things are lawful; but all things are not profitable. All things are lawful; but all things do not edify.

But if any one may say to you; This is offered to an idol, eat not, on account of him who gave the information, and his conscience. But I say the conscience not of himself, but of the other one. For why is my liberty judged by the conscience of another? If I partake with grace, why am I traduced for that over which I give thanks? read more.
Then whether you eat, or whether you drink, or what you do, do all things to the glory of God. Be ye without offence, both to Jews, and to Greeks, and to the church of God: as I also please all in all things, seeking not my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved.

But let it he so, I did not burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Then little children were brought to Him, that He might put His hands on them, and pray. And the disciples rebuked them.

And they continued to bring little children to Him, that He should touch them: but the disciples rebuked those bringing them.

And they were indeed bringing the infants to Him, that He should touch them: but the disciples seeing rebuked them.

And He responded to her not a word; and His disciples, having come to Him, asked Him, saying, Send her away; because she cries after us.

And Herod the tetrarch, being convicted by him concerning Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, and concerning the wickedness which Herod did,

saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of the heavens is at hand. This is the one, who is spoken of by Isaiah the prophet saying, The voice of one roaring in the wilderness; Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight His paths. And the same John had his raiment from camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. read more.
Then Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region about the Jordan, were coming out to him, and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them; O generations of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance; and think not to say among yourselves; We have Abraham, our father; for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. But already the ax is laid to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but there is One coming after me more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire. Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purify His threshing-floor, and gather His wheat into the garner, and will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have the wife of thy brother. And Herodias hated him, and wished to kill him; and was not able; for Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and he continued to hold him in prison: and hearing him, he continued to do many things, and he was hearing him gladly. read more.
And it being a high day, when Herod on his birthday made a feast to his mighty men, and chiliarchs, and the first men of Galilee; and the daughter of Herodias herself, having come in and danced, and pleased Herod and those sitting with him; the king said to the damsel. Ask what you may wish, and I will give it to you. And he promised her, I will give you whatsoever you may ask, even unto the half of my kingdom. And having gone out, she said to her mother, What shall I ask And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she having come in to the king, immediately with haste asked him, saying; I wish, that you may give to me immediately, the head of John the Baptist in a charger. And the king being grieved exceedingly; on account of his oaths, and those sitting with him, was not willing to reject her. And the king immediately sending forth a soldier of his guard, commanded that his head should be brought. And having departed, he beheaded him in prison: and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.

Then he said unto the multitudes coming out to be baptized by him; O generations of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say among yourselves; We have Abraham our father. But truly the ax is laid to the root of the trees; Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

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

Again He says to him a second time, Simon, the son of Jonah, do you love me with divine love? He says to Him; Thou knowest that I love thee as a friend. He says to him; Shepherdize my sheeplings. He says to him a third time; Simon, the son of Jonah, do you love me as a friend? Peter was grieved, because He said to him the third time, Do you love me as a friend? And he says to Him, Lord, thou knowest all things; and thou dost understand that I love thee as a friend. He says to Him, Feed my sheeplings. Truly, truly, I say unto you, When you were young, you girded yourself, and walked about where you wished: but when you get old, you will reach forth your hands, and another will lead you, where you do not wish.

In the meantime, myriads of the multitude having gathered together, So that they trode on one another, He began to speak to His disciples first; Take heed unto yourselves from the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Woe unto you, blind guides, who are saying, Whosoever may swear by the temple it is nothing; but whosoever may swear by the gold of the temple, he is debtor.

And Jesus said to them; See and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And they were reasoning among themselves, saying, That it is because we did not take bread. And Jesus knowing said to them, Why do you reason among yourselves, O ye of little faith, because you did not take bread? read more.
Do you not yet understand? do you not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? How do you not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread, to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of the (bread) of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

being so desirous of you, that we are anxious not only to give the gospel of God, but our own souls, because you are beloved unto us.

as it is righteous for me to think in behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, that you are all my fellow-partakers of the grace.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention in our prayers; incessantly remembering your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before God even our Father; knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election,

as you know, exhorting each one of you, as a father of his own children, and comforting you,

And Moses was indeed faithful in all his house as a servant, unto the testimony of those things which shall be spoken;

being faithful to him who appointed him, as indeed Moses in all his house.

And certain ones having come down from Judea were teaching the brethren that, Unless you may be circumcised, according to the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved.

therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that he may send forth laborers into His harvest.

Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, to Philemon the beloved also our fellow-laborer,

Therefore I witness to you this clay, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I did not shrink to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf,

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, and apostle and the minister of my necessity;

Suffer affliction, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one operating as a soldier is entangled with the affairs of life; in order that he may please his commander.

But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost having come upon you, and shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and into the extremity of the earth.

And we are witnesses of these words, and the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to those who obey him.

But rise up, and stand upon thy feet: for unto this have I appeared unto thee, to make thee a minister and a martyr both of those things which thou hast seen, and of which I will appear unto thee;

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

And the weeping of all was great, and falling on the neck of Paul, they continued to kiss him copiously, being especially grieved at the word which he had spoken, that they were about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

and their word like gangrene will have eating. Of whom are Hymenaeus and Phyletus;

if you abide in the faith, having been grounded and firm, and not moved from the hope of the gospel which you have heard, having been preached in all creation which is under heaven; whose minister I Paul became.

that I should be the minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles may be well received, having been sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

So let a man consider us, as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

but in everything commending ourselves, as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in straits, in difficulties,

Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to the called beloved in God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ.

But be thou sober in all things, suffer affliction, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

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

But you, O man of God, fly from these things; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, divine love, patience, meekness.

And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him: and having chosen twelve from them, whom He also named apostles;

Rejoice over her, O heaven, and the saints, and the apostles, and the prophets; because God has judged your judgment from her.

Let the elders who stand before the people beautifully, be considered worthy of double remuneration, especially those laboring in the word and teaching.

Therefore I, being a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, also a communicant of the glory which is about to be revealed, exhort the elders who are among you:

Then after fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking also Titus with me; but I went up according to revelation; and I presented to them the gospel which I am preaching among the Gentiles, but privately to the prominent ones, lest perhaps I am running, or did run, in vain. But neither was Titus the one with me, being a Greek, compelled to be circumcised: read more.
but on account of the false brethren having crept in, who came in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order that they shall bring us into bondage: to whom I rendered not submission for an hour; in order that the truth of the gospel may abide with you. But of those seeming to be something what they were at that time makes no difference to me: God does not receive the face of man: for those seeming to me to be prominent added nothing extra: but on the contrary, seeing that I am intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, like Peter of the circumcision, for the one having wrought with Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision also wrought with me unto the Gentiles: and having known the grace of God which was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, who seem to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision;

When the one having separated me, from the womb of my mother, and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. read more.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days; but I saw no other of the apostles, except James the brother of the Lord. Which things moreover I write unto you, behold, before God, that I lie not. Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. But I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which are in Christ. But they were only hearing that The one persecuting us at one time is now preaching the faith which he was once desolating; and they continued to glorify God in me.

Then how can they call on him on whom they have not believed? and how can they believe on him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

in which I have been placed a herald and an apostle I speak the truth, I lie not, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and in truth.

Paul, the servant of God, and apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God, and the perfect knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

James, the servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are in the Dispersion, greeting.

And He says to them, Follow after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

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

And immediately He constrained His disciples to embark into the ship, and go before Him to the other side to Bethsaida, until He shall send away the multitude.

And He said to them, Come ye privately into a desert place, and rest a little while. For many were coming and going, neither had they leisure even to eat. And they came away into a desert place privately in a ship.

and 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 golden candlesticks are the seven churches.

To the angel who is in the church at Ephesus write; The one holding the seven stars in his right hand, the one walking about in the midst of the golden candlesticks, says these things;

and 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 golden candlesticks are the seven churches.

To the angel who is in the church at Ephesus write; The one holding the seven stars in his right hand, the one walking about in the midst of the golden candlesticks, says these things;

But Barnabas advised to take with them John, also called Mark.

But there was a paroxysm, so that they parted from one another, and Barnabas, taking Mark, sailed away into Cyprus.

not only so, but having been elected by the churches our traveling companion with this philanthropy, administered by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and your promptitude:

Whether in behalf of Titus, my companion and fellow-laborer towards you; or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Then indeed having received his word they were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added unto them;

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all of one accord in the same place. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a mighty, rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them; read more.
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came into Ephesus, being mighty in the scriptures. And he was instructed in the way of the Lord, and zealous in spirit, was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John; and he began to preach boldly in the synagogue. But Priscilla and Aquila, having heard him, took him to themselves, and expounded unto him the way of the Lord more perfectly. read more.
And he wishing to go into Achaia, the brethren having sent him forth wrote to the disciples to receive him. Who, being present, conferred much on those having believed through grace. For he vehemently argued down the Jews, publicly, showing through the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

And the multitudes were unanimously giving heed to the things spoken by Philip, while they were hearing and seeing the miracles which he was performing.

But when they believed Philip preaching the gospel concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

and there was great joy in that city.

And taking them that hour of the night, he washed the blood from their stripes; and he and his were baptized immediately: and leading them into his house, he set a table by them, and rejoiced throughout his house, having believed in God.

Now I rejoice in sufferings in your behalf, and am filling up the residue of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh in behalf of his body, which is the church; whose minister I became, according to the economy of God which was given to me unto you, to fulfill the word of God,

and their word like gangrene will have eating. Of whom are Hymenaeus and Phyletus; who have made shipwreck concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already come, and they overturn the faith of some.

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, and apostle and the minister of my necessity; since he was longing after you all, and grieving, because you heard that he was sick. For he was indeed nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not only him, but me also, in order that I may not have sorrow upon sorrow. read more.
Therefore I the more diligently, in order that, seeing him, you may rejoice again, and I may not be without sorrow. Then receive him in the Lord with all joy, and have such in honor: because he was nigh unto death on account of the work of Christ, having jeoparded his life, in order that he might fulfill your deficiency of ministry towards me.

Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you. For I testify to him, that he always has much solicitude for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those who are in Hierapolis.

But thanks be unto God, who gives this same enthusiasm in your behalf in the heart of Titus; because he indeed accepted our exhortation; and being the more enthusiastic, came unto you of his own accord.

But if any one builds upon the foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; the work of each will be made manifest: for the day will reveal it, because it is revealed by fire; and the same fire will try the work of each what soil it is. And if the work of any one which he builds, abides, he will receive a reward: read more.
But if the work of any one shall be burnt up, he shall suffer loss; but himself shall be saved, but as through the fire.

And having sent from Miletus into Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them, You know, that from the first day from which I came unto Asia, how I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all humility, and tears, and temptations, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews: read more.
how I omitted nothing of those things which are profitable, that I should not declare unto you and teach you publicly and from house to house, witnessing both to Jews, and to Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go to Jerusalem bound in spirit, not knowing the things which shall come upon me in it: except that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesses to me, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. But I consider my life worthy of no consideration to myself, so as to finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I came preaching the gospel of the kingdom, shall see my face no more. Therefore I witness to you this clay, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I did not shrink to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, and all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has placed you shepherds, to shepherdise the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know, that after my departure grievous wolves will rise up against you, not sparing the flock; and men from you yourselves will rise up, speaking perverse things, in order to lead away disciples after them. Watch therefore, remembering, that three years night and day I ceased not admonishing you with tears. And now I commend you to God and the word of His grace, who is able to edify you, and give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have not sought the silver, or gold, or raiment of any one; you yourselves know, that these hands did minister to my necessities, and those along with me. I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. And having said these things, putting down his knees along with them all, he prayed. And the weeping of all was great, and falling on the neck of Paul, they continued to kiss him copiously, being especially grieved at the word which he had spoken, that they were about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Likewise indeed these dreamers also pollute the flesh, and reject lordship, and blaspheme glories. But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed over the body of Moses, did not dare to bring against him a judgment of blasphemy, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these blaspheme so many things as they know not: and so many things as they understand naturally, like irrational animals, in these they are corrupted.

And the high priest and all those being with him, being the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with rage, and laid hands on the apostles, and placed them in the public prison. And the angel of the Lord, having opened the doors of the prison during the night, and leading them out said, read more.
Go, and standing in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. And hearing, they came into the temple at daydawn, and were teaching. And the high priest coming and those with him, called together the sanhedrim and all the eldership of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them. And the officers arriving found them not in the prison; and having returned, reported, saying; We found the prison closed with all safety, and the guards standing at the doors, and having opened, we found no one within. And when the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were at a loss concerning them, what this might be. And a certain one coming announced to them, Behold, the men whom you placed in the prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people. Then the captain along with the officers, having gone away, led them, not with violence, for they feared the people lest they might be stoned. And leading them, they placed them in the council, and the chief priests asked them, saying, With commandment we commanded you not to teach in this name; and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching; and you are determined to bring upon us the blood of this man. But Peter and the apostles responding said, It behooves us to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you have slain, hanging him on the wood; Him hath God exalted at His own right hand, a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. And we are witnesses of these words, and the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to those who obey him. And hearing, they were cut through and were minded to kill them. But a certain Pharisee, Gamaliel by name, a teacher of the law, honorable to all the people, rising in the sanhedrim command them to put the men out for a short time, and he said to them; Israelitish men, take heed to yourselves in reference to these men what you are about to do. For before these days Theudas arose, saying that he was somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, adhered, who were slain, and all, so many as confided in him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose, in the days of the enrollment, and led the people after him; he also perished, and all, so many as confided in him, were scattered abroad. And I now say this to you: Stand aloof from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God, you will not be able to destroy them, lest perchance you may also be found fighting against God. And they obeyed him, and having called the apostles, beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and sent them away. Then they departed from the face of the sanhedrim, rejoicing indeed, because they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of his name. And all day in the temple, and from house to house, they ceased not teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And seeing that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also: and those were the days of the unleavened bread: whom having seized, he also put in prison, having committed him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; wishing to bring him out to the people after the passover. Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church. read more.
But when Herod was about to lead him forth, and Peter was sleeping that night between two soldiers, and bound with two chains; and the guards were keeping guard before the door. And, behold, the angel of the Lord stood over him, and a light shone in the house; and having touched the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying; Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he thus did. And he says to him, Throw thy cloak about thee, and follow me. And having come out, he was following; and did not know that it is true which was done by the angel; but he was thinking that he saw a vision. And having come through the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and having come out, they came on to the first street; and the angel immediately departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know truly, that the Lord sent his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, out of all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And recognizing his whereabouts, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, called Mark; where many were assembled and praying. And he knocking at the door of the gate, a damsel, by name Rhoda, came to hearken: and recognizing the voice of Peter, from joy did not open the gate, but running in, she proclaimed that Peter stands before the gate. And they said to her, You are gone mad; but she persisted that it was so. And they said, It is his angel. But Peter remained knocking: and having opened, they saw him, and were astonished. And he, beckoning to them with his hand to keep silent, related how the Lord led him out from the prison: and said, Proclaim these things to James, and the brethren. And having gone out, he departed into another place. And it being day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to where Peter then was. And Herod having sought him, and found him not, condemning the guards, commanded that they should be put to death; and having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he tarried.

And it came to pass, that Peter going through all parts, came down also to the saints living at Lydda. And he found there a certain man, by name Eneas, lying on a bed eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, Eneas, Jesus Christ heals thee: arise, and take up thy bed: and immediately he arose. read more.
And all those dwelling at Lydda and Sharon, whosoever saw him, turned to the Lord.

And having been saved, we recognized that the island is called Melita. And the barbarians extended no small philanthropy to us: for, having kindled a fire, they received us all to it, on account of the recent rain and cold. And Paul having gathered up a certain bundle of sticks, and placed it on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand. read more.
But when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, justice did not permit to live. Then indeed, having shaken off the beast into the fire, he suffered no injury: and they were looking for him to be about to swell up and suddenly fall down dead. But having looked a long time, and seeing nothing out of place come to him, changing their minds, they said that he was a god. But in the regions around about that place there were farms belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius: who, having received us, entertained us courteously three days. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him. And this taking place, the rest also, on the island having diseases, continued to come to him, and be healed; who also honored us with many honors; and conferred on us, departing, those things appertaining to use.

But Simon seeing that by the laying on of the hands of the apostles the Spirit was given, offered them money, saying, Give me this power, that on whomsoever I may lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. And Peter said to him, Thy silver be unto destruction with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money. read more.
There is neither part nor lot to thee in this word: for thy heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perchance the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee; for I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.

And having gone through the whole island to Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a Jewish false prophet, to whom was the name of Bar-Jesus: who was with Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, an intelligent man. He, having called Barnabas and Saul, sought to hear the word of God; but Elymas the magician (for thus his name is interpreted) opposed them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. read more.
And Saul, (who is also Paul), being filled with the Holy Ghost, fixing his eyes on him, said, O thou full of all guile and rascality, thou son of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease perverting the right ways of God? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a time. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness; and going about he was seeking people to lead him by the hand.

But Simon seeing that by the laying on of the hands of the apostles the Spirit was given, offered them money, saying, Give me this power, that on whomsoever I may lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. And Peter said to him, Thy silver be unto destruction with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money. read more.
There is neither part nor lot to thee in this word: for thy heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perchance the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee; for I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.

But if the ministry of death, having been written in letters of stone, was in glory, so that the sons of Israel were not able to look upon the face of Moses on account of the glory of his countenance; which was destined to be done away: how will not the ministry of the spirit be more in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. read more.
For indeed that which was glorious, has ceased to be glorious in this respect on account of the transcendent glory. For if that which was to be done away was through glory, much more is that which abides in glory.

I called Titus, and sent the brother along with him: whether did Titus defraud you? did we not walk by the same Spirit? did we not in the same tracks?

And he arrived into Derbe and Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, by name Timothy, the son of a faithful Jewish woman, and a Greek father, who was of good report by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wished him to go out with him; and having taken him circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father that he was a Greek. read more.
And while they were traveling through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees which were adjudicated by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, to keep.

And they ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Now separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then they having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, sent them away.

And a certain man, by name Simon, was formerly practicing magic in the city, and bewitching the nation of Samaria, saying that himself was some great man: to whom all from small even unto the great gave heed, saying, This one is the power of God, called Great. And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had deceived them with his magic arts.

Then it is no great wonder if his ministers are transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose, end shall be according to their works.

concerning all things exhibiting yourself an example of good works; in teaching; purity, gravity, the sound word, irrefutable, in order that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us.

Then Judas, the one having betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, being seized with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I sinned betraying the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to it. And throwing down the money in the temple, he departed; and having gone away hung himself. read more.
And the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, It is not lawful to put them in the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And taking counsel, they purchased with them the field of the potter, for a burying place for strangers.

And having sent two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, himself spent the time in Asia.

Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, themselves also proclaiming the same things by speech.

And Paul, having chosen Silas, went out, committed to the grace of the Lord by the brethren;

and he began to preach boldly in the synagogue. But Priscilla and Aquila, having heard him, took him to themselves, and expounded unto him the way of the Lord more perfectly.

And the word was pleasing before all the multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, the Antiochian proselyte, whom they placed before the apostles, and having prayed, they placed their hands on them.

Do not neglect the gift which is in you, which was given unto you through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

as each one received the gift of grace, ministering the same to one another, as the good stewards of the manifold grace of God:

But it does not behoove the servant of the Lord to strive, but to be gentle toward all, competent to teach, enduring evil,

And I was weeping much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look into it. And one of the elders says to me; Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered to open the book, and the seven seals.

Whether in behalf of Titus, my companion and fellow-laborer towards you; or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Therefore we are embassadors in behalf of Christ, as God is intreating you through us; we pray you in behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

He was a bright and shining light: and you were willing to rejoice for an hour in that light.

Brethren, receive the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of suffering evil and longsuffering.

Take heed to yourselves, and all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has placed you shepherds, to shepherdise the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.

And having departed thence, he came into the house of a certain Titus, Justus by name, worshiping God, whose house is joined to the synagogue.

and because they were of the same craft, abode with them, and they labored: for they were tentmakers by trade.

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

Then they having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, sent them away.

And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

who also rendered us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit creates life.

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, loving the preeminence over them, does not receive us.

So let a man consider us, as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For it behooves the bishop to be blameless, as the steward of God; not audacious, not irascible, not given to wine, not a controvertist, not fond of filthy lucre;

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

Tychicus, my beloved brother, and faithful minister and fellow-laborer in the Lord, will make known to you all things which appertain to me:

and we sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God in the gospel of Christ, in order to establish you, and exhort you concerning your faith;

Paul, the servant of God, and apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God, and the perfect knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

as it is righteous for me to think in behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, that you are all my fellow-partakers of the grace.

and spared not the old world, but delivered Noah the eighth person, the preacher of righteousness, brings the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

And He calls the twelve to Him, and began to send them out two by two; and He gave them authority over unclean spirits.

as those being eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word have delivered unto us;

But working together we indeed intreat you not to have received the grace of God in vain: