4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Then He saith to His disciples, "The harvest, indeed, is abundant, but the laborers few; pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest.

And He said to them, "The harvest, indeed, is great, but the laborers few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He urge forth laborers into His harvest.

And I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from the unbelieving in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; that, coming to you in joy through the will of God, I may with you be refreshed.

ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the mercy bestowed upon us by means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

with all prayer and supplication praying at every opportunity in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; and on my behalf that utterance may be given to me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, salutes you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom ye received commandments (if he come to you, receive him),

And we beseech you, brethren, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Remember those who are your leaders, who spake to you the word of God; and, considering the issue of whose manner of life, imitate their faith.

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought out among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.

because our Gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we became toward you, for your sake.

holding forth the word of life, for an occasion of glorying to me at the day of Christ, that I ran not in vain, neither labored in vain.

And Paul, standing up, and beckoning with his hand, said, "Men of Israel, and ye who fear God, hearken! The God of this people Israel chose our fathers; and He exalted the people in their sojourn in the land of Egypt; and, with a high arm, He led them forth out of it. And for about the time of forty years He bore them as a nursing father in the wilderness. read more.
And, having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed by lot their land to them for about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things He gave them judges, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul, a son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years; and, having removed him, He raised up for them David to be their king; to whom bearing testimony, He said, 'I found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.' From the seed of this one, God, according to promise, brought to 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 fulfilling his course, he said, 'What do ye suppose me to be? I am not He. But, behold, there cometh One after me, the sandals of Whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.' Brethren, sons of Abraham's race, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation was sent forth. For those dwelling in Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing Him, nor the voices of the prophets which are being read every sabbath, fulfilled them, in having condemned Him; and, though finding not one cause of death, they asked of Pilate that He should be slain. And, when they fulfilled all things that were written concerning Him, having taken Him down from the tree, they laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; Who was seen, during many days, by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem; who, indeed, are now His witnesses to the people. And we declare to you good tidings of the promise made to the fathers, that God hath fulfilled this for our children, having raised up Jesus; as it has been written in the second Psalm, 'Thou art My Son! To-day have I begotten Thee!' And that He raised Him up from the dead no more to return to corruption, He hath thus spoken, 'I will give to you the holy and faithful promises of David.' Wherefore, in another place, He saith, 'Thou wilt not give Thy Holy One to see corruption.' For David, indeed, having served his own generation according to the will of God, fell asleep, and was added to his fathers, and saw corruption; but He Whom God raised up did not see corruption. Be it known to you, brethren, that through This One is proclaimed to you forgiveness of sins; and in Him every one who believes is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken in the prophets, 'Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; because I do a work in your days?? work which ye will by no means believe, though one should fully declare it to you.' And, as they were going out, they kept beseeching him that these words might be spoken to them on the next sabbath. And, the synagogue having been dismissed, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, indeed, speaking to them, were persuading them to continue in the grace of God.

For, though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the Gospel.

And they were finding in Him occasion to stumble. And Jesus said to them "a prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house."

Now there were in Antioch, in the assembly which was there, prophets and teachers; both Barnabas and Symeon who is called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen, the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? and one of them is not forgotten before God. But even the hairs of your head have all been numbered; fear not, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Peter, therefore, was kept in the prison; but prayer was being earnestly made by the assembly to God in his behalf.

And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings; and grant to Thy servants to speak Thy word with all boldness,

And, praying, they said, "Thou, Lord, Who knowest the hearts of all men, show which of these two Thou didst choose, to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place."

Then one of the twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, going to the high priests, said, "What are ye willing to give me, and I will deliver Him up to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he was seeking an opportunity to deliver Him up.

This man, therefore, acquired a field with the reward of unrighteousness; and, falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out;

Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the high priests and the elders, saying, "I sinned, having betrayed innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? You may see to that." And, throwing the pieces of silver into the temple, he withdrew; and, going away, he hanged himself.

and, as they were eating, He said, "Verily I say to you, one of you will betray Me." And, being exceedingly grieved, they began to say to Him, each one, "Is it I, Lord?" And He, answering, said, "He who dipped with Me his hand in the dish, the same will betray Me. read more.
The Son of Man, indeed, goeth, as it has been written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It were good for him, if that man had never been born!" And Judas, who betrayed Him, answering, said, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He says to him, "You said it."

And, while He is yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a large multitude, with swords and clubs, from the high priests and elders of the people. And he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomsoever I kiss, He it is; seize Him." And immediately coming to Jesus, he said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. read more.
But Jesus said to him, "Comrade, do that for which you are present!" Then, coming near, they laid hands on Jesus, and took Him.

leaving the right way, they were led astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but had a rebuke for his own transgression; a dumb beast-of-burden, speaking in man's voice, forbade the prophet's madness.

It is needful, therefore, that the bishop be irreproachable, a husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, hospitable, apt to teach,

Let deacons be husbands of one wife, presiding well over their own children and their own houses.

Have we no right to lead about a sister as our wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

And Jesus, coming into the house of Peter, saw his mother-in-law prostrate, and sick with fever;

But, when they resisted, and blasphemed, he, shaking out his garments, said to them, "Your blood be upon your own head! I am pure! Henceforth I will go to the gentiles."

And, whosoever does not receive you, nor hear your words, as ye are going forth out of that house or city, shake off the dust, of your feet. Verily I say to 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 as sheep in the midst of wolves; become ye, therefore, as wise as the serpents and as innocent as doves. read more.
But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to high-councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you; and before the governors and the kings shall ye be brought for My sake, for a testimony to them and to the gentiles. And, when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak; for it is not ye that speak, but, the Spirit of your Father Who speaketh in you. "And brother will deliver up brother to death; and father, his child; and children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye will be hated by all, for My name's sake; but he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved. "And, when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next; for verily I say to you, ye will in no wise finish the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man come! "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple, that he become as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more those of his house-hold? Fear them not, therefore; for nothing has been covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I am saying to you in the darkness, speak ye in the light; and what ye hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And be not afraid of those who 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 farthing? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows. "Every one, therefore, who shall confess Me before men, him will I also confess before My Father Who is in Heaven. But whosoever denies Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in Heaven. "Think not that I came to send peace on the earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword; for I came to set a man at variance with his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and the man's foes will be those of his own house-hold. "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 whosoever does not take up his cross, and follow 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 Who sent Me.

Wherefore, I testify to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men; for I shrank not from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

And He spake to them many things in parables, saying, "Behold, the sower went forth to sow. And, in his sowing, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds, coming, devoured them. And others fell on the rocky places, where they had not much earth; and straightway they sprang up, because they had not depth of earth. read more.
And, the sun having risen, they were scorched; and, because they had no root, they withered away. And others fell upon the thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. And others fell on the good ground, and were yielding fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.

"Hearken! behold the sower went forth to sow. And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured it. And other fell on the rocky ground where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because of not having depth of earth; read more.
and, when the sun rose, it was scorched; and, because it had no root, it was dried up. And other fell among the thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And others fell into the good ground, and were yielding fruit, springing up and growing; and bore, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold." 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 as to the parables. And He said to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but to those without all things are done in parables; that, seeing, they may see, and not perceive; and, hearing, they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn, and be forgiven." And He saith to them, "Know ye not this parable? And how will ye know all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are those by the wayside, where the word is sown; and, when they hear, straightway Satan comes, and catches away the word which has been sown in them. And these likewise are those sown upon the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, straightway with joy receive it; and they have no root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, straightway they stumble. And others are those sown among the thorns. These are those who heard the word, and the anxieties of the age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires about other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And these are the ones sown on the good ground: such as hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold."

"The sower went forth to sow his seed. And in his sowing some fell by the wayside; and it was trodden down, and the birds of the heaven devoured it. And another fell upon the rock; and, springing up, it was withered because of not having moisture. And another fell amid the thorns; and the thorns growing with it choked it. read more.
And another fell into the good ground; and, growing, it produced fruit, a hundredfold." Saying these things, He was crying aloud, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

And those who seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

"Ye know that, after two days, the passover takes place, and the Son of Man is delivered up to be crucified." Then the high priests and the elders of the people were gathered together into the court of the high priest who was called Caiaphas;

But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou art the Christ, the Son of God" Jesus saith to him, "You said it: nevertheless I say to you, henceforth ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, "He blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? Behold, ye just now heard the blasphemy!

But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said, "Ye know nothing at all; nor do ye consider that it is expedient for you, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." And this he said not of himself; but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for that nation;

And it was Caiaphas who counseled the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

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

And Peter, seeing it, spake to the people, "Men of Israel, why do ye wonder at this? Or why look ye so intently on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Child Jesus, Whom ye, indeed, delivered up, and denied before Pilate's face, when he gave judgment to release Him; but ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked that a man?? murderer??e granted to you; read more.
and the Prince of life ye killed; Whom God raised from the dead??f which fact we are witnesses. And His name, by the faith of His name, gave strength to this man, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is through Him gave him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. "And now, brethren, I know that in ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers; but God thus fulfilled what He before announced through the mouth of all His prophets, that His Christ should suffer. Repent ye, therefore, and turn, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send forth Christ Jesus who had been before appointed for you; Whom Heaven must retain, until the times of restoration of all things of which God spake through the mouth of all His holy prophets from the beginning. Moses, indeed, said, 'A prophet will the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren, as He did me; to Him shall ye hearken in all things, whatsoever He shall say to you. And it shall be, that every soul that will not hearken to that Prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' And also all the prophets from Samuel and those in succession, as many as spake, also foretold these days. Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your Seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' To you first, God, having raised up His Child, sent Him forth, blessing you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."

if we are this day examined in regard to a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this person has been made whole; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, Whom ye crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, in Him does this man stand here before you well! This is the Stone That was set at naught by you, the builders, Which was made into a head of a corner. read more.
And in no one else is there salvation; for neither is there any other name under Heaven, that has been given among men, in Which we must be saved." Now, beholding the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlettered and ignorant men, they were wondering; they also were recognizing them, that they had been with Jesus;

But Peter and John, answering, said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken to you, rather than to God, judge ye; for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard."

And, having heard this, they entered at dawn, into the temple, and were teaching. And the high priest, having come, and those with him, called together the Sanhedrin, and all the senate of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison-house to have them brought.

Brethren, become imitators together of me, and mark those who so walk, as ye have us as an example.

not because we have not authority, but that we might give ourselves as a model to you, that ye might imitate us.

Let no one despise your youth; but become a model for believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock;

And, to the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those under law, as under law (not being myself under law), that I might gain those under law; to those without law, as without law (not being without law to God, but under law to Christ), that I might gain those without law. To the weak I became 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 I am doing all things for the Gospel's sake, that I may become a partaker thereof with others.

All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable; all things are lawful, but not all things build up.

But, if anyone says to you, "This is the remains of an idol-sacrifice." eat it not, for his sake that showed it, and because of conscience: conscience, I say, not your own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? read more.
Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God, Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews or Greeks, or to the assembly of God: even as I also, in all things, please all men: not seeking my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved.

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

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

And they were bringing little children to Him, that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them.

And they were bringing to Him their babes, also, that He might touch them; but the disciples, seeing it, were rebuking them.

But He answered her not a word. And His disciples, coming near, were beseeching Him, saying, "Send her away; for she is crying after us!"

but Herod, the tetrarch, being reproved by him concerning Herodias, the wife of his brother, and concerning all the evils which Herod did,

saying, "Repent ye for the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near; for this is he that was spoken of by Isaiah, the prophet, saying, 'A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.'" And John himself had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. read more.
Then were going forth to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the country round about the Jordan, and they were being immersed by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But, seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his immersion, he said to them, "Broods of vipers! who warned you to flee from the coming wrath! Produce, therefore, fruit worthy of repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, 'As a father we have Abraham;' for I say to you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not bearing good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire. "I, indeed, immerse you in water unto repentance, but He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to bear, He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and fire; Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing-floor, and will gather His wheat into the 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 holding it against him, and was wishing to kill him; and she could not; for Herod was fearing John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he was preserving him. read more.
And, an opportune day having come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper for his nobles and for the chief captains, and the chief men of Galilee; and the daughter of Herodias herself coming in and dancing, it pleased Herod and those reclining at table with him; and the king said to the damsel, "Ask of me whatsoever you wish, and I will give it to you." And he swore to her, "Whatsoever you ask of me, I will give it to you, unto 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 Immerser." And, coming in straight-way, in haste, to the king, she asked, saying, "I wish that you would, forthwith, give me on a dish, the head of John the Immerser." And, though becoming very sorrowful, the king, because of his oaths, and those reclining with him, would not thwart her. And the king, straightway sending off one of his guard, gave orders to bring his head; and, departing, he beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a dish, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.

He was saying, therefore, to the multitudes coming forth to be immersed by him, "Broods of vipers! who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance; and begin not to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father'; for I say to you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And already the axe also is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not producing good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire."

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

He saith to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He says to Him, "Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I fondly love Thee." He saith to him, "Feed My sheep." He saith to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you fondly love Me?" Peter was grieved, because He said to him the third time "Do you fondly love Me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I do fondly love Thee." Jesus saith to him, "Feed My sheep. Verily, verily, I say to you, when you were young, you were wont to gird yourself, and to walk wheresoever you wished; but, when you become old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will gird you, and carry you whither you wish not."

In the meantime, the vast multitude having been gathered together, so as to tread one upon another, He began to say to His disciples, first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'Whosoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!'

And Jesus said to them, "Take heed, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." And they were deliberating among themselves, saying, "We took no bread." And Jesus, knowing it, said, "Why are ye deliberating among yourselves, O ye of little faith, because ye have no bread? read more.
Do ye not yet perceive, nor 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 ye took up? How is it that ye do not perceive that I spake not to you concerning bread? but beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Then they understood that He did not bid them beware of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the Gospel of God, but also our own souls, because ye became dear to us.

even as it is right for me to think this in behalf of you all; because ye have me in your heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, all of you being partakers with me of the grace.

We give thanks to God at all times for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering, without ceasing, your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father; knowing, brethren beloved by God, your election;

as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,

And Moses, indeed, was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of the things to be afterward spoken;

Who was faithful to Him Who appointed Him, as also was Moses in all His house.

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved."

pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and fellow-worker,

Wherefore, I testify to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men; for I shrank not from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ,

Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need;

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one, serving as a soldier, entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

but ye shall receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you, and ye shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and Samaria, and to the utmost limit of the earth."

And we are witnesses of these things; also the Holy Spirit, Whom God gave to those who obey Him."

But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you;

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

And great weeping arose from all; and, falling upon Paul's neck, they kept kissing him; being distressed especially on account of the word which he had spoken, that they were to see his face no more. And they were escorting him to the ship.

And, when it came to pass that we completed the days, going forth, we were resuming our journey; they all, with wives and children, accompanying us out of the city; and, kneeling down on the beach, having prayed, we bade one another farewell; and we embarked upon the ship, but they returned to their homes.

of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered up to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

and their word will spread, as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me according to the working of His power.

if, at least, ye continue in the faith, founded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under the heaven, of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

but in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,

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

Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

But be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully accomplish your ministry.

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

But do you, O man of God, flee these things: but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, mildness.

And when it became day, He called His disciples; and, having selected twelve from them, (whom He also called apostles):

Rejoice over her, O Heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; because God judged your judgment on her.'

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

The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed;

Then, fourteen years later, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking with me Titus also. And I went up according to revelation, and laid before them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to those of repute, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; read more.
and that was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, who, indeed, crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you. But from those reputed to be something (whatever they were, it matters not to me: God does not accept man's person): to me, in fact, those of repute added nothing; but, on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the Gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter was with that of the circumcision; (for He Who wrought for Peter with regard to an apostleship of the circumcision, wrought for me also with regard to the gentiles). And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision;

But, when it pleased God, who set me apart from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might proclaim the good news of Him among the gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood, neither went I up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus. read more.
Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and continued with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles I saw not, except James, the brother of the Lord. Now as to the things I am writing to you, behold, before God, I am not lying. After that I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and I was unknown by face to the assemblies of Judaea, which were in Christ; but they were only hearing, "He who was once persecuting us now proclaims the faith which once he was destroying." And they were glorifying God in me.

How, then, shall they call on Him in Whom they believed not? and how shall they believe on Him of Whom they heard not? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak truth, I lie not), a teacher of gentiles in faith and truth.

Paul, a slave of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the full knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

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

And He saith 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 to become fishers of men."

And straightway He constrained His disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He Himself sendeth the multitude away.

And He saith to them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest yourselves a little." For there were many coming and going, and they were not finding opportunity even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart.

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 seven assemblies; and the seven candlesticks are seven assemblies."

"To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write these things," saith He Who holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, He Who walketh 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 seven assemblies; and the seven candlesticks are seven assemblies."

"To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write these things," saith He Who holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, He Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

And Barnabas was desiring to take with them John also, who was called Mark.

And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted one from the other; and Barnabas, taking with him Mark, sailed away to Cyprus.

and not that only, but who was also appointed by the assemblies, as our fellow-traveler with this gift which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and our zeal;

Whether any one inquires about Titus, he is my partner, and my fellow-worker in your behalf; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.

Those, therefore, who gladly received his word, were immersed; and there were added to them on that day about three thousand souls;

And, when the day of Pentecost was being fulfilled they were all together in one place; and suddenly there came out of Heaven a sound, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues, as of fire, distributed among them; and it sat upon each one of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the Spirit was giving them to declare.

Now a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a learned man, came down to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. The same had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and, being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the immersion of John. The same also began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But Priscilla and Aquila, having heard him, took him to themselves, and expounded to him the way of God more accurately. read more.
And, when he was disposed to passover into Achaia, the brethren, encouraging him, wrote to the disciples to receive him; who, having come, helped much those who had believed through grace; for powerfully was he refuting the Jews publicly, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

And the multitudes, with one accord, were giving heed to the things spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the things which he was doing.

But, when they believed Philip proclaiming the glad tidings concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being immersed, both men and women.

and there was much joy in that city.

And, having taken them with him, at that hour of the night he washed their stripes; and was immersed, himself and all his, immediately; and, bringing them up into his house, he placed a table near them; and he rejoiced greatly with all his house, having believed in God.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings in your behalf, and fill up in turn the deficiencies of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh for the sake of His body, which is the assembly; of which I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

and their word will spread, as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overthrowing the faith of some.

Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need; since he was longing after you all, and was in great distress, because ye heard that he was sick. For, in fact, 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 more urgently, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him, therefore, in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor; because, for the work of Christ, he came near to death; imperiling his soul, that he might fill up your lack of ministry toward me.

Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness, that he has much concern in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

But thanks be to God Who putteth the same diligence for you into the heart of Titus. For he accepted, indeed, our exhortation; but, being very earnest, he went forth to you of his own accord.

And, if any one builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; the work of each one shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will prove each one's work, of what sort it is. If any one's work which he built thereon shall remain, he shall receive a reward. read more.
If any one's work shall be burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.

And, having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly. And, when they came to him, he said to them, "Ye yourselves know from the first day on which I came into Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time; serving the Lord with all humility, and with tears, and with trials which befell me in the plottings of the Jews; read more.
how I shrank not from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and from teaching you publicly, and from house to house, fully testifying, both to Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And, now, behold, I, bound by the Spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; except that the Holy Spirit testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. But I make not my soul of any value as dear to myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom, will see my face no more. Wherefore, I testify to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men; for I shrank not from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know that, after my departure, grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears. "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified. I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or apparel. Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I showed you that, thus laboring, ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And, having said these things, bowing his knees, he prayed with them all. And great weeping arose from all; and, falling upon Paul's neck, they kept kissing him; being distressed especially on account of the word which he had spoken, that they were to see his face no more. And they were escorting him to the ship.

Yet, in like manner, these also, indulging in dreams, defile, indeed, the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities. But Michael, the arch-angel, when contending with the Devil he was disputing about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these rail at such things as they know not; and what they understand naturally, as the irrational animals, in these things they are corrupted.

And the high priest, rising up, and all those with him, being the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy, and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public prison. But an angel of the Lord, by night, opened the prison doors; and, having led them out, said, read more.
"Go, and, standing, speak in the temple, to the people, all the words of this life." And, having heard this, they entered at dawn, into the temple, and were teaching. And the high priest, having come, and those with him, called together the Sanhedrin, and all the senate of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison-house to have them brought. But the officers, having come, did not find them in the prison, and, returning, they told, saying, "The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the prison-keepers standing at the doors; but, having opened, we found no one within." Now, when both the captain of the temple and the high priests heard these words, they were thoroughly perplexed concerning them, what this might become. But a certain one, coming near, told them, "Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people!" Then the captain, having gone away with the officers, brought them, not with violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned; and, having brought them, they set them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest asked them, saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in This Name; and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! and intend to bring upon us the blood of This Man!" But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, "It is proper to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew, having suspended Him on a tree: This One God exalted as a Prince and Savior, with His right hand, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; also the Holy Spirit, Whom God gave to those who obey Him." And they, hearing it, were being convulsed with rage, and were taking counsel to slay them. But a certain one, having risen up in the council?? Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people??rdered to put the men without a little while. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves with regard to these men, what ye are about to do; for before these days arose Theudas, alleging that he himself was somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were disbanded, and came to nothing. After this arose Judas, the Galilean, in the days of the enrollment, and drew away people after him; he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. And now I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for, if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown; but, if it be of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest perhaps ye be found even fighting against God." And to him they assented; and calling the apostles to them, beating them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go, They, therefore, were going from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they were accounted worthy to suffer dishonor in behalf of The Name. And every day, in the temple, and at their homes, they ceased not teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And then were the days of unleavened bread. And, having seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him up to the people. Peter, therefore, was kept in the prison; but prayer was being earnestly made by the assembly to God in his behalf. read more.
And, when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards before the door were keeping the prison. And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting 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 yourself, and bind on your sandals." And he did so. And he says to him, "Cast your garment around you, and follow me." And, going forth, he was following him; and he knew not that it was true, which was being done by the angel, but was thinking that he saw a vision. And, having passed the first and second watch; they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and, going out, they passed on through one street, and straightway the angel departed from him. And Peter, having come to himself, said, "Now I know truly that the Lord sent forth His angel, and delivered me out of Herod's hand, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And, having considered it, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who is surnamed Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying. And, when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came near to answer, Rhoda by name. And, recognizing the voice of Peter, she opened not the gate for joy; but, running in, she told them that Peter was standing before the gate. And they said to her, "You are mad!" But she kept confidently affirming that it was so. And they said, "It is his angel" But Peter continued knocking; and, opening, they saw him, and were amazed. But, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, he declared to them, how the Lord brought him forth out of the prison. And he Said, "Declare these things to James, and to the brethren." And, going forth, he went to another place. And, when it became day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what, consequently, became of Peter. And Herod, having sought for him, and not finding him, having examined the guards, ordered that they be led away to death. And, going down from Judaea to Caesarea, he tarried there.

And it came to pass that Peter, going through all parts, came down also to the saints who were dwelling at Lydda. And he found there a certain man, Aeneas by name, for eight years lying prostrate on a couch, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth you; arise, and make your bed." And straightway he arose. read more.
And all who were dwelling in Lydda and in Sharon saw him; and they turned to the Lord.

And, on the morrow, going forth, we came to Caesarea; and, entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was of the seven, we abode with him. And this man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied. And, as we tarried there several days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, Agabus by name.

And, having safely escaped, we then ascertained that the island was called Melita. And the barbarians were extending to us no ordinary kindness; for, having kindled a fire, they took us all in, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And Paul, having gathered a certain lot of fuel, and put it on the fire, a viper, coming out from the heat, fastened upon his hand. read more.
And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said among themselves, "Assuredly this man is a murderer, whom, though safely escaping from the sea, justice permitted not to live." He, therefore, having shaken off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm; but they were expecting that he would surely become swollen, or suddenly fall down dead; but, after looking a great while, and observing nothing unusual happening to him, changing their minds, they said that he was a god. Now, in the districts round about that place, were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius; who, receiving us, entertained us hospitably three days. And it happened that the father of Publius was lying prostrate, afflicted with fever and dysentery; to whom Paul coming, and praying, laying his hands on him, healed him. And, when this happened, the others also, who had diseases in the island, were coming to him, and being healed; who also honored us with many honors; and, when we were setting sail, they placed on board the things suited to our needs.

Now Simon, seeing that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, offered them money, saying, "Give me also this authority, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought to acquire the gift of God with money! read more.
You have no part nor lot in this matter; for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this your wickedness, and entreat the Lord, if, perhaps, the thought of your heart may be forgiven you; for I see that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."

And, having gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man; the same having called for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God; but Elymas, the sorcerer (for so his name is interpreted) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. read more.
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looking intently upon him, said, "O full of all guile, and all villainy, son of the Devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting 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, going about, he was seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Now Simon, seeing that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, offered them money, saying, "Give me also this authority, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought to acquire the gift of God with money! read more.
You have no part nor lot in this matter; for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this your wickedness, and entreat the Lord, if, perhaps, the thought of your heart may be forgiven you; for I see that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."

But, if the ministration of death, engraven in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look steadily upon the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face, which glory was passing away; how shall not rather the ministration of the Spirit be with glory? For, if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. read more.
For even that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, on account of the surpassing glory; for, if that which is passing away comes through glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

I entreated Titus, and sent with him the brother. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? did we not walk in the same steps?

And he came down also to Derbe and to Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, Timothy by name, son of a believing Jewish woman, but of a Grecian father; who was well reported of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium; this one Paul wished to go forth with him; and, taking him, he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. read more.
And, as they were journeying through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to keep, that had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.

And, while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate now to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, having fasted and prayed, and having laid hands on them, they sent them away.

But a certain man, Simon by name, was in the city before, using sorcery, and astonishing the nation of Samaria, affirming himself to be some great one; to whom all were giving heed, from small to great, saying, "This man is the power of God, which is called Great." And they were giving heed to him, because of his having for a long time amazed them with his sorceries.

It is no great thing, therefore, if his ministers also transform themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end will be according to their works.

in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in teaching, showing incorruptness, gravity, sound speech not to be condemned; that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say concerning us.

Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the high priests and the elders, saying, "I sinned, having betrayed innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? You may see to that." And, throwing the pieces of silver into the temple, he withdrew; and, going away, he hanged himself. read more.
And the high priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to cast them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood." And, taking counsel, they bought with them the field of the potter, for a burial-place for the strangers.

And, having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained for a time in Asia.

We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth.

And Paul, haring chosen Silas, went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

The same also began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But Priscilla and Aquila, having heard him, took him to themselves, and expounded to him the way of God more accurately.

And the saying was pleasing to the 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, having prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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

according as each one received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

now a servant of the Lord must not engage in strife, but should be gentle towards all, apt in teaching, patient of wrong,

And I was weeping much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look upon it; and one of the elders says to me, "Weep not; behold, the Lion Who is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, prevailed to open the book, and its seven seals.

Whether any one inquires about Titus, he is my partner, and my fellow-worker in your behalf; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.

On behalf of Christ, therefore, we are ambassadors, as though God were beseeching through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God

He was a lamp that was burning and shining; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

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

Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

And, departing thence, he entered into the house of a certain man, Titus Justus by name, a worshipper of God, whose house was adjoining the synagogue.

and, because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they labored; for by occupation they were tent-makers.

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

Then, having fasted and prayed, and having laid hands on them, they 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 qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.

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

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of base gain;

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;

All the things relating to me Tychicus will make known to you, the beloved brother, and faithful minister, and fellow-servant in the Lord;

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

Paul, a slave of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the full knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

even as it is right for me to think this in behalf of you all; because ye have me in your heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, all of you being partakers with me of the grace.

and spared not the old world; but preserved Noah, an eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing a flood upon a world of ungodly people;

And He calleth to Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two, and was giving them authority over the unclean spirits;

even as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us;

And, working together with Him, we also entreat you that ye receive not the grace of God in vain