4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Then said he to his disciples, The harvest indeed is abundant, but the labourers are few; entreat therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth workmen for his harvest.

He said therefore unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the labourers few: pray ye therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he would send out labourers into his harvest.

Now I exhort you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you wrestle earnestly with me in prayers for me unto God; that I may be delivered from those who do not believe in Judea; and that my service which regards Jerusalem may be kindly accepted by the saints; that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.

ye also labouring together for us in prayer, that from many persons thanks may be given on our behalf for the gifts bestowed on us by many.

praying at every opportunity with all prayer and supplication in Spirit, and watching for this very purpose with perseverance and intercession for all the saints; and for me that there may be given unto me utterance to open my mouth with boldness, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

There salute you Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner, and Mark nephew to Barnabas, concerning whom ye have received injunctions; if he come unto you, receive him,

Now we entreat you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to account of them very highly in love for their work's sake. And live in peace among yourselves.

Remember your presidents, who have spoken to you the word of God: the ultimate issue of whose conduct attentively observing, be imitators of their fidelity.

The signs indeed of an apostle have been wrought among you in all patience, in miracles, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in great fulness of assurance; as ye know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes.

holding up the word of life, that I may glory in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain.

Then Paul arose, and waving his hand, said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hear me. The God of this people Israel selected our fathers, and exalted the people during their abode in the land of Egypt, and with a mighty arm brought he them out of it. And about the space of forty years he bore with their behaviour in the wilderness. read more.
And destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he distributed their territory to them by lot. And after these things, during a space of about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. And from that time they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Kis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, during forty years. And removing him, he raised up unto them David to be king; respecting whom also he spake testifying, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who shall perform all my intentions." From this man's seed according to the promise hath God raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus: John having preached before his first coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. But as John was finishing his course, he said, Whom do ye suppose me to be? I am not [the Messiah]. But, behold! he is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the race of Abraham, and all among you who fear God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they who dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, being ignorant of him, and the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath-day, by condemning him have fulfilled them. And though they found no cause of death in him, they besought Pilate that he might be killed. But when they had finished all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: and he was seen many days by those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. And we preach to you the promise made to our fathers; for this hath God fulfilled to their children, even to us, in raising up Jesus: as it is also written in the second Psalm, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." But that he raised him from the dead, no more in future to return to corruption, he hath thus spoken, "I will give you the holy things of David, which are sure." Wherefore also he saith in another place, "Thou wilt not permit thy Holy One to see corruption." For David indeed, after having served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was placed with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he, whom God raised up, saw no corruption. Be it therefore known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man remission of sin is proclaimed to you: and by this man shall every one who believeth be justified from all things, from which it was not possible that he should be justified by the law of Moses. Take heed then, that this come not upon you, which is spoken by the prophets; "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I do a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though one declare it unto you." But when the Jews were going out of the synagogue, the Gentiles entreated that these words might be spoken to them the following sabbath. And when the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, exhorting them, persuaded them to abide stedfast in the grace of God.

For though ye may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you.

And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not disrespected, except in his own country, and in his own family.

NOW there were at Antioch, according to the established church, prophets and teachers; such as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger the black, and Lucius a Cyrenian, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch's foster-brother, and Saul.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

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

So then Peter was kept in prison: but fervent prayer was offered up by the church to God for him.

And as to the present transactions, Lord, look upon their threatnings: and grant thy servants power with all boldness to speak thy word,

And joining in prayer, they said, Do thou, O Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, point out the one of these two which thou hast chosen, to take a part in this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, to go to his own place.

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

This man indeed accordingly purchased a spot of ground with the wages of iniquity; and projected forward, he burst in the midst, and all his bowels fell out.

Then Judas who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting, carried back the thirty silver pieces to the chief priests and the elders, saying, I have sinned, in betraying innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And throwing down the silver pieces in the temple, he departed; and going out, hanged himself.

And as they were eating, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And exceedingly grieved, they began to say to him every one of them, Lord, am I the person? But he answering said, He that dippeth his hand with me into the dish, that man shall betray me. read more.
The Son of man indeed is departing, as it is written of him: but wo to that man, by whom the Son of man is betrayed! well had it been for that man if he had never had a being. Then Judas, who betrayed him, addressing him said, Master, is it I? He saith to him, Thou hast named the person.

And while he was yet speaking, behold, Judas one of the twelve came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him had given them a signal, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: seize him. And immediately approaching to Jesus, he said, Hail, master; and kissed him. read more.
Then spake Jesus to him, Friend, for what purpose art thou here? Then approaching they laid hands on Jesus, and seized him.

who forsaking the strait road are gone out of the way, following the path of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of iniquity. But received a reproof for his peculiar transgression: the dumb ass articulating with a human voice restrained the perverseness of the prophet.

A bishop then must be irreprehensible, the husband of one wife, temperate, sagacious, respectable, hospitable, well qualified for teaching;

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ordering well their children and their own families.

Have we not power to carry about with us a sister wife, as do also the other apostles, even the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

And when Jesus was come into the house of Peter, he saw his mother-in-law laid on a bed, and in a fever.

But as they continued opposing and blaspheming, he shook his garments, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am pure from it: from this moment will I go to the Gentiles.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor attend to your discourses, go out of that house, or city, and shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore prudent as serpents, and harmless as doves. read more.
But be on your guard against men: for they will deliver you up to the sanhedrim, and scourge you in their synagogues. And ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the heathen. But when they shall deliver you up, be under no anxiety what ye shall say; for it shall be given you in that very hour what ye should speak: for it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father which is speaking in you. Then brother shall surrender brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, that man shall be saved. But when they shall persecute you in one city, flee unto another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not complete your circuit through the cities of Israel before the Son of man comes. The disciple is not superior to his teacher, nor the servant above his master. It is sufficient if the disciple be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the family Beelzebub, how much more his domestics? However, fear them not: for there is nothing concealed, which shall not be discovered; nor hid, which shall not be known. What I say unto you in the dark, publish in the light: and what ye hear whispered into the ear, proclaim upon the roofs. And be not afraid of those who kill the body, and cannot kill the soul: but fear him rather who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Every one therefore who shall make confession of me before men, of him will I also make confession before my Father who is in heaven. But whosoever shall disown me before men, him will I also disown before my Father who is in heaven. Think not that I am come to bring peace to the earth: I came not to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at variance 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 shall be those of his own house. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that preserveth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall preserve it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

And he spake unto them many things in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went out to sow: and as he was sowing, some seeds fell indeed by the road-side; and the birds came and ate them up: and other seed fell on a rocky soil, 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 up; and because it had no root, it withered away. And other seeds fell among the thorns; and the thorns sprang up and choked them: but others fell on good ground, and produced fruit, some an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty.

Hear me! Behold, a sower went out to sow; and it came to pass as he sowed, some fell by the road side, and the birds of the air came and ate it up. And some fell on a rocky soil, where it had not much mold, and immediately it sprung up, because it had no depth of earth: read more.
and when the sun arose it was scorched up; and because it had not root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it, and it produced no fruit. And some fell on good ground, and produced fruit, growing up, and increasing, and yielded one part thirty fold, and another sixty, and another an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But when they were alone, those who were about him with the twelve, asked him the meaning of the parable. And he said to them, To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are without, all things are in parables: That seeing they may see, yet not perceive; and hearing may hear, yet not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins be forgiven them. And he saith to them, Know ye not this parable? and how will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. Now these are they by the road side; where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan cometh, and taketh away the word sown on their hearts: and these in like manner are they who were sown on the rocky soil; who when they have heard the word, instantly with joy receive it; and have no root in themselves, but are temporary [professors]: afterwards, when tribulation cometh or persecution for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And those are the sown among the thorns; such as are hearers of the word; but the anxious cares of this world, and the seducing nature of wealth, and inordinate desires after other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they who are sown on the good ground, such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the road side, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it up. And other seed fell on a rock, and vegetating, withered because it had no moisture. And other seed fell amidst thorns, and the thorns springing up with it, choked it. read more.
And some fell on good ground, and shooting up, produced fruit an hundred fold. So saying, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Then they who had apprehended Jesus, brought him to Caiaphas the high-priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled.

Ye know that after two days is the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then were the chief priests and scribes, and the elders of the people gathered together in the palace of the high-priest, called Caiaphas.

But Jesus was silent. And the high-priest addressing him, said, I adjure thee, by the living God, that thou tell us, if thou art the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus saith to him, Thou hast spoken [the fact]. Moreover I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high-priest rent his garments, saying, he hath blasphemed: what farther need have we of witnesses? lo! now ye have heard his blasphemy:

Then one particular person of them, Caiaphas, being the high-priest of that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation be not destroyed. And this he spake not from himself: but being the high-priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;

Now Caiaphas was the person who had given his advice to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should be destroyed instead of the people.

And while they were praying, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Then Peter observing it, addressed himself to the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why gaze ye upon us, as if by our own power or piety we had enabled this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and besought that a man, a murderer, might as a favour be given unto you; read more.
but ye slew the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses. And through faith in his name hath his name restored this man to strength, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the sight of you all. And now, brethren, I know that through ignorance ye did this deed, as did also your rulers. But the things which God before announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Messiah should suffer, he hath thus fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when refreshing seasons shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he will send Jesus Christ, who was before preached unto you: whom the heaven indeed must receive, until the times of restoration of all things, which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy prophets from the beginning of the world. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like myself; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall speak to you. But it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly exterminated from amidst the people." And all the prophets indeed from Samuel, and those who succeeded him, as many as have spoken, have also foretold those days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And "in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." Unto you in the first instance, hath God, after raising up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, to the end that every one of you should turn away from your iniquities.

if we are this day examined relative to the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he was restored; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him doth this man stand here sound in your presence. This is the stone which, though set at nought by you builders, is become the head of the corner. read more.
And there is no salvation in any other person: for there is no other name under heaven given unto men, whereby we must be saved. Attentively regarding then the noble confidence of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were men unlettered, and destitute of education, they were astonished; and they recollected them, that they had been with Jesus.

But Peter and John, answering them, said, If it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, be yourselves the judges. For we cannot refrain from speaking the things which we have seen and heard.

Having heard this therefore, they entered very early in the morning into the temple, and taught. But when the high-priest came, and those who were with him, they convoked the sanhedrim, and all the assembly of elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them.

Be ye imitators, brethren, of me, and eye attentively those who walk so as ye have us for an example.

not that we have not such power, but that we might be ourselves an example for you to imitate.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be a pattern of the faithful, in discourse; in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

not as domineering over your allotted congregations, but as being examples of the flock.

And I became to the Jews as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to those under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not as being without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain those who were without law. I became to the weak as weak, that I might gain the weak; I became all things to all men, that by every means I might save some. read more.
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you.

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

But if any person say unto you, This is an idol's sacrifice, eat not of it, for his sake who pointed it out, and for conscience sake. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. Conscience indeed I say, not merely thine own, but that of the other person. For why is my liberty abridged by another's conscience? If I truly with thanksgiving am a partaker, 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 things to the glory of God. Give no occasion of stumbling either to the Jews or the Gentiles, or the church of God: even as I please all men, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved.

But admit it, I was not burdensome to you: but being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Then were brought to him little children, that he should lay his hands upon them, and pray [for them]: but the disciples rebuked them.

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

Then they brought him infants also, that he should touch them: but the disciples, when they saw it, rebuked them.

But he replied not a word to her. Then his disciples came and intreated him, saying, Send her away; for she is crying aloud after us.

Now Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him, on account of Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the other wicked actions which he had done,

and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is nigh. For this is the person spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying aloud in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths strait." Now this John had his garment made of camel's hair, and a girdle of leather about his loins, and his food was locusts and wild honey. read more.
Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the regions about Jordan, and were baptized by him in Jordan, on making confession of their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, O ye broods of vipers! who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Produce then worthy fruits of repentance: and think not to say in yourselves, We have Abraham for our father: for I say unto you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which produceth not good fruit, is hewing down, and casting into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: whose winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will collect the wheat into his granary; but the chaff will he burn up with fire unquenchable.

For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Therefore Herodias bore him a rooted resentment, and would have slain him; yet could not: for Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man; and paid great attention to him and when he heard him, did many things, and heard him with delight. read more.
And a favourable day being come for her purpose, when Herod on his birth-day made a supper for his nobles, and military commanders, and the principal personages of Galilee; and the daughter of this Herodias coming in, and dancing, and delighting Herod, and his company, the king said to the damsel, Ask me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he swore unto her, That whatsoever thou shalt ask, I will give thee, even to the half of my kingdom. Then she went out and said to her mother, What shall I ask? and she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in immediately with eagerness to the king, and asked, saying, I desire that thou wilt give me on the spot, in a charger, the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet on account of his oath, and those who sat with him, he would not refuse her. And the king immediately sending a centinel, commanded his head to be brought thither: and he went, and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.

He said, therefore, to the multitudes who came out to be baptised by him, Ye broods of vipers, who hath warned you to fly from the approaching wrath? Produce then fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say in yourselves, We have a father, even Abraham; for I say unto you, That God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. But now is the ax laid even to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that produceth not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers;

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith to him, Yes, Lord! thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said to him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee! Jesus saith to him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast a younger man, thou didst gird up thyself, and go about whithersoever thy choice led thee: but when thou shalt grow old, another person extending thy hands, shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

MEANTIME myriads of people collecting, so that they trod on one another, he began to speak to his disciples, Take heed principally of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Wo unto you ye blind guides! who say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, it is binding.

Then Jesus said to them, Beware and abstain from the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. So they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have not taken bread. But when Jesus knew it, he said unto them, Why are ye reasoning among yourselves, O ye of little faith, because ye have not taken bread? read more.
Do you not consider, nor remember the five loaves among the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand, that I spake not to you of bread, to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they, that he spake about abstaining not from the leaven in the bread, but from the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

So, tenderly affected towards you, we could with pleasure have imparted to you not the gospel of God only, but our own lives also, because ye were beloved by us.

as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I bear you on my heart, both in my bonds and in my defence and the confirmation of the gospel, as being all of you sharers in my grace.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; without ceasing calling to mind your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father; knowing, brethren, beloved of God, your election.

as ye know how [we treated] every one of you, as a father doth his children, exhorting you, and admonishing, and conjuring you,

And Moses indeed was faithful in all that house of his as a servant, to bear testimony of the things which should be after spoken;

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

AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

entreat therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth workmen for his harvest.

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

Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

even as ye have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-labourer, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you;

But I have thought it necessary to send unto you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-labourer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and the minister who supplied my want.

Thou therefore endure hardships, as a brave soldier of Jesus Christ. No man who enters the army involves himself with secular affairs; that he may please the person who hath enlisted him.

But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses for me, both in Jerusalem, and throughout all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the extremity of the earth.

And we are witnesses of these things; and the Holy Ghost also, which God hath given to those who obey him.

Notwithstanding, arise, and stand on thy feet: for to this end have I appeared to thee, to ordain thee both a minister and a witness of the things which thou hast seen, and of those which I will shew thee;

And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers;

And all of them shed floods of tears, and fell upon Paul's neck, and kissed him again and again, most peculiarly afflicted at that word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more: and they accompanied him unto the ship.

But when we had stayed out those days, we departed, and went on our journey, all of them attending us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the sea shore, we joined in prayer; and embracing one another, we went on ship-board, and they returned to their own homes,

of whom are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered over unto Satan, that they may be corrected, so as to blaspheme no more.

And their discourse will eat like as a gangrene; of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus;

of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which was given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

if ye abide in faith grounded and firm, and never moved aside from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which hath been preached to the whole creation which is under heaven, of which I Paul am a minister.

that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ unto the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God; that the oblation of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

LET a man so account of us, as the under servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

but in every thing approving ourselves as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,

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

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

But watch thou in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully discharge thy ministry.

And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers;

But thou, O man of God, flee from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

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

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye the holy apostles and prophets, for God hath adjudged her to punishment, for the judgment inflicted on you by her.

Let the elders who preside properly be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who are laborious in preaching and teaching.

THE presbyters among you I exhort, who am a co-presbyter and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed:

FOURTEEN years afterwards I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also along with us. And I went up then by revelation, and laid before them that gospel which I preach among the Heathen, but in private conference with those who were of the first importance, that haply I might not run, nor had run in vain. And even Titus, who was with me, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised: read more.
but this I did because of false brethren artfully introduced, who came to pry into our liberty which we hold in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom not even for an hour have we yielded subjection, that the truth of the gospel might abide with you. But from those who appeared men of the greatest importance, (what sort of men soever they were it maketh no difference to me: God accepteth not a man's person;) for these important personages in conference added nothing to me; but contrariwise when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcision, as Peter was to the circumcision: (for he that wrought powerfully by Peter in his apostolic mission to the circumcision, wrought mightily also by me among the Gentiles.) And when they knew the grace which was bestowed on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars [of the church], gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision:

But when it pleased God, who selected me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach the glad tidings of him to the nations, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, nor went up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. read more.
Afterwards at the expiration of three years I went up unto Jerusalem to pay a visit to Peter, and I abode with him fifteen days. But I saw no other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. Now respecting the things which I write unto you, behold, in the presence of God, I lie not. Afterwards I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea, which are in Christ: only they had heard, that he who persecuted us in time past, now preaches the faith which he once laid waste. And they glorified God on my behalf.

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

of which I am ordained a preacher and apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God, and the knowledge of truth which leads to godliness;

JAMES, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are dispersed, greeting.

And he saith to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

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

And immediately he compelled his disciples to go on board the vessel, and to go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the multitude away.

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and repose a little while: for there were multitudes coming and going, so that they had not even time to eat. And they went into a desert place in a vessel privately.

the mystery of the seven stars which thou seest in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamps which thou seest are the seven churches.

TO the angel of the Ephesian church write; These things saith he who grasps the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh round in the midst of the seven golden lamps;

the mystery of the seven stars which thou seest in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamps which thou seest are the seven churches.

TO the angel of the Ephesian church write; These things saith he who grasps the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh round in the midst of the seven golden lamps;

Now Barnabas had resolved to take with him John, whose surname is Mark.

So there grew up a sudden quarrel, insomuch that they separated from each other: and Barnabas, taking Mark with him, sailed away to Cyprus:

and not only so, but who was chosen by the churches as my fellow-traveller with this charity, ministered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [to shew] your ready mind.

If [any inquire] concerning Titus, he is my companion and fellow-labourer to you; or our brethren [be inquired of], they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

They therefore who gladly received his discourse were baptised: and there were added to them that day about three thousand souls.

SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together. And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, who was powerful in the Scriptures, had come to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord: and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught very diligently the things concerning the Lord, though knowing only the baptism of John. So this man began to speak with great boldness in the synagogue: but when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him home with them, and more accurately expounded to him the way of the Lord. read more.
And when he wished to pass over to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; who arriving, contributed much to [confirm] those who believed through grace. For he strenuously argued with the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.

And the multitudes with united minds were very attentive to the things spoken by Philip, when they heard him, and saw the miracles which he did.

But when they believed Philip, who preached the glad tidings of the things which related to the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised both men and women.

And there was great joy in that city.

And taking them that same hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was baptised, himself and all who belonged to him immediately. And when he had brought them into his house, he spread the table, and greatly rejoiced with all his household, believing in God.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh the measure of afflictions for Christ which remains to be endured for his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given me for you to fulfil the ministry of the word of God??26 the mystery which was hid from ages and from generations, but is now unveiled to his saints;

And their discourse will eat like as a gangrene; of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus; who with respect to the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection hath been already; and pervert the faith of some.

But I have thought it necessary to send unto you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-labourer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and the minister who supplied my want. For indeed he greatly longed after you all, and was very sorry that ye had heard that he had been sick. For sick indeed he was, nigh unto 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 have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him once more ye may rejoice, and I be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and honourably treat those that are such: for in the work of Christ he was nigh unto death indifferent about life, that he might afford me that service which it was not in your power to render me.

Epaphras, one of you, saluteth you, a servant of Christ, always wrestling for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he hath great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

But thanks be to God, who put the same solicitude for you into the heart of Titus. For he received in deed the exhortation, but being more diligent, of his own ready mind he went unto you.

But if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, timbers, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for that day shall declare it, for it shall be laid open by fire; and the fire shall prove every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work which he hath built abide [the trial], he shall receive a reward. read more.
If any man's work be burnt up, he shall suffer loss: but himself shall be saved; yet so as through the fire.

So he sent to Ephesus from Miletus, and called the presbyters of the church to attend him. And when they were come unto him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the very first day in which I entered into Asia, how I have been among you at every season, serving the Lord with all humility, and with many tears and trials, which have befallen me through the lying in wait of the Jews: read more.
and that I have suppressed nothing which could conduce to your profiting; not desisting from preaching to you, and teaching you in public, and from house to house, repeatedly urging both on Jews and Greeks repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold I am going, bound by the Spirit, unto Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall there befal me: only this, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and tribulation await thee. Yet I make no account of any [suffering], nor regard my life as of any value to myself, farther than as I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord, to testify fully the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye shall see my face no more, even ye all, among whom I have gone in and out preaching the kingdom of God. Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For this I know, that after my departure there will come among you grievous wolves, not sparing the flock: Yea, from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverting doctrines, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by night and by day, I have never ceased with tears to admonish every individual. And now, brethren, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to finish the superstructure, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. The silver, or gold, or apparel of no man have I coveted: but ye yourselves know that these hands have by labour furnished necessaries for my own wants, and for those who were with me. In all things I have set you the example, that so labouring hard ye ought to help the infirm, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And when he had spoken these things, he fell on his knees, and prayed with them all. And all of them shed floods of tears, and fell upon Paul's neck, and kissed him again and again, most peculiarly afflicted at that word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more: and they accompanied him unto the ship.

In like manner also do these men, even when they dream, defile indeed the flesh, despise sovereignty, and revile dignities. Though Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not to produce a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these men speak evil even of the things of which they have no knowledge: but such things as they know naturally, as the brute beasts, in these they corrupt themselves.

Then arose the high-priest, and all those who were connected with him, (which was the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with zeal, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said, read more.
Go, and taking your station in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. Having heard this therefore, they entered very early in the morning into the temple, and taught. But when the high-priest came, and those who were with him, they convoked the sanhedrim, and all the assembly of elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them. But the officers, on their arrival, found them not in the prison: and returning, informed them, saying; The prison indeed found we fast locked with all security, and the guards standing without, before the door: but when we opened it, we found no person within. Now when they heard these words, both the priest and captain of the temple and the chief priests were in the utmost perplexity concerning these things, what could be the meaning of it. Then came a person and informed them, saying, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them. But when they had conducted them, they placed them in the sanhedrim: and the high-priest interrogated them, saying, Did we not lay our strict injunction upon you, that you should not teach in this name? and, lo, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would fain bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the apostles answering said, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye had killed, suspending him on a tree. Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and the Holy Ghost also, which God hath given to those who obey him. But when they heard this, they were cut asunder as with a saw, and took counsel how to make away with them. Then arose a certain Pharisee, in the sanhedrim, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in high esteem by all the people, and ordered the apostles to be taken out for a little space; and he said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves respecting these men, what ye mean to do to them. For before these days arose Theudas, saying that he himself was a singular personage: to whom a number of men, about four hundred, attached themselves: who was taken off; and as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. And after him arose Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrolment, and drew away a multitude of the populace after him: he also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And as to the matters now before you, I say unto you, Abstain from these men, and leave them to themselves: for if this design or this work be of men, it will come to nothing: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; and in that case would be found fighters against God. And to him they assented: and calling in the apostles, after scourging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment. And all the day long in the temple, and from house to house, they never ceased teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.

And seeing how agreeable this was to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) Whom having apprehended, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep guard over him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people [for execution]. So then Peter was kept in prison: but fervent prayer was offered up by the church to God for him. read more.
Now when Herod was going to bring him forth, the same night was Peter fast asleep between the two soldiers, fastened to them with two chains: and the guards before the door kept the prison. And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter's side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird thyself up, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said unto him, Wrap thyself in thy mantle, and follow me. And going out, he followed him; and knew not that it was a reality which was done by the angel; but he supposed he saw a vision. So passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron door which leads into the city, which opened to them spontaneously: and being come out, they walked forward through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know assuredly, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and all the eager expectation of the people of the Jews. And after considering with himself, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark; where many were thronged together, and praying. Peter then knocking at the door of the gatetway, there came a damsel to ask who was there, named Rhoda. And well knowing Peter's voice, she opened not the door for joy; but running in, told that Peter was standing before the door. But they said, Thou art raving. But she confidently persisted that it was so. Then they said, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and they opened the door and saw him, and were astonished. Then beckoning with the hand that they should be silent, he informed them in what manner the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Tell James and the brethren these things. And departing thence he went into another place. Now when the day broke, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what could possibly become of Peter. And Herod sought him out earnestly, but not being able to find him, after having examined the guards strictly, he commanded them to be executed. And going down from Jerusalem to Caesarea, took up his abode there.

Now it came to pass, as Peter was passing through all parts, that he went down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And found there a certain man named AEneas, during six years stretched on a bed, who was paralytic. And Peter said to him, AEneas, Jesus the Messiah maketh thee whole: arise, and make thine own bed. And he arose immediately. read more.
And all who dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

And on the morrow we who were Paul's companions departed with him, and went to Caesarea; and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist (who was one of the seven deacons), we abode with him. Now this man had four maiden daughters endued with the gift of prophecy. And as we tarried there several days, there came down a certain prophet from Judea named Agabus.

AND being safe landed, we then understood that the island was called Melita. And the rude people treated us with singular humanity; for, lighting a fire, they received us all, because of the violent rain, and because of the cold. But as Paul was gathering up a faggot of sticks, and laying them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. read more.
Now when the rude people saw the venomous animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom though preserved from the sea, righteous vengeance suffereth not to live. But he then shaking off the venomous animal into the fire, suffered no manner of inconvenience. Now they expected that a violent inflammation would ensue, or that he would have fallen suddenly dead: but when, after waiting a considerable time, they saw no inconvenience arise to him, they changed their opinion, and said that he was a divinity. Now in the vicinity of that place was the estate of the principal person on the island, named Publius, who received us into his house, and lodged us with great humanity three days. And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him. This then being the case, all the rest also who had diseases in the island came to him, and were healed. Then they honoured us with many tokens of respect; and when we were about to sail, laid in for us every necessary store.

Now when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Confer on me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, they may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, May thy silver with thyself go into perdition, because thou hast imagined that the gift of God can be purchased with money. read more.
There is for thee neither part nor lot in this word: for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if haply this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.

Now as they travelled through the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain person who professed magic, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man; he inviting to his house Barnabas and Saul, desired earnestly to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for such is his name when interpreted) opposed them, seeking to pervert the proconsul from the faith. read more.
Then Saul (now Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost, and fixing his eyes upon him, said, O thou full of all guile and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease perverting the strait ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, seeing the sun no more for a season. And instantly there fell on him a thick mist and darkness; and groping about he sought some to lead him by the hand.

Now when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Confer on me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, they may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, May thy silver with thyself go into perdition, because thou hast imagined that the gift of God can be purchased with money. read more.
There is for thee neither part nor lot in this word: for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if haply this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.

For if the ministry of death in letters graven on stone, was attended with glory, so that the children of Israel could not keep their eyes fixed upon the countenance of Moses, because of the glory of his countenance, though [soon] evanescent; how much more will not the ministry of the Spirit be attended with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation is glory, much more doth the ministry of righteousness excel in glory. read more.
For that which was glorious hath no glory, comparatively, because of the glory which excelleth. For if that which was abolished came in a glorious manner, much more is that which remaineth glorious.

I entreated Titus [to go to you], and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

THEN he came to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold! a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman, who believed; but his father was a Greek: who was highly spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium. Him Paul resolved to take out with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father, that he was a Greek. read more.
So as they passed through the cities, they delivered to them for their observance the ordinances decreed by the apostles and presbyters that were at Jerusalem.

And as they were employed in the ministry, and kept a fast, the Holy Ghost said, Set apart for me now both Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Then having kept a fast and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them out.

But a certain man, named Simon, lived previously in that city, who practised magic, and astonished the nation of Samaria, giving out himself as an extraordinary great personage: to whom all gave heed from the small to the great, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they attended, because he had of a considerable time astonished them by his magical tricks.

It is no wonder therefore if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness; whose end will be according to their works.

In all things approving thyself as a pattern of good works: in thy teaching, shewing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility, sound discourse, incapable of confutation; that he who is in opposition may be confounded, having nothing faulty to say of you.

Then Judas who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting, carried back the thirty silver pieces to the chief priests and the elders, saying, I have sinned, in betraying innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And throwing down the silver pieces in the temple, he departed; and going out, hanged himself. read more.
Then the chief priests taking up the silver pieces, said, It is not lawful to put them to the treasure destined for sacred uses, because it is the price of blood. So taking counsel, they bought with them a potter's field, as a burial-place for strangers.

Then he dispatched into Macedonia two of those who attended upon him, Timothy and Erastus; while he himself continued a while longer in Asia.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things.

but Paul selecting Silas, departed, being commended by the brethren to the favour of God.

So this man began to speak with great boldness in the synagogue: but when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him home with them, and more accurately expounded to him the way of the Lord.

And this saying was very agreeable to all the multitude: and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas a proselyte a man of Antioch: whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

Neglect not the gift which is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the presbytery.

Let every one, according as he hath received a gift, minister it to others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

And a servant of the Lord ought not to quarrel; but to be gentle to all men, apt to teach, forbearing,

And I wept much because no man was found worthy either to open or read the book, or even to look upon it. And one of the presbyters said unto me, Weep not: behold the lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed, to open the book, and to break the seven seals upon it.

If [any inquire] concerning Titus, he is my companion and fellow-labourer to you; or our brethren [be inquired of], they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God exhorted you by us; we entreat you for Christ's sake, be ye reconciled to God.

He was a lamp glowing and luminous: and ye were pleased for a time to exult in his light.

My brethren, take a pattern for suffering affliction, and patience from the prophets, who have spoken to you in the name of the Lord.

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.

And departing thence, he came to the house of a person, called Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was contiguous to the synagogue.

And as he was of the same occupation, he abode with them, and worked, (for by trade they were tent-makers:)

Then it came to pass, that he abode many days at Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Then having kept a fast and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them out.

And they drew lots for them and the lot fell to Matthias and he was by unanimous suffrage numbered with the eleven apostles.

Who hath made us also able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter but of the spirit; for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who affects pre-eminence over them, receiveth us not.

LET a man so account of us, as the under servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For a bishop ought to be irreproachable, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not irritable, not addicted to wine, not quarrelsome, not greedy of filthy lucre;

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

All my affairs will Tychicus make known unto you, a beloved brother, and faithful minister, and fellow-servant in the Lord:

and sent Timothy our brother, and a minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, that he might stablish you, and comfort you concerning your faith:

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God, and the knowledge of truth which leads to godliness;

as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I bear you on my heart, both in my bonds and in my defence and the confirmation of the gospel, as being all of you sharers in my grace.

and spared not the old world, but guarded safely Noah the eighth person, the preacher of righteousness, when he brought a deluge on the world of the ungodly:

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

exactly as they delivered them to us, who were eve witnesses from the first, and ministers of the word;

WE then as labourers with him, exhort you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain: