15 Bible Verses about Ministers

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge,"

nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

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

and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died. And on the next morning I did as I was commanded.

To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless,

beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one--I am talking like a madman--with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish--that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us."

"For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely.

His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.

"Both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their evil, declares the LORD.

Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading.

greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."

As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),

greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."

As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),

These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."

no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."

no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

"'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.

I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

"'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.

I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness.

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.

Command and teach these things.

correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.

Command and teach these things.

correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.

And he said to me, "Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, "Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it."Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. read more.
And he said to me, "Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them. For you are not sent to a people of foreign speech and a hard language, but to the house of Israel-- not to many peoples of foreign speech and a hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, if I sent you to such, they would listen to you. But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to me: because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart. Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house." Moreover, he said to me, "Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears. And go to the exiles, to your people, and speak to them and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,'whether they hear or refuse to hear." Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great earthquake: "Blessed be the glory of the LORD from its place!" It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures as they touched one another, and the sound of the wheels beside them, and the sound of a great earthquake. The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of the LORD being strong upon me. And I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were dwelling by the Chebar canal, and I sat where they were dwelling. And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. And at the end of seven days, the word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.

to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.

Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,

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

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.

and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

For you know how, like a father with his children,

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

And I, when I came to you, brothers,did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest,

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.

I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not pay attention.'

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,

For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,

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

and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the LORD.

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? read more.
Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

"'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you-- for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. read more.
For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

"Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins.

And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,

Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the LORD's food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.

"You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, 'Holy to the LORD.'

but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you--see that you excel in this act of grace also.

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you--

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

just as you did partially acknowledge us--that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.

And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,

"Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."

but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know read more.
and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand. "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all. "Come," they say, "let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure."

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace.

Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

"The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me."

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.

Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and say, "Spare your people, O LORD, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'"

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

"Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.

but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

"Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests--Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us."

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes.

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. read more.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

But you know Timothy'sproven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,'and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him.

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.