15 Bible Verses about Ministers

Ye are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid that is situated on an eminence. Neither do men burn a lamp, and set it under a bushel, but on its stand; and it sheds light on all that are in the house. Just so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.

to open their eyes, to convert them from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance with those who are sanctified by faith which is in me.

For they publish concerning you what manner of entrance we had unto you, and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve the living and true God,

O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science:

nor to attend to fables and endless genealogies, which give occasion to disputes rather than godly edification, which is by faith; [so do].

Moreover it is expected of stewards, that a man be found faithful.

And the things which thou hast heard of me before many witnesses, these commit to faithful men, who shall be qualified to teach others also.

Ye are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid that is situated on an eminence.

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

and to account of them very highly in love for their work's sake. And live in peace among yourselves.

THEREFORE having this ministry, as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;

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.

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.

whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

For to this end was the gospel preached to those that are dead, that they might be judged indeed in the flesh according to the will of men, but live in spirit according to the will of God.

preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom of discourse, and without the least interruption.

But they going forth preached every where, the Lord working mightily with them, and confirming the word, by attendant miracles.

THEN in those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the desert country of Judea,

And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach the glad tidings to the inhabitants of the earth, to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people,

And that I might not be lifted up above measure by the transcendent greatness of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the angel Satan, to buffet me, that I might not be lifted up above measure.

For even to this present hour we undergo hunger and thirst and nakedness, and are buffeted about, and have no settled abode;

in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,

Are they the ministers of Christ? (I speak foolishly) I am above [them]: in labours more abundantly, in stripes exceedingly more, in prisons more frequently, in the most immediate danger of death often.

Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by night and by day, I have never ceased with tears to admonish every individual.

And indeed though I wrote unto you, I did it not [merely] for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause who had suffered the injury, but that our diligent attention for you might be more abundantly manifested to you in the presence of God.

and beside all these things from without, that accumulated burden which cometh on me daily, the care of all the churches.

For I am afraid that when I come I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found of you such as ye would not: lest haply there be contentions, jealousies, animosities, quarrels, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

I am afraid for you, lest haply I have bestowed on you labour in vain.

worn down with vexation, because they taught the people, and preached by Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

But Philip, going down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them.

Then Philip opening his mouth, and beginning from that scripture, preached to him Jesus.

And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (he is Lord of all,) ye know:

worn down with vexation, because they taught the people, and preached by Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

But Philip, going down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them.

Then Philip opening his mouth, and beginning from that scripture, preached to him Jesus.

And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (he is Lord of all,) ye know:

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.

Lay hands hastily on no man, nor share another's sins: keep thyself pure;

For which cause I remind thee that thou fan into a flame the divine gift, which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.

For God is not unjust, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have demonstrated in his name, having ministered assistance to the saints, and still ministering.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

But he that looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, this man not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, he shall be blessed in his practice.

For whosoever shall give you even a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to the Messiah, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

And he said unto them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

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 as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is approaching.

preach the word, be urgent, in season, out of season; reprove, enjoin, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

And Jesus said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but go thou, preach the kingdom of God.

And he said unto them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

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 as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is approaching.

preach the word, be urgent, in season, out of season; reprove, enjoin, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

And Jesus said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but go thou, preach the kingdom of God.

For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn." And again, "The labourer is worthy of his hire."

nor a scrip for the journey, nor two coats, nor sandals, nor stick: for the workman is worthy of his food.

So also the Lord hath commanded to those who preach the gospel, that they should live by the gospel.

Let him who is a learner of the word communicate to his instructor in all good things.

Nevertheless ye have done nobly in your communications to me during my affliction.

For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn." And again, "The labourer is worthy of his hire."

nor a scrip for the journey, nor two coats, nor sandals, nor stick: for the workman is worthy of his food.

So also the Lord hath commanded to those who preach the gospel, that they should live by the gospel.

Let him who is a learner of the word communicate to his instructor in all good things.

Nevertheless ye have done nobly in your communications to me during my affliction.

bringing attestation of her good works; that she hath well educated her children, that she hath been hospitable to strangers, that she hath washed the saints feet, that she hath assisted the afflicted, that she hath followed diligently every good work.

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

communicating to the wants of the saints; prompt to hospitality.

but the stranger's host, the good man's friend, grave, just, holy, temperate;

Forget not to exercise hospitality: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For we are not as the many, adulterating the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

For neither at any time used we insinuating language, as ye know, nor a pretext for covetousness; God is witness:

but have renounced all shameful secret practices, not conducting ourselves with artifice, nor deceitfully disguising the word of God, but by clear manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience as in the presence of God.

And our exhortation originated not from delusion, or impurity, or from guile;

teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo! I am with you at all times even to the end of the world. Amen.

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

But they who have believing masters, let them not think less of them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who have equally partaken of the benefit. These things teach and enjoin.

Announce and teach these things.

with meekness correcting those who are opposers, if at last God may give unto them repentance so as to submit to the conviction of the truth;

teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo! I am with you at all times even to the end of the world. Amen.

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

But they who have believing masters, let them not think less of them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who have equally partaken of the benefit. These things teach and enjoin.

Announce and teach these things.

with meekness correcting those who are opposers, if at last God may give unto them repentance so as to submit to the conviction of the truth;

Obey your presidents, and be subject to them: for they are vigilant for your souls, as being to render an account, that they may do it with joy, and not groaning: for that would be disadvantageous for you.

To the one we are the odour of death unto death, to the other the odour of life unto life: and who is sufficient for these things?

MY brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive a severer judgment.

And when the arch Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that will never fade away.

If any man's work which he hath built abide [the trial], he shall receive a reward.

Verily I say unto you, that he will place him over all his substance.

For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with the dispensation [of it]. What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may put the gospel of Christ to no expence, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and honourably treat those that are such:

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

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.

and to account of them very highly in love for their work's sake. And live in peace among yourselves.

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.

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.

Pray for us: for we have confidence that we maintain a good conscience, in all things desirous to conduct ourselves with propriety.??19 But I entreat you the rather to do this, that I may the more speedily be restored to you.

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,

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;

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.

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

For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of discourse, lest the cross of Christ should be slighted.

And my conversation and my preaching was not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but with demonstration of the Spirit, and of power:

AND I, when I came to you, brethren, came not with superior excellence of discourse or wisdom, preaching unto you the gospel of God.

Obey your presidents, and be subject to them: for they are vigilant for your souls, as being to render an account, that they may do it with joy, and not groaning: for that would be disadvantageous for you.

I give thanks to my God on every remembrance of you,

I give thanks to my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which hath been given you in Christ Jesus;

For what sufficient thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice on your account before our God,

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and honourably treat those that are such:

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

and to account of them very highly in love for their work's sake. And live in peace among yourselves.

Let him who is a learner of the word communicate to his instructor in all good things.

Who goeth at any time to war at his own expences? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit of it? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Speak I these things [rationally] as a man, or doth not the law speak the same things? for in the law of Moses it is written, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox which treadeth out the corn." Doth God take care for oxen? read more.
or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes doubtless it was written; because he who ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he who soweth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we should reap your corporal things?

feed the flock of God which is among you, exercising your pastoral office not of necessity, but of choice, not for base gain, but with alacrity of mind;

The deacons also in like manner must be grave, not doubletongued, not addicting themselves to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

The silver, or gold, or apparel of no man have I coveted:

not addicted to wine, not using hard words or blows, not greedy of base gain; but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money;

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.

feed the flock of God which is among you, exercising your pastoral office not of necessity, but of choice, not for base gain, but with alacrity of mind;

When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him, Yes, Lord! thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him, Feed my lambs. 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.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

But now when Timothy returned to us from you, and brought us the glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye retain a kind remembrance of us always, earnestly desirous to see us, as we are also to see you: for this cause we have felt consolation, brethren, in you under all our tribulation and distress, because of your fidelity. For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. read more.
For what sufficient thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice on your account before our God,

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.

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

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.

Lo! I hold myself ready the third time to come unto you, and I will not burden you; for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up treasure for their parents, but the parents for the children.

not seeking glory from men, neither from you, nor from others, though we might have been burdensome, as apostles of Christ.

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and toil: for night and day working hard, that we might be no burden to any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may put the gospel of Christ to no expence, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

but the stranger's host, the good man's friend, grave, just, holy, temperate;

Yea, and if I should boast somewhat more highly of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed;

For this cause, though absent, I have written these things, that when I am present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.

Yea, and if I should boast somewhat more highly of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed;

For this cause, though absent, I have written these things, that when I am present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.

So as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and elocution, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

But now when Timothy returned to us from you, and brought us the glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye retain a kind remembrance of us always, earnestly desirous to see us, as we are also to see you:

But Philip, going down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them.

Then Philip opening his mouth, and beginning from that scripture, preached to him Jesus.

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was given to me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, nor he that watereth; but God who giveth the increase.

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your glory, as also ye are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

And I have written unto you for this very purpose, that I might not, when I come to you, have sorrow from those in whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

We are afflicted on every side, yet not reduced to extremities; under difficulties, yet not in despair;

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

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

BE ye imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ:

Think ye that we are again making an apology to you? In the sight of God speak we in Christ: but all things, beloved, for your edification.

For do I now use persuasions from men, or from God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

but as we have been approved of God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts.

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

But we were gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse cherisheth her own infants.

Obey your presidents, and be subject to them: for they are vigilant for your souls, as being to render an account, that they may do it with joy, and not groaning: for that would be disadvantageous for you.

wherefore submit yourselves to such, and to every one that worketh with us and laboureth.

And my temptation, which was in my flesh, ye despised not, nor rejected with disgust; but as an angel of God ye received me, even as Christ Jesus himself.

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

For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

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,

Go, and taking your station in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life.

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

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

not that we are sufficient of ourselves to account any thing of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. 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.

But if that wicked servant say in his heart, My master will be a long while ere he comes; and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the master of that servant will come in a day that he doth not expect him, and at an hour which he knoweth not. read more.
And will cut him asunder, and give him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If thou suggest these truths to the brethren, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and sound doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

but the others of love, knowing that I am exposed for the defence of the gospel.

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.

according to my firm expectation and hope, that I shall be confounded by no event, but that with all boldness, as always hitherto, Christ shall now also be magnified in my body, whether by my life or death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

For this end I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

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

For there are many disorderly persons vainly talkative, and under a spirit of delusion, especially some of the circumcised; whose mouths ought to be muzzled, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain.

He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; and he that believeth not shall be damned.

For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of discourse, lest the cross of Christ should be slighted.

Till I come, apply to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

Let these things be thy care; be wholly devoted to them; that thy progress may be evident to all men.

I have struggled hard in the honourable contest, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith:

This commandment, son Timothy, I give thee, according to the prophecies which were before delivered concerning thee, that by them thou mightest war a good warfare;

presiding over his own family with propriety, having his children under subjection with all gravity of behaviour:

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

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

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

And I beseech thee also, my genuine associate, assist those women who laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and my other fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Salute Urban, our fellow-labourer in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Leave them to themselves: they are blind leaders of the blind. But if the blind lead the blind, they will both fall into the pit.

holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth Him that sent me.

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.

all things therefore which they prescribe for you to observe, observe and practise; but do not according to their works, for they say, yet do not practise.

For this cause we also from the day we heard it have not ceased praying for you, and beseeching God that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

but the stranger's host, the good man's friend, grave, just, holy, temperate;

No man who enters the army involves himself with secular affairs; that he may please the person who hath enlisted him.

And Jesus said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but go thou, preach the kingdom 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;

not addicted to wine, not using hard words or blows, not greedy of base gain; but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money;

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;

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

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

but the stranger's host, the good man's friend, grave, just, holy, temperate;

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;

not addicted to wine, not using hard words or blows, not greedy of base gain; but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money;

And no man assumes to himself this honour, but he who is called of God, even as Aaron was.

And with plausible speeches will they avariciously make gain of you whose condemnation from of old lingereth not, and their perdition doth not slumber.