15 Bible Verses about Ministers

ye are the light of the world. a city that is situated on an hill, cannot be hid; and when men light a lamp, they do not put it under a bushel: but on the stand, to give light to all the family. even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.

and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me."

how successful our arrival was among you, and how you renounc'd your idols to serve the living and true God,

O Timothy, keep what is deposited in your care, avoiding the prophane empty declamations and objections of a spurious science, which some have profess'd,

or trouble their heads with fables and endless genealogies, which rather promote disputes than the gospel-dispensation:

now it is required in a steward, that he be found faithful.

and what you heard me deliver in the presence of many, intrust to such persons of integrity as are qualified to instruct others

ye are the light of the world. a city that is situated on an hill, cannot be hid;

he was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing to be entertain'd for a while with his light.

maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them.

Therefore, having by the divine favour such a ministry, I exert myself:

of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence:

provided you continue well-grounded and settled in the faith, and do not abandon that hope which has been offer'd to you by the gospel, and is proclaim'd to all mankind; of which I Paul am made a minister.

who also hath enabled me to be a minister of the new covenant, not of the literal sense, but of the spiritual meaning: it is the letter that denounces death, but the spirit gives life.

For this I was establish'd the herald, the apostle, and doctor of the Gentiles. this has drawn upon me the evils I suffer.

for to this end was the gospel preach'd to those, who are now dead, that after having suffer'd the loss of this frail life from men, they might enjoy an immortal life with God.

preaching the kingdom of God, and instructing them in all things relating to the Lord Jesus Christ, with the utmost freedom, without being molested.

as for the disciples, they went and preached the gospel in all parts: the Lord co-operating with them, and confirming their doctrine by the miracles that accompany'd it.

At that time appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

Then I saw another angel fly in the mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those that dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, province, and people, crying with a loud voice,

and lest I should be exalted above measure by the extraordinary revelations I have had, I was afflicted in my person, so that the messenger of satan insulted me; concerning which,

to this very day we suffer both hunger, thirst, and penury: we are buffeted from place to place, as vagabonds:

from imprisonments, from tumults, from labours, from watchings, from penury.

so am I: are they ministers of Christ? is it my vanity? I am more so: in toilsome labours I surpass them, in stripes I am exceedingly beyond them, in prisons I have been oftner, and frequently in the very jaws of death.

be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears.

wherefore, my writing to you so severely did not proceed from any prejudice to him, that had done the wrong, or from favour to him that suffered wrong, but to show my conscientious regard to your welfare.

besides these troubles from without, that which crouds upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

yet I fear when I do come I shall not find you such as I would, and that you will find me such as you least desire: I am afraid there are among you debates, envyings, animosities, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults:

you make me apprehensive, that the labour I have bestowed upon you will be all in vain.

being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus.

Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them.

then Philip enter'd upon the subject, and show'd how the whole passage was applicable to Jesus.

Immediately he maintained in the synagogues, that Jesus was the son of God.

this was what he communicated to the children of Israel, proclaiming salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all mankind.

being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus.

Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them.

then Philip enter'd upon the subject, and show'd how the whole passage was applicable to Jesus.

Immediately he maintained in the synagogues, that Jesus was the son of God.

this was what he communicated to the children of Israel, proclaiming salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all mankind.

these they presented to the apostles: who after prayer gave them imposition of hands.

don't neglect the gift you have, which was given you with the ministerial charge, when you receiv'd imposition of hands from the presbytery.

Don't be hasty to ordain any man: and be not accessory to the faults of others: preserve your own integrity.

For which reason I remind you to exert the divine gifts you received, when I gave you the imposition of hands.

for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give.

therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye inflexibly steady, and continually surpass others in the work of the Lord, knowing that he will not leave your christian labour unrewarded.

whereas, he that attentively considers the perfect law of liberty, and is attach'd thereto, he is not a forgetful hearer, but reduces it to practice, and his conduct is crown'd with hapiness.

and whoever he be that shall give you a cup of water, as being the disciples of Christ, I assure you, he shall not lose his reward.

Then he said to them, go ye into all parts of the world, and preach the gospel to all mankind.

what I tell you in private, declare it in publick: and what is whisper'd in the ear, proclaim from the battlements of the house.

and wherever ye go, make this proclamation: the kingdom of heaven is nigh.

to preach the word with assiduity upon all occasions: reprove, censure, exhort, with the most tender persuasions.

Jesus said to him, let the dead bury their dead; but do you go and preach the kingdom of God.

Then he said to them, go ye into all parts of the world, and preach the gospel to all mankind.

what I tell you in private, declare it in publick: and what is whisper'd in the ear, proclaim from the battlements of the house.

and wherever ye go, make this proclamation: the kingdom of heaven is nigh.

to preach the word with assiduity upon all occasions: reprove, censure, exhort, with the most tender persuasions.

Jesus said to him, let the dead bury their dead; but do you go and preach the kingdom of God.

for the scripture says, "thou shalt not muzzle the ox, when he treads the corn." and, "the labourer is worthy of his reward."

nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staves: for the workman deserves his maintenance.

even so has the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.

Let him that is instructed in the word freely communicate his good things to him that teaches him.

however, you acted generously in assisting me in my necessity:

for the scripture says, "thou shalt not muzzle the ox, when he treads the corn." and, "the labourer is worthy of his reward."

nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staves: for the workman deserves his maintenance.

even so has the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.

Let him that is instructed in the word freely communicate his good things to him that teaches him.

however, you acted generously in assisting me in my necessity:

such as have been recommended by their good actions, by the education of their children, by their hospitality, by their officiousness to the faithful, by relieving the afflicted, and by the practice of every virtue.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

distribute to the necessity of the saints; cultivate hospitality.

but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate;

be not unmindful of hospitality: for thereby some have unknowingly entertained angels.

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.

for we are not like others, who adulterate the word of God; but we preach the pure gospel of Christ, as I receiv'd it from God, and as in the presence of God.

our address to you was without any flattery, as you yourselves can witness, and God is witness that we had no avarice to disguise.

renouncing all secret dishonesty, and void of all artifice, I deliver the word of God unadulterated, and recommend my self by urging the truth home to every man's conscience, as in the presence of God.

for our doctrine was free from all imposture, avarice, and fraud.

teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

let them not treat their christian masters, on pretence of being their brethren, with less respect: but be the more obsequious, because they are believers, and deserve to be belov'd, for the kind provision they make for them. let this be the subject of your instructions, and exhortation.

These things recommend and teach.

with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth.

teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

let them not treat their christian masters, on pretence of being their brethren, with less respect: but be the more obsequious, because they are believers, and deserve to be belov'd, for the kind provision they make for them. let this be the subject of your instructions, and exhortation.

These things recommend and teach.

with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth.

Confide in your guides, and be respectful: that they who are vigilant, as being accountable for your souls, may discharge themselves with cheerfulness, and not with anxiety, which would be to your prejudice.

by the one my preaching is taken as a deadly poison, to the other it is a reviving potion. and who is so sufficient for such a commission?

My brethren, don't affect many of you to be doctors, considering, that those of us who are such, shall be tried with the greater severity.

that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade.

if the work abide which somebody has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

I tell you, he shall make him steward of all his estate.

now if I do this willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, it is a dispensation of trust which must be discharged. whence then is my reward? why, from my preaching the gospel of Christ gratis, without making use of the privilege which the gospel gives me.

receive him then in the Lord with all alacrity, and let such be the objects of your esteem:

Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing.

Remember those who have the rule over you, who have preach'd to you the word of God: imitate their faith; consider their conduct, and the exit they made.

maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them.

tread in my steps, my brethren, and fix your eyes upon those who follow the example I give you.

not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate,

don't give occasion to any to despise your youth: but be a pattern to believers in your discourse, in your behaviour, by your charity, faith and chastity.

not to domineer over the laity, but to be examples for their imitation;

being assisted by your prayers for me, so that thanks may be returned by many, for the gracious deliverance procur'd me by their prayers.

Pray for us, for we trust we have a clear conscience, and desire our virtuous conduct may appear to all the world.

in particular for me, that I may have leave to speak without any restraint, and make known the mystery of the gospel,

in the mean time, I conjure you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the spirit, that you join with me in earnest prayers to God for me;

Our affection therefore to you being so great, we were as ready to give our lives for you, as we were to communicate the divine gospel to you, so much did you engage our love.

I should have this opinion of you, being sensible you make the dispensation I am under a common concern, with respect to my confinement, and the defence and confirmation of the gospel.

you likewise know, that we exhorted and encouraged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

for Christ did not send me to baptize: but to preach the gospel: tho' not with the preaching of the wise, lest the cross of Christ should have been hinder'd in its efficacy.

my discourse, and my preaching did not consist in the persuasive reasonings of human wisdom, but in demonstrating the spiritual meaning of the scriptures:

As for me, my brethren, when I appear'd among you, it was not to represent to you the divine mystery in sublime language, and with human literature.

Confide in your guides, and be respectful: that they who are vigilant, as being accountable for your souls, may discharge themselves with cheerfulness, and not with anxiety, which would be to your prejudice.

I thank God, for your remembrance of me,

I continually give thanks to God on your behalf, for the favour he has bestowed on you thro' Jesus Christ;

how can I be sufficiently thankful to God upon your account, for all the joy, which by your means we have been affected with,

receive him then in the Lord with all alacrity, and let such be the objects of your esteem:

Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing.

maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them.

Let him that is instructed in the word freely communicate his good things to him that teaches him.

who ever serves in war at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and does not eat of the fruit? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? is this only the voice of reason? does not the law express the same too? for it is written in the law of Moses, "thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." are oxen the objects of divine care? read more.
or is it said, no doubt, for our sakes? for our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he who plows should plow in hope; and that he who thresheth should expect the advantage. if for your benefit we have sown spirituals, is it so extraordinary if we should reap some benefit from your temporals?

to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection;

The deacons too must be grave, not double tongued, not addicted to drinking, or sordid gain,

I have not desir'd to get from any one either silver, or gold, or apparel.

not given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy,

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection;

So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me more than these do? yes, Lord, said he, you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my lambs. then he ask'd him the second time, Simon son of Jonas do you love me? yes, Lord, said he; you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my sheep. Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.

for what can be our hope, or joy, what can crown our pretensions, unless it be you, when we shall appear before the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you. Thus, my brethren, your conduct has given us great consolation, under all our persecutions and distress. for now I am reviv'd, since you continue stedfast in the christian profession. read more.
how can I be sufficiently thankful to God upon your account, for all the joy, which by your means we have been affected with,

what I tell you in private, declare it in publick: and what is whisper'd in the ear, proclaim from the battlements of the house. fear not those who can only kill the body, but cannot hurt the soul: rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

as for us, we give no occasion of offence, that our ministry may not be blamed:

give no offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. thus I endeavour to be acceptable to all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of others, so as they may be saved.

This is the third time I purposed to come to you; but I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: since it is not expected children should lay up for their parents, but parents for their children: on the contrary,

we never courted you nor any others, from an affectation of human applause. instead of making our apostolical character any ways expensive to you, as we might;

for you remember, my brethren, our labour and toil: how we worked day and night, that in preaching the gospel of God, we might not be chargeable to any of you.

whence then is my reward? why, from my preaching the gospel of Christ gratis, without making use of the privilege which the gospel gives me.

but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate;

for though I should more than ever magnify my authority, which the Lord hath given us for your improvement, and not for your ruin, I should have no reason to be ashamed;

these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.

for though I should more than ever magnify my authority, which the Lord hath given us for your improvement, and not for your ruin, I should have no reason to be ashamed;

these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.

that as you excel in every thing, in faith, in language, mystical knowledge, in all virtue, and in your affection to us; I hope you will excel too in this charitable disposition.

but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you.

Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them.

then Philip enter'd upon the subject, and show'd how the whole passage was applicable to Jesus.

for I did not think I was to have any other knowledge among you, than that of Christ, a crucified saviour.

it is by the divine favour that I am what I am: and his favour to me was not in vain; no, I laboured more than they all: yet it was not I, it was the divine favour which assisted me.

so then, neither is he that planted any thing, nor he that watered: it is God only that gives the increase.

as some of you have already own'd, that I am matter of joy to you, as you will be to me in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ:

and I wrote to you upon that disagreeable subject, that when I came, I might not receive uneasiness from those from whom I ought to receive comfort, being persuaded that you will all think yourselves interested to promote my satisfaction.

I am press'd on every side, yet not crush'd; perplexed, but not in despair;

as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

tread in my steps, my brethren, and fix your eyes upon those who follow the example I give you.

Imitate herein my example as I do that of Christ.

thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ:

do you think I have been making excuses for not coming? as I am a christian, in the presence of God, I have, my beloved, in every thing consulted your advantage.

for do I now act in obedience to men, or to God? or do I seek to please men? if I had hitherto pleased men, I should not have been the servant of Christ.

we preach the gospel just as God thought fit to intrust it with us, not being studious to please men, but God, who approves our sincerity.

a christian must not be litigious, but easy to all men, qualify'd to instruct,

we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children.

Confide in your guides, and be respectful: that they who are vigilant, as being accountable for your souls, may discharge themselves with cheerfulness, and not with anxiety, which would be to your prejudice.

I beseech you be subservient, and to every one that helpeth us with his labours.

yet you did not despise me for the trial which attended my person, nor treated me with scorn; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Let men consider us, as the ministers of Christ, who dispense the divine mysteries.

for I have acquainted you with the whole dispensation of God without reserve.

that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private:

go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life.

but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes,

a christian must not be litigious, but easy to all men, qualify'd to instruct,

not that I am sufficient of myself to effect any thing by the strength of my own reason: but my sufficiency is from God. who also hath enabled me to be a minister of the new covenant, not of the literal sense, but of the spiritual meaning: it is the letter that denounces death, but the spirit gives life.

but if he be dishonest, and says to himself, my Lord delays coming, and shall pretend to assault his fellow-servants, and spend his time with sots: the master of that servant will come in a day when he least expects it, and at an hour he is not aware of; read more.
and shall turn him out of the family, and give him the reward due to such behaviour: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If you represent these things to the brethren, you will appear to be a true minister of Jesus Christ, brought up in the institutions of faith, and the true doctrine to which you were attach'd.

the others act from affection, as knowing that I suffer for having defended the gospel.

things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour.

agreeably to that expectation and persuasion I have, that I shall not labour in vain; but as I always have, so I shall still glorify Christ in my body, whether it be by life or by death: for if I live, I live to Christ; and if I die, I gain.

for this cause I bow my knees unto the father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and I never pray without praying for you all with joy, for your liberality to the gospel,

For there are many, especially among the Jews, who are obstinate, vain talkers and deceivers; who ought to be curb'd, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for sordid lucre.

he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that disbelieves, shall be condemned.

for Christ did not send me to baptize: but to preach the gospel: tho' not with the preaching of the wise, lest the cross of Christ should have been hinder'd in its efficacy.

while I am absent apply yourself to reading, to exhortation, and instruction.

meditate upon these things, be wholly employ'd about them, that your proficiency may appear to all.

I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith:

This charge, my son Timothy, I recommend to you, agreeably to the prophetic gifts heretofore conferr'd on you, by virtue of which you might carry on a successful warfare,

obliging his children to behave with decorum.

a deacon must have but one wife, and govern his children, and the rest of the family in a proper manner.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

a christian must not be litigious, but easy to all men, qualify'd to instruct,

yea, I intreat thee too, my faithful collegue, to assist them both, for they assisted me in the gospel, as well as Clement, and my other collegues, whose names are in the book of life.

I value as a good christian. salute Urbane my assistant in the cause of Christ,

let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. now if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

but by their integrity maintain the reverence due to the gospel.

he that adheres to you, adheres to me; he that rejects you, rejects me: and he that rejects me, rejecteth him that sent me.

don't give occasion to any to despise your youth: but be a pattern to believers in your discourse, in your behaviour, by your charity, faith and chastity.

therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another.

For this cause, ever since we heard of it, we incessantly pray for you, requesting that you may be endued with respect to the knowledge of his will, with all wisdom and spiritual discernment:

but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate;

he that enters into the service, disengages himself from civil affairs, that he may be acceptable to his officer.

Jesus said to him, let the dead bury their dead; but do you go and preach the kingdom of God.

for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not morose, not soon angry, not given to wine, not violent, not desirous of unlawful gain.

not given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy,

for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not morose, not soon angry, not given to wine, not violent, not desirous of unlawful gain.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate;

for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not morose, not soon angry, not given to wine, not violent, not desirous of unlawful gain.

not given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy,

to himself the honour of the priesthood: he must be called thereto by God, as Aaron was.

By their artful discourses they will make you the tools of their avarice; but their condemnation has been a long time advancing, and their ruin is far from lingring.