15 Bible Verses about Ministers

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill may be seen by all. A light is not placed under a cover. To the contrary, it is placed on a table so all may see. Likewise, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. They may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

All those people speak about how you received us when we visited you, and how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the true and living God,

O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false knowledge.

They should not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These myths (false stories) (fabrications) and genealogies stimulate questions and speculation. They do not enhance the administration of God that is by faith.

It is required of stewards that a man is trustworthy.

What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill may be seen by all.

He was the lamp that burns and shines. You were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.

To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.

We have this ministry to do, even as we obtained mercy, we do not lose heart.

I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace that was given me according to the working of his power.

Provided that you continue in the faith, grounded (on the foundation) and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the good news you heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven. For this I, Paul, was made a minister.

He also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

I was appointed to be a messenger of this good news, an apostle, and a teacher.

The good news was preached for this purpose even to the dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but may live according to God in the spirit.

He spread the message about God's Kingdom and taught boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one stopped him!

not in some older manuscripts) After he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She was the one who had the seven demons that he cast out.

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming:

Then I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven. He had everlasting good news to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.

I was given a painful physical ailment that will keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw. It acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud.

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

Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst. We are naked. We are treated badly and we are homeless.

in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watching, in fasting;

Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool. I am more in labors more abundant, beaten beyond number, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.

Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears.

Although I wrote to you, I did not write for the sake of the one who did wrong, nor for the one who suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest to you in the sight of God.

Beside those things that are from the outside, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the congregations.

I am afraid that I may come and find you different from what I want you to be, and that you may find me different from what you want me to be. I fear that there may be rivalry, jealousy, hot tempers, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.

I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).

The leaders judge for a bribe, and the priests teach for wages! The prophets predict for money yet they rely on Jehovah when they say: Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? No evil will come upon us.

From the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain! From the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely!

Israel's watchmen are blind. They all lack knowledge they are all mute dogs. They cannot bark. They just lie around and dream, they love to sleep.

The prophets and priests are godless. Even in my Temple I have found them doing evil, declares Jehovah.

The visions your prophets have seen for you are false and foolish! They have not made you fully aware of your sin so your fate might be changed. They have seen for you false words, driving you away.

They were annoyed because they taught the people through Jesus. They preached the resurrection from the dead.

Then Philip went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.

Then Philip began at the same Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

He preached in the synagogues immediately. He preached Christ the Son of God.

You know the Word of God was sent to the children of Israel. He (Jehovah God) presented peace through the anointed Lord (or Master) of all, Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36) (Jesus identified his father, Jehovah God, as Lord of all heaven and earth at Matthew 11:25)

They were annoyed because they taught the people through Jesus. They preached the resurrection from the dead.

Then Philip went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.

Then Philip began at the same Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

He preached in the synagogues immediately. He preached Christ the Son of God.

You know the Word of God was sent to the children of Israel. He (Jehovah God) presented peace through the anointed Lord (or Master) of all, Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36) (Jesus identified his father, Jehovah God, as Lord of all heaven and earth at Matthew 11:25)

whom they set before the apostles. After they prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift in you. It was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

Do not lay your hands hastily on any man, neither be a partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you because of the laying on of my hands.

Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. The sons of Israel listened to him and did as Jehovah had commanded Moses.

Those who have wisdom (insight) will shine like the brightness of the firmament. They turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

For God is not unrighteous (unjust) to forget your work and the love you showed for his name. You ministered to the holy ones and continue to minister.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and unmovable. Always have plenty to do in the work of the Lord, for you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continues, being not a hearer who forgets but a doer who works, this man will be blessed in what he does.

Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most assuredly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.

He said to them, Go into the entire world, and preach the good news to the whole creation.

The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house.

Preach as you go! Announce the kingdom of heaven, for it is near.

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.

Let the dead bury the dead. You go and publish abroad the kingdom of God. Jesus replied.

He said to them, Go into the entire world, and preach the good news to the whole creation.

The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house.

Preach as you go! Announce the kingdom of heaven, for it is near.

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.

Let the dead bury the dead. You go and publish abroad the kingdom of God. Jesus replied.

For the scripture said: You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages.

Take no extra clothes, not even two coats, no extra shoes or walking stick for the laborer is worthy of his food.

Even so, has the Lord ordained that they who preach the good news should earn their living from the good news?

But let him that is orally taught in the word share all good things.

You did well that you share with me in my affliction.

For the scripture said: You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages.

Take no extra clothes, not even two coats, no extra shoes or walking stick for the laborer is worthy of his food.

Even so, has the Lord ordained that they who preach the good news should earn their living from the good news?

But let him that is orally taught in the word share all good things.

You did well that you share with me in my affliction.

having a good reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones and practice hospitality.

but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

Show hospitality to strangers, for some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).

I will place one shepherd over them, my servant David. He will take care of them. He will take care of them and be their shepherd.

I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).

I will place one shepherd over them, my servant David. He will take care of them. He will take care of them and be their shepherd.

I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.

For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God; but sincere and from God. We speak in Christ in the sight of God.

You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk (praise for selfish gain). We did not use words to cover up greed (insatiable desire for wealth). God is our witness!

We have renounced the hidden things of shame. And we do not walk in craftiness and deceit. We do not adulterate the word of God. But by the manifestation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

For our presentation (exhortation) is not based on error, or of uncleanness, or in deceit.

Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

Do not despise your believing masters, because they are brothers. Serve them, because they who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Command and teach these things.

He should instruct those who oppose using meekness. Perhaps God will give them repentance that they may know the truth.

Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

Do not despise your believing masters, because they are brothers. Serve them, because they who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Command and teach these things.

He should instruct those who oppose using meekness. Perhaps God will give them repentance that they may know the truth.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and does not blow his horn to warn the people and the enemy comes and kills someone, that watchman must die because of his sin. I will hold him responsible for their deaths.'

Jehovah said to me: Son of man, eat what you find. Eat this scroll. Then speak to the people of Israel. I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. He said: Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you, and fill your stomach with it. So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. read more.
He then said to me: Son of man, go to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. I am not sending you to people whose language is hard to understand or difficult to speak. I am sending you to Israel. I am not sending you to nations whose language is hard to understand, difficult to speak, or whose words you cannot understand. If I send you to those nations they will certainly listen to you. But the people of Israel will refuse to listen to you because they refuse to listen to me. All the people of Israel are very stubborn and hardheaded. Yet, I will make you as stubborn and as hardheaded as they are. I will make you as hard as a diamond, harder than flint stone. Do not be afraid of them. Do not be terrified in their presence, even though they are rebellious people. He also said: Son of man, take to heart everything I have spoken to you, and listen closely. Go to the exiles, to your people. Whether they listen or not, tell them: This is what the Lord Jehovah says. Then the Spirit lifted me, and behind me I heard a loud thundering voice say: Blessed is Jehovah's glory from this place. I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures touching one another and the noise of the wheels beside them as well as a loud rumbling. The Spirit lifted me and took me away. I went away feeling bitter and angry. The strong power of Jehovah came over me. I went to Tel Abib, to the exiles that lived by the Chebar River. I sat there among them for seven days. I was stunned among them. After seven days Jehovah spoke his word to me: Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me.

To the one an aroma of death leading to death and to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Many of you should not be teachers, my brothers. You know that we will receive a heavier (stricter) judgment.

When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

If a man's work that he built upon lasts, he will receive a reward.

I tell you, he will put him in charge of everything he owns.

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward. But if I do it against my will, I am just performing the trust of the good news committed to me. What is my reward then? When I preach the good news, I may offer the good news of Christ without charge. That is way I do not abuse my power in the good news.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy. Hold such in honor

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

Remember those who are taking the lead among you, men that spoke the Word of God to you. Consider their behavior and imitate their faith.

To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.

Brothers, be imitators of me. Pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you.

It is not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to imitate us.

Let no man look down on your youth. Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and chasteness.

Do not lord it over your charge, but make yourselves examples to the flock.

You also helped with your prayer on our behalf. Many may give thanks for the gift granted to us.

Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience. And we wish to live honorably in all things.

Pray on my behalf, that ability to speak may be given to me, to make known with boldness the secret of the good news.

Now I beg you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.

Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us.

It is right for me to feel this way on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news you are all partakers with me of grace.

You know how we dealt with each one of you. It was like a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging and showing you.

Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the good news: not with wisdom of words, lest the stake of Christ be emptied of its effect.

My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Brothers, I did not come to you with superiority of speech or with human wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They will never be silent day or night. Whoever calls on Jehovah, do not allow yourselves any rest,

Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me.

I set watchmen over you. I said: 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But they said: 'We will not listen!'

I thank my God for all my memories of you.

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God that is given you by Jesus Christ.

What thanks can we render to God for you and for all the joy we have for your sakes before our God?

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy. Hold such in honor

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

To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.

But let him that is orally taught in the word share all good things.

He told the people living in Jerusalem to give the priests and Levites the portions they were due so that they could devote themselves to Jehovah's Law.

Does a soldier serve at his own expense? Does the one who plants a vineyard not eat of the fruit it produces? Who shepherds a flock and does not eat some of the milk from the flock? I say this from a human point of view. Does the law say the same thing? It is written in the Law of Moses: You should not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads (threshes) out the grain. Does God care only about oxen? read more.
Or did he say it for our benefit? This is written for our benefit without a doubt! He who plows should plow in hope. Likewise he who threshes in hope should be a partaker of his hope. If we sow spiritual seed in you, is it too much if we reap material things?

Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly.

Ministerial servants should likewise be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain.

I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes.

not addicted to wine, not quarrelsome; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).

Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly.

When they had eaten Jesus said to Simon Peter: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said: Yes Lord; you know I have affection for you. Jesus said to him: Feed my lambs. He spoke to him a second time: Simon, son of John, do you love me? He replied: Yes Lord, you know I have affection for you. Then Jesus said: Shepherd my sheep. The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

Who is our hope, or joy, or crown of exultation? Is it not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus, at his coming?

Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news about your faith and love. We want you to have good memories of us always, and that you desire to see us just as we also desire to see you. Brothers, your faith has comforted us. In all our trouble and suffering we are encouraged. Now we live, if you (persevere) stand fast in the Lord. read more.
What thanks can we render to God for you and for all the joy we have for your sakes before our God?

Cry aloud! Do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram's horn. Tell my people about their rebellion and the descendants of Jacob about their sins.

Son of man, do not be afraid of them or the things they say. Do not be afraid, even though thorns and thistles are around you and you live among scorpions. Do not let the things they say frighten you. Do not be terrified in their presence even though they are rebellious people.

The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house. Do not fear those who kill the body. They are not able to take away your [everlasting] life. Instead, fear him who is able to destroy both life and body in the ever-burning fires. (Greek: Gehenna: continuously burning trash fires in the valley of Hinnom.)

Give no occasion for stumbling (offence) in anything that our ministry may not be blamed (discredited).

Do not stumble or offend (do not lead into sin), neither to the Jews, nor to the nations, nor to the congregation of God. Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you. I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you. The children should not provide for the parents, but the parents for the children.

We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you.

You may remember, brothers, our labor and hardship. We worked day and night that we would not burden any of you when we preached the good news of God to you.

What is my reward then? When I preach the good news, I may offer the good news of Christ without charge. That is way I do not abuse my power in the good news.

Be God's holy men. Do not dishonor the name of your God. Be holy because you bring sacrifices by fire to Jehovah. It is the food (bread) of your God.

Also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal: Holy to Jehovah.

but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

I should boast a great deal concerning the authority the Lord gave us to build you up, and not to tear you down, I would not be put to shame.

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power that the Lord gave me to enlightenment and not to destruction.

I should boast a great deal concerning the authority the Lord gave us to build you up, and not to tear you down, I would not be put to shame.

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power that the Lord gave me to enlightenment and not to destruction.

But as you have plenty of everything, in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love for us, see that you have plenty of this undeserved kindness also.

Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news about your faith and love. We want you to have good memories of us always, and that you desire to see us just as we also desire to see you.

Then Philip went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.

Then Philip began at the same Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

I decided not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ and his death on the torture stake.

By the divine influence of God I am what I am. His grace was not given to me in vain for I labored more than all of them. Yet it was not I. It was the divine influence and favor of God in me.

Neither he that plants and neither he that waters is anything; but God gives the increase.

as also you did acknowledge us in part, that we are your reason to be proud, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

I wrote this very thing that when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice. I have confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

We are pressed (afflicted) (troubled) on every side, but not crushed. We are perplexed yet not to despair.

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

Brothers, be imitators of me. Pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you.

Be followers (imitators) of me, even as I also am of Christ.

This is for the perfecting (equipping) (preparing) of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ:

Do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for you're up building.

Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

We always speak, as God wants us to. He has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives (examines our hearts).

The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind (gentle) to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.

But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

That you submit yourselves to such, and to every one that helps with us, and labors.

That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you did not despise or reject. You received me like an angel (messenger) of God, even like Christ Jesus.

People should regard us as servants of Christ. God has trusted us with his secrets.

I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God.

I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house.

Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the sayings about this life.

In everything we commend ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind (gentle) to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.

Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips (a sinner) and I live among a people of unclean (filthy) lips (speech) (language). My eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of Hosts. Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand. With tongs he seized it from the altar. He touched my mouth with it and said: See! This has touched your lips, your guilt is taken away and your sin forgiven (pardoned) (atoned for).

We are not adequate by ourselves to account for anything. Our adequacy is from God. He also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays, so I will beat (mistreat) my fellow servants.' And he eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect it, an hour when he is unaware. read more.
He will punish him severely, and send him to be with the hypocrites. There they will cry and grind their teeth.

But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and does not blow his horn to warn the people and the enemy comes and kills someone, that watchman must die because of his sin. I will hold him responsible for their deaths.' Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for the people of Israel. Listen to what I say and warn them for me. Suppose I say to a wicked person, 'You wicked person, you will certainly die.' And you say nothing to warn him to change his ways. That wicked person will die because of his sin. I will hold you responsible for his death.

If you tell the brothers about these things, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed until now.

But the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition without pure motives, thinking to cause me great suffering and distress in my imprisonment.

I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God.

I will not be put to shame according to my earnest expectation and hope. With all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in me, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father.

I always offer prayer filled with joy for you,

Israel's watchmen are blind. They all lack knowledge they are all mute dogs. They cannot bark. They just lie around and dream, they love to sleep. They are dogs with mighty appetites. They never have enough! They are shepherds who lack understanding. They all turn to their own way and each one seeks dishonest (unjust) gain. Come, each one cries, let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.

There are many unruly (rebellious) men, vain talkers, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision. They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain.

He who believes and is baptized will be saved. He who does not believe will be condemned.

Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the good news: not with wisdom of words, lest the stake of Christ be emptied of its effect.

Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

Be diligent and think about these things. Give yourself wholly to them. That way your progress may be apparent to all.

I have fought the good fight! I have finished the course! I have kept the faith!

I entrust this command to you, Timothy, my son. It is in accordance with the prophecies that were previously made. They do apply to you, and with them you may fight the good fight.

one who manages well his own house, having his children in subjection with all seriousness;

Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind (gentle) to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.

Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the good news, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Greet Urbane for he is our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Let them be. They are blind guides. If a blind man guides another blind man, they will fall in a hole together.

Superficially they have healed the brokenness of my people. They declare: 'Peace! Peace!' But there is no peace.'

Get out of her my people! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of Jehovah.

They should maintain the secret of the faith with a clear conscience.

He that hears you hears me; and he that rejects you rejects me and he that rejects me rejects him that sent me.

Let no man look down on your youth. Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and chasteness.

The priests should teach the true knowledge of God. They are the messengers of Jehovah of Hosts. Therefore the people should learn (my will) the law from them.

Obey everything they teach you, but do not follow their example. They say one thing and do something else.

Let the priests and the ministers of Jehovah weep between the Temple porch and the altar! Let them say: Spare your people, O Jehovah, and do not give reproach to your heritage. That the nations should rule over them and say among the peoples, 'where is their God?'

Since the day we heard about you, we have not ceased to pray and make request for you. We pray for you to be filled with the [intimate accurate] knowledge (discernment) (recognition) of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Philippians 1:9) (John 17:3)

Never drink beer or wine when you or your sons enter the sacred tent. If you do, you will die right there! This is a long lasting law from generation to generation.

but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

No soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life. That way, he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

Let the dead bury the dead. You go and publish abroad the kingdom of God. Jesus replied.

The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain.

not addicted to wine, not quarrelsome; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain.

not addicted to wine, not quarrelsome; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

Jehovah continued: Bring your brother Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar to you from all the Israelites. They will serve me as priests.

No one takes this honor upon himself. He is called by God, even as Aaron was.

They speak evil words about you because of their extreme greed. They will exploit you with false evil words. Their judgment from long ago is not idle. Their destruction will not delay.

The leaders judge for a bribe, and the priests teach for wages! The prophets predict for money yet they rely on Jehovah when they say: Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? No evil will come upon us.

We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.

Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly.

I heard the voice of Jehovah. He said: Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said: Here I am. Send me!

They strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith. They said, We must enter the kingdom of God through much tribulation.

I prayed for you that your faith would not fail. Once you have turned again strengthen your brothers.

This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Speak and exhort and reprove these things with all authority. Let no man despise you.

But as God is faithful, our word toward you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we, preached among you even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yes and no, but in him is yes.

holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to reprove (refute) (rebuke) those who contradict.

Speak and exhort and reprove these things with all authority. Let no man despise you.

not in some older manuscripts) After he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She was the one who had the seven demons that he cast out.

They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.

As they ministered to God, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said: Set Barnabas and Saul apart for the work I have called them.

Being sent by Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.

Some preach Christ from envy and strife and some from good will. The latter ones do it out of love, knowing that I am set (appointed) (placed here) for the defense of the good news. But the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition without pure motives, thinking to cause me great suffering and distress in my imprisonment.

Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us.

He comforts us in all our trouble, that we may be able to comfort those who also have trouble, through the comfort with which we are comforted from God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort. It works through patience and longsuffering and is the same sufferings that we also suffer.

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

We always speak, as God wants us to. He has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives (examines our hearts).

Since we have such a hope we use great boldness of speech.

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ that you be reconciled to God.

But I discipline my body, and bring it into subjection, so that after I have preached to others I will not be disqualified.

Though I preach the good news I do not brag about it. Preaching the good news is my duty (obligation) and I must do it! It would be terrible if I did not preach the good news!

God delivered us out of so great a death, and will deliver us. We have set our hope on him. He will deliver us!

We have renounced the hidden things of shame. And we do not walk in craftiness and deceit. We do not adulterate the word of God. But by the manifestation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

In everything we commend ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

We do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus as Lord. We are your servants for Jesus' sake.

Great is my confidence in you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in our entire affliction.

We have renounced the hidden things of shame. And we do not walk in craftiness and deceit. We do not adulterate the word of God. But by the manifestation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

We do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus as Lord. We are your servants for Jesus' sake.

People should regard us as servants of Christ. God has trusted us with his secrets.

People should regard us as servants of Christ. God has trusted us with his secrets.

We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the power beyond what is normal may be from God, and not from ourselves.

The eleven disciples went into Galilee to the mountain where Jesus specified. When they saw him, they bowed down in adoration for him. But some doubted (were lacking faith). Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying: All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. read more.
Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.

But you know of his proven worth. It was like a son with his father that he served with me to further the good news.

Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me. When I tell a wicked man that he will surely die, but you do not warn him or speak out so that he can change his wicked way in order to save his life; that wicked man will die because of his sin. I will hold you responsible for his death.

It is right for me to feel this way on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news you are all partakers with me of grace.

Jesus said to his disciples: The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest.

Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things. When you do this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these [principles] without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

Elijah left there and found Elisha plowing with a team of bulls. There were eleven teams ahead of him. He was plowing with the last one. Elijah took off his cloak and put it on Elisha.

You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.