15 Bible Verses about Ministers

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a close vessel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

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

For they themselves show of us what manner of entrance we had to you, and how ye turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God;

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called;

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith; so do.

Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.

And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

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

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which hath been preached to every creature which is under heaven; of which I Paul am made a minister;

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

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

For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

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

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and language, and people,

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

So I spoke to the people in the morning: and at evening my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

Even to this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;

In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Wherefore, though I wrote to you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found by you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.

Her heads judge for reward, and her priests teach for hire, and her prophets divine for money; yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? no evil can come upon us.

For from the least of them even to the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest every one dealeth falsely.

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

For both prophet and priest are profane; even in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not revealed thy iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

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

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.

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

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

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

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

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.

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

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

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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

Impose hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

For which cause I put thee in remembrance, that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened to him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown towards his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

But he who looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth in it, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

For whoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.

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

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that publish ye upon the house-tops.

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

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

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

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that publish ye upon the house-tops.

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

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.

Nor bag for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor a staff: for the workman is worthy of his food.

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.

Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things.

Notwithstanding ye have done well, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.

Nor bag for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor a staff: for the workman is worthy of his food.

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.

Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things.

Notwithstanding ye have done well, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath lodged strangers, if she hath washed the saints' feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for by this some have entertained angels unawares.

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath 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 to 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.

And I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

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

And I will set shepherds over them who shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath 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 to 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.

And I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

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

And I will set shepherds over them who shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

For we are not as many, who corrupt the word of God: but as from sincerity, but as from God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty; not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but, by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

For our exhortation was not from deceit, nor from impurity, nor in guile;

Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

These things command and teach.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth:

Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

These things command and teach.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth:

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

But if the watchman shall see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword shall come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

Moreover he said to me, Son of man, eat what thou findest; eat this roll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said to me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. read more.
And he said to me, Son of man, depart, go to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of a hard language, but to the house of Israel; Not to many people of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened to thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken to thee; for they will not hearken to me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. Moreover he said to me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to thee receive in thy heart, and hear with thy ears. And depart, go to them of the captivity, to the children of thy people, and speak to them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place. I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and the noise of a great rushing. So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Kebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

To the one we are the savor of death to death; and to the other the savor of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

If any man's work abideth which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward.

Verily I say to you, that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my power in the gospel.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

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

Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life.

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so as ye have us for an example.

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves a pattern to you to follow us.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in deportment, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear to us.

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

As ye know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

For Christ hath not sent me to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

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

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech, or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

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

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

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

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things.

Moreover, he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

Who goeth a warfare at any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of its fruit? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? read more.
Or saith he this altogether for our sakes? for our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but from a ready mind;

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre,

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient; not a brawler, not covetous;

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

And I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but from a ready mind;

So when 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. He saith to him, Feed my sheep. He saith to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he said to 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 came from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, by your faith we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. read more.
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that publish ye upon the house-tops. And fear not them who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

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

Give no offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Nor from men sought we glory, neither from you, nor yet from others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

For ye remember, brethren, our labor and toil: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my power in the gospel.

They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and engrave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

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

But now when Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

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

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and 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 bestowed upon me, was not in vain; but I labored 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, neither he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase.

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

And I wrote this same to you, lest, coming I should have sorrow from them by whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

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

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so as ye have us for an example.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves to you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edification.

For do I now persuade men, or 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 were allowed by God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts.

And the servant of the Lord must not contend; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

That ye submit yourselves to such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth.

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

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God.

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have shown you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

And the servant of the Lord must not contend; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thy iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Not that we are sufficient by ourselves to think any thing as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; Who also hath made us 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 evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, read more.
And will cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But if the watchman shall see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword shall come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.

If thou shalt put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou wilt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good doctrine, to which thou hast attained.

But the other from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, 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 of our Lord Jesus Christ,

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

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

For there are many disorderly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of sordid gain.

He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

For Christ hath not sent me to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

This charge I commit to thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mayest war a good warfare;

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

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

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

And the servant of the Lord must not contend; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,

And I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help those women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leadeth the blind, both will fall into the ditch.

They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

Holding the mystery of the faith in 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 thou an example of the believers, in word, in deportment, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

All therefore, whatever they bid you observe, that observe and do: but do not ye according to their works: for they say, and do not.

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: why should they say among the people, Where is their God?

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient; not a brawler, not covetous;

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient; not a brawler, not covetous;

And take thou to thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

And no man taketh this honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as was Aaron:

And through covetousness they will with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Her heads judge for reward, and her priests teach for hire, and her prophets divine for money; yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? no evil can come upon us.

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but from a ready mind;

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

Confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

This testimony is true: wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

But as God is true, our word towards you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me, and Silvanus, and Timothy, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Therefore they that were dispersed went every where preaching the word.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate for me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them.

So they being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife; and some also from good will. The one preach Christ from contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear to us.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble by the consolation with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

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

But as we were allowed by God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts.

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Now then we are embassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast-away.

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of: for necessity is laid upon me; and woe is to me, if I preach not the gospel!

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us:

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty; not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but, by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

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

Great is my boldness of speech towards you, great is my glorying concerning you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty; not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but, by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

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

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not from us.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came, and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and upon earth. read more.
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

But ye know the proof of him, that as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Then saith he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

Take heed to thyself and to thy doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou wilt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.