Ministers

147 passages listed in Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook. Verse text: Berean Standard Bible; links open in your translation.

104 sections

Ambassadors for Christ
Authority of, is for Edification
Called by God
Commissioned by Christ
Compared to Earthen Vessels
Defenders of the Faith
Entrusted with the Gospel
Excellency of
Faithful: Archippus
Faithful: Barnabas
Faithful: Epaphroditus
Faithful: Matthias
Faithful: Paul
Faithful: Philip
Faithful: Simeon
Faithful: The Eleven Apostles
Faithful: The Seventy
Faithful: Timothy
Faithful: Titus
Faithful: Tychicus
Have Authority from God
Labours of, Vain, Without God's Blessing
Ministers of Christ
Necessity For
Pray for the Increase of
Qualified by God
Sent by the Holy Spirit
Separated to the Gospel
should Avoid Giving Unnecessary Offense
should be Affectionate to Their People
should be Apt to Teach
should be Blameless
should be Devoted
should be Disinterested
should be Ensample to the Flock
should be Gentle
should be Holy
should be Hospitable
should be Humble
should be Impartial
should be Patient
should be Prayerful
should be Pure
should be Self-Denying
should be Sober, Just, and Temperate
should be Strict in Ruling Their own Families
should be Strong in Grace
should be Studious and Meditative
should be Watchful
should be Willing
should Make Full Proof of Their Ministry
should not Be: Contentious
should not Be: Crafty
should not Be: Easily Dispirited
should not Be: Entangled by Cares
should not Be: Given to Wine
should not Be: Greedy of Filthy Lucre
should not Be: Lords Over God's Heritage
should not Be: Men-Pleasers
should Preach with Boldness
should Preach with Consistency
should Preach with Constancy
should Preach with Faithfulness
should Preach with Good Will and Love
should Preach with Heedfulness
should Preach with Plainness of Speech
should Preach with Zeal
should Preach without Charge, If Possible
should Preach without Deceitfulness
should Preach: According to the Oracles of God
should Preach: Christ Crucified
should Preach: Everywhere
should Preach: Fully, and Without Reserve
should Preach: Not Setting Forth Themselves
should Preach: Not with Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom
should Preach: Repentance and Faith
should Seek the Salvation of Their Flock
Specially Protected by God
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
The Servants of Christ's People
Their People are Bound, to Attend to Their Instructions
Their People are Bound, to Follow Their Holy Example
Their People are Bound, to Give Them Joy
Their People are Bound, to Help Them
Their People are Bound, to Hold Them in Reputation
Their People are Bound, to Imitate Their Faith
Their People are Bound, to Love Them
Their People are Bound, to not to Despise Them
Their People are Bound, to Obey Them
Their People are Bound, to Pray for Them
Their People are Bound, to Regard Them As God's Messengers
Their People are Bound, to Support Them
when Faithful are Rewarded
when Faithful: Approve Themselves As the Ministers of God
when Faithful: Commend Themselves to the Consciences of Men
when Faithful: Glory in Their People
when Faithful: Rejoice in the Faith and Holiness of Their People
when Faithful: Thank God for his Gifts to Their People
when Unfaithful: Deal Treacherously with Their People
when Unfaithful: Delude Men
when Unfaithful: Described
when Unfaithful: Seek Gain
when Unfaithful: Shall be Punished
Woe to Those Who do not Preach the Gospel

Ambassadors for Christ

2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

Authority of, is for Edification

2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Called by God

Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.
Hebrews 5:4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

Commissioned by Christ

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Compared to Earthen Vessels

2 Corinthians 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

Defenders of the Faith

Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

Entrusted with the Gospel

1 Thessalonians 2:4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

Excellency of

Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Faithful: Archippus

Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

Faithful: Barnabas

Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

Faithful: Epaphroditus

Philippians 2:24 And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Faithful: Matthias

Acts 1:26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.

Faithful: Paul

Acts 28:31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful: Philip

Acts 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.

Faithful: Simeon

Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen ( who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

Faithful: The Eleven Apostles

Matthew 28:16–19 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. …

Faithful: The Seventy

Luke 10:1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.
Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

Faithful: Timothy

Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.

Faithful: Titus

Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Faithful: Tychicus

Ephesians 6:21 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing.

Have Authority from God

2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Labours of, Vain, Without God's Blessing

1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Ministers of Christ

1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Necessity For

Matthew 9:37–38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. …
Romans 10:14 How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?

Pray for the Increase of

Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”

Qualified by God

Isaiah 6:5–7 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” …
2 Corinthians 3:5–6 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. …

Sent by the Holy Spirit

Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 13:4 So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Separated to the Gospel

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—

should Avoid Giving Unnecessary Offense

1 Corinthians 10:32–33 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— …
2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

should be Affectionate to Their People

Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:11 For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—

should be Apt to Teach

1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

should be Blameless

1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach — not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

should be Devoted

Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus — the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Philippians 1:20–21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. …

should be Disinterested

2 Corinthians 12:14 See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

should be Ensample to the Flock

Philippians 3:17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

should be Gentle

1 Thessalonians 2:7 On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

should be Holy

Exodus 28:36 You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
Leviticus 21:6 They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the food offerings, the food of their God, they must be holy.
Titus 1:8 Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

should be Hospitable

1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Titus 1:8 Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

should be Humble

Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.

should be Impartial

1 Timothy 5:21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.

should be Patient

2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

should be Prayerful

Ephesians 3:14 ... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
Philippians 1:4 In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,

should be Pure

Isaiah 52:11 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
1 Timothy 3:9 They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

should be Self-Denying

1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

should be Sober, Just, and Temperate

Leviticus 10:9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come.
Titus 1:8 Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

should be Strict in Ruling Their own Families

1 Timothy 3:4 An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
1 Timothy 3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

should be Strong in Grace

2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

should be Studious and Meditative

1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

should be Watchful

2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

should be Willing

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”
1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

should Make Full Proof of Their Ministry

2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

should not Be: Contentious

1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach — not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

should not Be: Crafty

2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

should not Be: Easily Dispirited

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; …
2 Corinthians 6:10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

should not Be: Entangled by Cares

Luke 9:60 But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
2 Timothy 2:4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.

should not Be: Given to Wine

1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach — not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

should not Be: Greedy of Filthy Lucre

Acts 20:33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

should not Be: Lords Over God's Heritage

1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

should not Be: Men-Pleasers

Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

should Preach with Boldness

Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.
Ezekiel 2:6 But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are …
Matthew 10:27–28 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. …

should Preach with Consistency

2 Corinthians 1:18–19 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” …

should Preach with Constancy

Acts 6:4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

should Preach with Faithfulness

Ezekiel 3:17–18 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. …

should Preach with Good Will and Love

Philippians 1:15–17 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. …

should Preach with Heedfulness

1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

should Preach with Plainness of Speech

2 Corinthians 3:12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

should Preach with Zeal

1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.

should Preach without Charge, If Possible

1 Corinthians 9:18 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

should Preach without Deceitfulness

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.
1 Thessalonians 2:5 As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

should Preach: According to the Oracles of God

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the …

should Preach: Christ Crucified

Acts 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.
Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

should Preach: Everywhere

Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.
Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

should Preach: Fully, and Without Reserve

Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
Acts 20:20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,
Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
Romans 15:19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

should Preach: Not Setting Forth Themselves

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

should Preach: Not with Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,

should Preach: Repentance and Faith

Acts 20:21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

should Seek the Salvation of Their Flock

1 Corinthians 10:33 as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

Specially Protected by God

2 Corinthians 1:10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

The Servants of Christ's People

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Their People are Bound, to Attend to Their Instructions

Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.
Matthew 23:3 So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Their People are Bound, to Follow Their Holy Example

1 Corinthians 11:1 You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Philippians 3:17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.

Their People are Bound, to Give Them Joy

2 Corinthians 1:14 as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.

Their People are Bound, to Help Them

Romans 16:9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Their People are Bound, to Hold Them in Reputation

Philippians 2:29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,
1 Thessalonians 5:13 In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Their People are Bound, to Imitate Their Faith

Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Their People are Bound, to Love Them

2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
1 Thessalonians 3:6 But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you.

Their People are Bound, to not to Despise Them

Luke 10:16 Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Their People are Bound, to Obey Them

1 Corinthians 16:16 to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Their People are Bound, to Pray for Them

Romans 15:30 Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
2 Corinthians 1:11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

Their People are Bound, to Regard Them As God's Messengers

1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Galatians 4:14 And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.

Their People are Bound, to Support Them

2 Chronicles 31:4 Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.
1 Corinthians 9:7–11 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? …
Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

when Faithful are Rewarded

Matthew 24:47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
1 Corinthians 3:14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 9:17–18 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. …
1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

when Faithful: Approve Themselves As the Ministers of God

2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

when Faithful: Commend Themselves to the Consciences of Men

2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

when Faithful: Glory in Their People

2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.

when Faithful: Rejoice in the Faith and Holiness of Their People

1 Thessalonians 3:6–9 But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you. …

when Faithful: Thank God for his Gifts to Their People

1 Corinthians 1:4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

when Unfaithful: Deal Treacherously with Their People

John 10:12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.

when Unfaithful: Delude Men

Jeremiah 6:14 They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.
Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

when Unfaithful: Described

Isaiah 56:10–12 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. …
Titus 1:10–11 For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, …

when Unfaithful: Seek Gain

Micah 3:11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”
2 Peter 2:3 In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

when Unfaithful: Shall be Punished

Ezekiel 33:6–8 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ …
Matthew 24:48–51 But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ …

Woe to Those Who do not Preach the Gospel

1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!