Bible Verses About Ministers

Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.

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.

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.

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.

Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

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,

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.

I thank my God every time I remember you.

In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,

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.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.

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.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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

And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,

Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.

Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

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

For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.