What does the Bible say about ministers?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that ministers are called by God and the church to serve Christ by proclaiming his Word, administering his ordinances, and building up his people in humble dependence on divine grace. As Aaron’s consecration in Exodus 28:1 and Hebrews 5:4 show, no one rightly takes this sacred office merely for himself. Isaiah 6:5-7 reminds ministers that they serve as forgiven sinners, cleansed by God’s mercy. Christ commissions his church to make disciples in Matthew 28:19, and the Spirit sets apart workers for mission in Acts 13:2-4. Their authority is given not for domination but for edification, as 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10 teach. All ministerial sufficiency comes from God, who makes servants competent through the new covenant Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6.
Study outline
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- Called by God Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:4
- Qualified by God Isaiah 6:5-7; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6
- Commissioned by Christ Matthew 28:19
- Sent by the Holy Spirit Acts 13:2; Acts 13:4
- Have authority from God 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10
- Authority of, is for edification 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10
- Separated to the gospel Romans 1:1
- Entrusted with the gospel 1 Thessalonians 2:4
- Described as
- Ambassadors for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:20
- Ministers of Christ 1 Corinthians 4:1
- Stewards of the mysteries of God 1 Corinthians 4:1
- Defenders of the faith Philippians 1:7
- The servants of Christ’s people 2 Corinthians 4:5
- Specially protected by God 2 Corinthians 1:10
- Necessity for Matthew 9:37; Matthew 9:38; Romans 10:14
- Excellency of Romans 10:15
- Labours of, vain, without God’s blessing 1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10
- Compared to earthen vessels 2 Corinthians 4:7
- Should be
- Pure Isaiah 52:11; 1 Timothy 3:9
- Holy Exodus 28:36; Leviticus 21:6; Titus 1:8
- Humble Acts 20:19
- Patient 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:24
- Blameless 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7
- Willing Isaiah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:2
- Disinterested 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:6
- Impartial 1 Timothy 5:21
- Gentle 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Timothy 2:24
- Devoted Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:20; Philippians 1:21
- Strong in grace 2 Timothy 2:1
- Self-denying 1 Corinthians 9:27
- Sober, just, and temperate Leviticus 10:9; Titus 1:8
- Hospitable 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
- Apt to teach 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24
- Studious and meditative 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Timothy 4:15
- Watchful 2 Timothy 4:5
- Prayerful Ephesians 3:14; Philippians 1:4
- Strict in ruling their own families 1 Timothy 3:4; 1 Timothy 3:12
- Affectionate to their people Philippians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:11
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