New Testament terms that describe the role of members who make up Christ's Congregation:
     (Click on the terms below to go to descriptions within this Manual.)
     (Page numbers are approximate, depending on you browser, printer, and settings.)

New Covenant (New Testament)    - - - page 5

High Priest (Jesus Christ is the high priest and mediator of the New Covenant.)    - - page 6
     (use of the term Priests / Priesthood is limited to several special context situations)    - pg 7
National / International / Worldwide Christian Organization and Hierarchy in the Bible    - - pg 8

Christ's Congregation as a whole:  My (Jesus') Congregation (aka Church), the Body of Christ

     Members of Christ's Congregation ( members of the Body of Christ are called:
          brethren, Disciples, Christians, Saints, brethren/brothers and sisters in Christ )
          (membership is based on being saved, by accepting Christ as your Lord & Saviour) pg 11

 

Callings / Appointments made by God and/or Christ    - - page 11		Gifts of the Holy Spirit
God hath set some(has appointed) in   the Congregation (aka the Church):	Christ gave gifts unto men:     Christ gave some [to be]:	Spiritual Gifts     given by the Spirit:
1.  Apostles	Apostles	- - - page 12
2.  Prophets (prophesying serveth for them which believe) (gift of prophecy)	Prophets	Prophecy   - page 14
	Evangelists	- - - page 16
	Pastors	- - - page 18
3.  Teachers	Teachers	- - - page 19
	For the perfecting of the saints,      for the work of the ministry,      for the edifying of the body of Christ:  - page 31
4.  Miracles (workers of miracles)	- - - page 20	Working of Miracles
5.  Gifts of:	- - - page 22
Gifts of Healings	- - - page 23	Gifts of Healing
Gifts of Helps (help others)	- - - page 25
Gifts of Governments (administration)	- - - page 26
Gifts of Diversities of Tongues           Speak with Tongues (tongues are for a sign (in their native language) to them that believe not)	- - - page 27	Divers Kinds of      Tongues
Interpret (interpret what has been said in a foreign language)	- - - page 27	Interpretation of      Tongues
	- - - page 29	Discerning of Spirits
	- - - page 29	Word of Wisdom
	- - - page 30	Word of Knowledge
	- - - page 30	Faith

The Levitical priesthood sacrificed many lambs.  Jesus (the Son of God) was the last "lamb" that needed to be sacrificed.
 
Heb 10:10  By the which [And by that] will [,] we are sanctified [made holy] through the offering [sacrifice] of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Heb 10:11  And every priest [under the old covenant] standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Heb 10:12  But this man [Jesus Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice [his own sinless body (see Heb 4:15)] for sins for ever, [he, Jesus Christ, after his resurrection] sat down on the right hand of God [as our high priest under the new covenant];

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Heb 8:6  But now hath he [Jesus Christ] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of a better covenant [the new covenant], which was established upon better promises.

Heb 9:15  And for this cause [reason] he [Christ] is the mediator of the new testament [new covenant], that by means of death [now that Christ has died as a ransom], for the redemption of the transgressions [sins] that were under the first [old] testament [old covenant], they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Heb 7:12  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Heb 8:7  For if that first [old] covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second [new covenant].

Heb 10:9  Then said he [Jesus Christ], Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.  He [God] taketh away [sets aside] the first [old covenant], that he [God] may establish the second [new covenant].

Heb 8:13  In that he [God] saith, A new covenant, he [God] hath made the first [covenant] old.  Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Note that the order of Melchisedec preceded the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:1-3), so the order of Melchisedec is not a continuation of (or successor to) the Levitical priesthood.  (Heb 7:11)

Therefore, Christianity is not a continuation of (or successor to) the Levitical priesthood.

Christianity has no earthly priesthood, whether molded after the Levitical priesthood or not.  There are no earthly sacrifices remaining for an earthly priesthood to make.  Jesus Christ's crucifixion was the final sacrifice.  (Heb 9:11-12, Heb 9:24)

Christianity has only a heavenly high priest, after the order of Melchisedec: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, resurrected on the 3rd day, a unique event in the history of mankind.  That is why Jesus Christ (the risen Son of God) is the only one that can offer us salvation from our sins.  (Heb 5:9, Heb 9:28, Joh 14:6)

Mat 16:20  Then charged he [Jesus charged] his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ [the Messiah].

Mat 26:63  But Jesus held his peace.  And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ [the Messiah], the Son of God.

Joh 20:31  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his [Jesus'] name.

Act 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Act 15:11  But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even [just] as they [our fathers] [are saved].

Act 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death [eternity in Hell]; but the [free] gift of God is eternal life [eternity in Heaven] through Jesus Christ our Lord [and Saviour].

Heb 13:20  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

1Pe 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto [Christ] the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd [Christ] shall appear, ye [elders] shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Since the order of Melchisedec is not a continuation of (or successor to) the Levitical priesthood, Christ's congregation has no earthly priesthood, whether molded after the Levitical priesthood or not.

Therefore, all the New Testament references to the Levitical (or any other earthly) priesthood, its high priest, chief priests, priests, etc. should not be applied to Christ's congregation and the order of Melchisedec.

1Pe 2:5  Ye also, as lively [like living] stones, are [being] built up [into] a spiritual house, [to be] an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by [through] Jesus Christ.

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

[ These references to all the members collectively as a group, do not establish the basis for a few individual members being earthly priests, nor the basis for a few members being an earthly priesthood. ]

Rev 1:6  And [from Jesus Christ, who] hath made us kings and priests unto [to serve his] God and his Father; to him [Jesus Christ] be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 5:10  And [Jesus Christ] hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.  [see Rev 20:4 & 6 ]

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in [this] the first resurrection [see previous verse]:  on such the second death [see Rev 20:14, Rev 21:8 ] hath no power [see Rev 2:11, Rev 21:7 ], but they [ Saints ] shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him [Christ] a thousand [ 1000  1,000 ] years.

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On rare occasions, the original apostles would meet to discuss and try to understand some "as yet not fully understood" theological issue.  But as the Bible's New Testament was written under God's inspiration and direction, the theology became documented and shared among local congregations, eliminating the need for such meetings.

Act 15:2  When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension [sharp dispute] and disputation [debate] with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them [believers], should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Act 15:6  And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Act 15:30  So when they were dismissed, they came [went down] to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude [the church [ congregation ] at Antioch] together, they delivered the epistle [letter]:

Act 15:31  Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

Christ gave the original apostles (disciples) the role of being the first missionaries to fill the great commission.  With each new generation, God and Christ appoint/call (and Christ gives gifts to) new apostles to fill the missionaries' role described in the great commission:

Mat 28:19  Go ye [the 11 disciples] therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father [God], and of the Son [Jesus, the Christ], and of the Holy Ghost:

Mar 16:15  And he [Jesus] said unto them [the 11 disciples], Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel [good news] to every creature.

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Because the Greek word ekklesia is so important, the Bible shows us exactly how to translate the word ekklesia from Greek to English.

First we start with the Old Testament verse of Psalms 22:22 translated from Hebrew to English:
 
Psa 22:22  I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
 
Then we discover that this Old Testament verse has been quoted in the New Testament and translates as follows from Greek to English (except for the Greek word ekklesia, which we will leave untranslated for the moment).
 
Heb 2:12  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the ekklesia will I sing praise unto thee.
 
By comparing the 2 verses above, it is obvious that the Bible is showing us to translate the Greek word ekklesia to the English word congregation.

This is exactly how the early English Bibles were translated.  The first complete English Bible was the Tyndale Bible in about 1524, and that Bible did not use the word "church" anywhere in its pages, it used the word "congregation."

Using the word "church" for ekklesia enables others to imply that the word "church" stands for more than the members that make up the congregation (that the "church" is more than its members).

Using the word "church" conjures up images of a church building (a temple, synagogue, sanctuary, storehouse, etc.), and a separate church hierarchy (a pope, cardinals, priests, priesthood, clergy, etc., see Hierarchy above), and many church divisions (each defined by its own denominational dogma and church name), and a church with its own criteria for membership (its members must believe in its denominational dogma, and must be identified by the name of the denomination).

The body of Christ is made up only of its members, and does not include buildings, separate hierarchies, denominational divisions and dogma and names, etc.

Using the word congregation (instead of "church"), keeps us focused on the fact that Christ's congregation (the body of Christ) is made up only of its members (1Co 12:27  Now ye are [collectively] the body of Christ [Christ's congregation], and members in particular.).

Use the word congregation (instead of "church"), and you will stay focused on Christ, and the members that make up Christ's congregation.

The Bible defines "members" and the "body of Christ" by drawing an analogy with the human body, and its many parts (also called members of the human body).

Each part of the human body (arm, leg, hand, ear, eye, nose, etc.), is a member of the human body.

Each member of the body of Christ (each saved person), is a part (member) of the body of Christ.

1Co 12:27  Now ye are [collectively] the body of Christ [Christ's congregation], and members in particular.

Therefore, our membership is based on being saved, by accepting Christ as your Lord & Saviour.

          (Our membership in the body of Christ is not based on local congregation "membership")

If we are a member of the body of Christ, then we are already a member of the portion of Christ's congregation located in some local geographical area.

Each term in the lists below is described in greater detail under a heading box below:
     (You can scroll to the heading box below, or click on one of the links in the verses below.)

God's list of callings/appointments is found in:

1Co 12:28  And God hath set some [appointed] in the church [ congregation ], first [of all] apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that [workers of] miracles, then gifts of healings, helps [help others], governments [administration], diversities [speaking in different kinds] of tongues.

Eph 4:8  Wherefore he [God] saith, When he [Christ] ascended up on high, he [Christ] led captivity captive, and [Christ] gave gifts unto men.  [ quote of Psa 68:18 ]

Eph 4:11  And he [Christ] gave some [to be], apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints [God's people],
                         for the work of the ministry,
                         for the edifying [improving] of the body of Christ:

1Co 12:8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

1Co 12:9  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1Co 12:10  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers [speaking in different] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Luk 6:13  And when it was day, he [Jesus] called unto him his disciples: and of them he [Jesus] chose twelve [12], whom also he [Jesus] named apostles;

Luk 6:14  Simon, (whom he [Jesus] also named Peter,) and Andrew his [Peter's] brother, James [the son of Zebedee] and John [his [James'] brother], Philip and Bartholomew,

Luk 6:15  Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

Luk 6:16  And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

Mat 10:1  And when he [Jesus] had called unto him his twelve [12] disciples, he [Jesus] gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Mat 10:5  These twelve [12] Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Mat 10:6  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel [the original 12 Hebrew tribes, the Jews at the time of Jesus].

Mat 10:7  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Mat 28:19  Go ye [the 11 disciples] therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father [God], and of the Son [Jesus, the Christ], and of the Holy Ghost:

Mar 16:15  And he [Jesus] said unto them [the 11 disciples], Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel [good news] to every creature.

Act 1:26  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Gal 1:1  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him [Jesus] from the dead;)

Gal 1:16  To reveal his [God's] Son in me [Paul], that I [Paul] might preach him [Christ] among the heathen [Gentiles]; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

1Ti 2:7  Whereunto I [Paul] am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

2Ti 1:11  Whereunto I [Paul] am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Act 4:36  And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Act 4:37  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Act 14:13  Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Act 14:14  Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Act 15:36  And some days after [later] Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do [are doing].

Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing [different gifts] according to the grace that is given to us, whether [if our gift is] prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith [we have];

1Co 13:8  Charity [love] never faileth: but whether [where] there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether [where] there be tongues, they shall cease; whether [where] there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part [not fully], and we prophesy in part [not fully].

1Co 14:1  Follow after charity [love], and desire spiritual gifts, but rather [especially desire] that ye may prophesy.

1Co 14:2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue [language] speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1Co 14:3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification [for their strengthening], and exhortation [encouragement], and comfort.

1Co 14:4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth [improves] the church [ congregation ].

1Co 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues but [I would] rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church [ congregation ] may receive edifying.

1Co 14:36  What?  came the word of God out [of you? did it originate] from you?  or came it unto you only?

1Co 14:37  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual [spiritually gifted], let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1Co 14:38  But if any man be ignorant [of this], let him be ignorant [ignored].

1Co 14:39  Wherefore, brethren, covet [be eager] to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1Th 5:19  Quench not the [Holy] Spirit.

1Th 5:20  Despise not prophesyings.

2Pe 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy [the word of the prophets made more certain]; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed [to it], as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day [morning] star arise [rises] in your hearts:

2Pe 1:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2Pe 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time[s] by the will of man: but [by] holy men of God [who] spake [spoke] as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Spirit].

1Jo 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of [from] God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1Jo 4:2  Hereby know ye [This is how you can recognize] the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth [acknowledges] that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1Jo 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of [the] antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Act 21:8  And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven [chosen to serve tables (see Act 6:5)]; and abode with him.

Act 21:9  And the same man [Philip] had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

~ Philip goes to the Desert where an Ethiopian Receives Christ.  (This is likely Philip, the evangelist, who it says, at the end of this chapter (Act 8:40), "preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea".  We learn later in Act 21:8 that "the house of Philip the evangelist" is located in Caesarea.)

Act 8:26  And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Act 8:27  And he [Philip] arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Act 8:28  [the eunuch] Was returning [on his way home], and sitting in his chariot [was] read [reading the book of] Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet.

Act 8:29  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to [stay near] this chariot.

Act 8:30  And Philip ran thither to him [the eunuch], and heard him [the eunuch] read the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], and [Philip] said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Act 8:31  And he [the eunuch] said, How can I, except some man should guide me?  And he desired [invited] Philip that he would come up and sit with him [the eunuch].

Act 8:32  The place of the scripture which he [the eunuch] read was this [quoting Isa 53:7-8 ],

He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb [silent] before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Act 8:33  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away [he was deprived of justice]: and who shall declare [speak of] his generation [descendants]?  for his life is taken from the earth.

Act 8:34  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee [tell me], of whom speaketh the prophet this?  of himself, or of some other man?

Act 8:35  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him [the good news about] Jesus.

Act 8:36  And as they went on their way [along the road], they came unto a certain [some] water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to [why shouldn't I] be baptized?

Act 8:37  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.  And he [the eunuch] answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Act 8:38  And he commanded the chariot to stand still [stop]: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Act 8:39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away [suddenly took] Philip [away], that the eunuch saw him [Philip] no more: and he [the eunuch] went on his way rejoicing.

Act 8:40  But Philip was found [appeared] at Azotus: and passing through [traveling about] he preached [the gospel] in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

2Ti 4:5  But watch thou [Timothy] in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Pro 11:30  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Mat 28:19  Go ye [the 11 disciples] therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father [God], and of the Son [Jesus, the Christ], and of the Holy Ghost:

Mar 16:15  And he [Jesus] said unto them [the 11 disciples], Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Act 1:8  But ye [the apostles] shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me [Jesus] both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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Eph 4:8  Wherefore he [God] saith, When he [Christ] ascended up on high, he [Christ] led captivity captive, and [Christ] gave gifts unto men.  [ quote of Psa 68:18 ]

Eph 4:11  And he [Christ] gave some [to be], apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints [God's people], for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [improving] of the body of Christ:

Good pastors (after the LORD's own heart) feed God's flock with knowledge and understanding, and follow the LORD.

Jer 3:15  And I [the LORD] will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer 17:16  As for me [Jeremiah], I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee [the LORD]: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.

Jer 2:8  The priests said not [did not say], Where is the LORD?  and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me [the LORD], and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

Jer 10:21  For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

Jer 12:10  Many pastors have destroyed my [the LORD's] vineyard, they have trodden [down] my portion [field] under foot, they have made my pleasant portion [field] a desolate wilderness.

Jer 22:22  The wind shall eat up all thy [Jehoiakim's] pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou [Jehoiakim] be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.

Jer 23:1  Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!  saith the LORD.

Jer 23:2  Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

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Act 5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they [the apostles] ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Act 15:35  Paul also and Barnabas continued [remained] in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

2Ti 1:11  Whereunto I [Paul] am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

1Ti 2:12  But I [Paul] suffer not [do not permit] a woman to teach, nor to usurp [have] authority over the [a] man, but to be in silence.

Tit 2:4  That they [the aged women] may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Heb 5:12  For when for the time [by this time] ye ought to be teachers, ye [still] have need that one teach you again which be [what are] the first principles [elementary truths] of the oracles of God [God's word]; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Gal 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Col 1:28  Whom [Christ in you] we preach, warning [admonishing] every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; [so] that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Rom 2:21  Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?  thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2Ti 4:4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Tit 1:11  Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's [money's] sake.

2Pe 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

In the New Testament there are about 16 mentions of the word miracle(s) in connection with the miracles that Jesus performed.  Jesus even comments on a miracle done by someone else in Jesus' name:

Mar 9:38  And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us [he was not one of us]: and we forbad him [told him to stop], because he followeth not us [he was not one of us].

Mar 9:39  But Jesus said, Forbid him not [do not stop him]: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can [in the next moment] lightly speak [say anything] evil of me.

Mar 9:40  For he that is not against us is on our part [is for us].

Act 4:16  Saying, What shall we do to these men [Peter and John]?  for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Act 4:22  For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

Act 6:8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Act 8:6  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Act 8:13  Then Simon himself believed also [in Jesus Christ]: and when he was baptized, he continued with [followed] Philip [everywhere], and wondered [was astonished by], beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Act 15:12  Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Act 19:11  And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Gal 3:5  He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Heb 2:2  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast [binding], and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward [punishment];

Heb 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect [ignore] so great [a] salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them [the apostles] that heard him;

Heb 2:4  God also bearing them [the apostles] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers [various] miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his [God's] own will?

Rev 13:14  And [the earth beast][ac] deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he [the earth beast][ac] had power to do in the sight of [on behalf of] the [sea] beast [WR]; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the [sea] beast [WR], which had the wound by a sword, and did live.  [similar to Rev 19:20 below]

Rev 16:14  For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Rev 19:20  And the [sea] beast [WR] was taken, and with him [and with the sea beast] the false prophet [the earth beast, the antichrist [ac]] that wrought miracles before him [before the sea beast], with which he [the false prophet, the earth beast][ac] deceived them that had received the mark of the [sea] beast [WR], and them that worshipped his [the sea beast's] image.  These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.  [similar to Rev 13:14 above]

Each gift in the list above is described in greater detail under a heading below:

For more on Gifts of the Holy Spirit, see: "What the Bible says about the Holy Spirit / Holy Ghost" at
          http://www.888c.com/HolySpirit.htm

Act 10:38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

1Pe 2:24  Who his own self [Jesus Christ] bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes [by Jesus' stripes] ye were healed.

Mat 10:1  And when he [Jesus] had called unto him his twelve [ 12 ] disciples, he [Jesus] gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Mar 6:13  And they [the disciples] cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Act 5:15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Act 5:16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Act 8:6  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Act 8:7  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Act 14:8  And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

Act 14:9  The same [cripple man at Lystra] heard Paul speak: who [Paul] stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Act 14:10  [Paul] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet.  And he [the cripple man at Lystra] leaped and walked.

Act 28:8  And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Act 28:9  So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

1Co 12:30  Have all the gifts of healing?  do all speak with tongues?  do all interpret?

Jam 5:13  Is any among you afflicted?  let him pray.  Is any merry?  let him sing psalms.

Jam 5:14  Is any sick among you?  let him call for the elders of the church [ congregation ]; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord [Jesus Christ]:

Jam 5:15  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord [Christ] shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Jam 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

We find an excellent example of this in the Bible's Old Testament.  Abraham was a righteous man:

Jam 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him [Abraham] for righteousness: and he [Abraham] was called the Friend of God.  [quoting Gen 15:6 ]    [see also Heb 11:8 and Rom 4:18-22 ]
 
Abraham [a righteous man] prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife:
     (God answered Abraham's prayer.)
 
Gen 20:17  So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.

Gen 20:18  For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

Now God (in the very next verse) answers Abraham's lifelong prayer for a son from Sarah's womb:
     (Summary:  God answers not only Abraham's prayer for Abimelech (above), but also answers the same prayer for Abraham himself (below).)
 
Gen 21:1  And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Gen 21:2  For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Conclusion:  If you need to be healed, pray for others, especially others that need the same healing as you need.

1Co 12:28  And God hath set some [appointed] in the church [ congregation ], first [of all] apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that [workers of] miracles, then gifts of healings, helps [help others], governments [administration], diversities [speaking in different kinds] of tongues.

Act 27:17  Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

Act 16:9  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, [Paul] Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Act 18:27  And when he [Apollos] was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him [Apollos]: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Rom 16:3  Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Rom 16:9  Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

1Co 16:16  That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

2Co 1:11  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.

2Co 1:24  Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Phi 4:3  And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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1Co 12:28  And God hath set some [appointed] in the church [ congregation ], first [of all] apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that [workers of] miracles, then gifts of healings, helps [help others], governments [administration], diversities [speaking in different kinds] of tongues.

1Co 12:4  Now there are diversities [different kinds] of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:5  And there are differences of administrations [service], but the same Lord.

1Co 12:6  And there are diversities [different kinds] of operations [working], but it is the same God which worketh all [of them] in all [men].

1Co 12:7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given [for the common good] to every man to profit withal.

2Co 8:19  And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches [ congregations ] to travel with us with this grace [offering], which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

2Co 8:20  Avoiding this [any criticism], that no man should blame us in [the way we administer] this abundance [liberal gift] which is administered by us:

2Co 9:12  For the administration of this service [that you perform] not only supplieth the want [needs] of the saints [God's people], but is abundant [overflowing] also by many thanksgivings [expressions of thanks] unto God;

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Act 2:4  And they [the apostles and disciples] were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance [enabled them].

Act 2:5  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem [on the day of Pentecost] Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Act 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad [when they heard this sound], the multitude [crowd] came together, and were confounded [bewildered], because that every man [in the crowd] heard them [the apostles and disciples] speak in his [each man in the crowd's] own [native] language.

Act 2:7  And they [in the crowd] were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak [the apostles and disciples] Galilaeans?

Act 2:8  And how hear we every man [in the crowd] in our own [native] tongue [language], wherein we were born?

1Co 14:2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue [language] speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1Co 14:19  Yet in the church [ congregation ] I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1Co 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

1Co 14:23  If therefore the whole church [ congregation ] be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1Co 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

1Co 14:28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church [ congregation ]; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1Co 14:39  Wherefore, brethren, covet [be eager] to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1Co 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues but [I would] rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church [ congregation ] may receive edifying.

1Co 14:13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1Co 14:26  How is it then, brethren?  when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.  Let all things be done unto edifying.

1Co 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

1Co 14:28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church [ congregation ]; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts [,] knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1Co 12:10  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers [speaking in different] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Jo 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of [from] God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1Jo 4:2  Hereby know ye [This is how you can recognize] the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth [acknowledges] that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1Jo 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of [the] antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

1Co 12:8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

1Co 12:8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

2Co 4:13  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Gal 3:14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], gentleness [kindness], goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance [self-control]: against such there is no law.

Jam 2:26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Jam 5:14  Is any sick among you?  let him call for the elders of the church [ congregation ]; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord [Jesus Christ]:

Jam 5:15  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord [Christ] shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints [God's people],
                         for the work of the ministry,
                         for the edifying [improving] of the body of Christ:

Act 1:17  For he [Judas] was numbered with us [with the 12 disciples], and had obtained part of this ministry.

Act 1:25  That he [Matthias] may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Act 21:19  And when he [Paul] had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his [Paul's] ministry.

2Ti 4:5  But watch thou [Timothy] in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Act 12:25  And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Heb 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Col 4:7  All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
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Eph 4:8  Wherefore he [God] saith, When he [Christ] ascended up on high, he [Christ] led captivity captive, and [Christ] gave gifts unto men.  [ quoting Psa 68:18 ]

Eph 4:11  And he [Christ] gave some [to be], apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints [God's people],
                         for the work of the ministry,
                         for the edifying [improving] of the body of Christ:

Act 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I [Paul] my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Col 4:17  And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Act 12:25  And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

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2Pe 2:5  And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [8th] person [and 7 others], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;  [refers to the old testament]

1Ti 2:7  Whereunto I [Paul] am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

2Ti 1:11  Whereunto I [Paul] am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

In the 2 verses above, Paul claims to be appointed and ordained by Christ a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  Since Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus was certainly unique, we should probably leave these claims to be unique with Paul.  Therefore, the term "preacher" should be defined as anyone who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ, as illustrated in the verse below:

Rom 10:14  How then shall they call on him [Jesus] in whom they have not believed?  and how shall they believe in him [Jesus] of whom they have not heard?  and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Act 16:10  And after he [Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

1Pe 1:12  Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

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The congregation (aka church) in/at/of  "a name describing a geographical area"

The congregation (aka church) of the  "a name describing the inhabitants of a geographical area"

In addition to the ekklesia at Jerusalem, Revelation 2 & 3  gives us 7 more geographical locations used to describe the ekklesia [Christ's congregation]  of Ephesus,  in Smyrna,  in Pergamos,  in Thyatira,  in Sardis,  in Philadelphia,  of the Laodiceans.

Notice that none of the New Testament congregations were named after a denomination.

The Bible defines "members" and the "body of Christ" by drawing an analogy with the human body, and its many parts (also called members of the human body).

Each part of the human body (arm, leg, hand, ear, eye, nose, etc.), is a member of the human body.

Each member of the body of Christ (each saved person), is a part (member) of the body of Christ.

1Co 12:27  Now ye are [collectively] the body of Christ [Christ's congregation], and members in particular.

Therefore, our membership is based on being saved, by accepting Christ as your Lord & Saviour.

          (Our membership in the body of Christ is not based on local congregation "membership")

If we are a member of the body of Christ, then we are already a member of the portion of Christ's congregation located in some local geographical area.

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves [elders], and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you [elders] overseers, to feed the church [ congregation ] of God, which he [Jesus Christ] hath purchased with his own blood.

Act 19:32  Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the ekklesia [assembly] was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Act 19:39  But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful ekklesia [assembly].

Act 19:41  And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the ekklesia [assembly].

Mat 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name [in the name of Jesus Christ], there am I [Jesus Christ] in the midst of them.

The words "Temple, Synagogue, Sanctuary, Lord's House and Storehouse in Mal 3:10" in the Bible all refer to earthly physical Levitical Priesthood structures; never to an earthly physical Christian structure.

The phrase "Lord's House" is never used in the Bible's New Testament.

The word "storehouse" is mentioned only once in the Bible's New Testament, and does not refer to a physical Christian structure:

Luk 12:24  Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
 
The words "build or building" in the Bible's New Testament typically refer to a spiritual Christian structure:
 
1Pe 2:5  Ye also, as lively [like living] stones, are [being] built up [into] a spiritual house, [to be] an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by [through] Jesus Christ.

Jud 1:20  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

The word "Church" in the Bible's New Testament, always refers to the members of Christ's congregation as a whole (the body of Christ), or some portion thereof in a local geographical area, or an assembly thereof (assembled members), but never to a "Church building or structure."
 
Mat 16:18  And I [Jesus] say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I [Jesus] will build my church [my congregation ]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1Co 4:17  For this cause have I [Paul] sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church [ congregation ].

1Pe 5:1  The elders which are among you I [Peter] exhort, [ I Peter ] who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1Pe 5:2  [Elders] Feed [be shepherds of ] the flock of God which is among you [under your care], taking the oversight thereof [serving as overseers], not by constraint [not because you must], but willingly; not for filthy lucre [money], but of a ready mind [eager to serve];

1Pe 5:3  Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples [examples] to the flock.

1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd [Christ] shall appear, ye [elders] shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

1Pe 5:5  Likewise, ye younger [men], submit yourselves unto the elder.  Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth [opposes] the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  [quoting Pro 3:34 ]

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care [anxiety] upon him; for he [God] careth for you.

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1Pe 5:9  Whom resist [the devil, standing] stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the [rest of the] world.

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his [God's] eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, [God will] make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1Pe 5:11  To him [God] be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen.

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1Ti 3:1  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless [above reproach], the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1Ti 3:3  Not given to wine [drunkenness], no striker [not violent but gentle], not greedy of filthy lucre [money]; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

1Ti 3:4  One that ruleth [manages] well his own house [family [more or less related]], having his children in subjection [obey him] with all gravity [with proper respect];

1Ti 3:5  (For if a man know not how to rule [manage] his own house [family [more or less related] [see 1Ti 3:15 ]], how shall he take care of the church [ congregation ] of God?)

1Ti 3:6  Not a novice [recent convert], lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the [same] condemnation of [judgment as] the devil.

1Ti 3:7  Moreover he must have a good report [reputation] of them which are without [outsiders]; lest he fall into reproach [disgrace] and the snare [trap] of the devil.

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1Ti 3:8  Likewise must the deacons be grave [worthy of respect], not doubletongued, not given to [indulging in] much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre [pursuing dishonest gain];

1Ti 3:9  Holding the mystery [deep truths] of the faith in a pure [with a clear] conscience.

1Ti 3:10  And let these also first be proved [tested]; then let them use the office of [serve as] a deacon, being found blameless [nothing against them].

1Ti 3:11  Even so must their [deacons'] wives be grave [worthy of respect], not slanderers [malicious talkers], sober, faithful in all things.

1Ti 3:12  Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling [managing] their children and their own houses [family [more or less related]] well.

1Ti 3:13  For they that have used the office of [served as] a deacon well purchase to themselves [gain] a good degree [standing], and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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