1. How did the people listed below feel about being in the presence of a public minister of God’s Word?  Explain why they felt that way.

- members of the Sanhedrin  (Acts 5:27 – 33)

- Cornelius (Acts 10:22-33)

- the silversmiths of Ephesus (Acts 19:23 – 31)

- Ephesian elders  (Acts 20:32-38)

Agree/Disagree -- Public ministers of the gospel are held in high regard for the noble work they do. Explain your answer. 

2. How do individual Christians carry out their role as royal priests of God?

- Acts 8: 1, 4

- 1 Peter 3:5

- 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11

- Hebrews 10:24-25

- Colossians 3:16

- Ephesians 6:4

- Matthew 18:15f

3. How would you respond to this question? “If every Christian is a royal priest of God, as 1 Peter 2:9 teaches, do we really need public ministers of the gospel? (See Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 14:40)

4. Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7.  Note that the  word “overseer” has also been translated “bishop,” “superintendent,” “minister” or “pastor.”  List the qualifications the Lord expects to see in a public minister who holds a leadership position.     

5. Pick out three of the qualifications listed above and discuss why each is important for gospel ministry.

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6. List some of the personal blessings you have received through the work of faithful pastors, teachers, and others who serve in the public ministry. 

7. Review your list.  Say a prayer of thanks God for each of these blessings!    If possible, take the time to encourage those serving you in the public ministry with a personal expression of gratitude.