Original collection
Laity (meaning "people"). Some people use this term as a means to distinguish the ordinary "people" from the professional "clergy." Such distinctions are foreign to the NT.
Key KJV Scriptures:
1 Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 4:14-16; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Key KJV Scriptures: Full Text
25 indexed verses · Showing 1–25. Read each passage in its chapter context.
Ephesians 4:11 (KJV)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Ephesians 4:12 (KJV)
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Ephesians 4:13 (KJV)
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:14 (KJV)
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 4:16 (KJV)
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Philippians 1:1 (KJV)
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1 Timothy 3:1 (KJV)
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV)
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1 Timothy 3:3 (KJV)
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1 Timothy 3:4 (KJV)
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1 Timothy 3:6 (KJV)
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 (KJV)
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:8 (KJV)
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1 Timothy 3:9 (KJV)
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 3:10 (KJV)
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
1 Timothy 3:11 (KJV)
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Timothy 3:13 (KJV)
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:14 (KJV)
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.
Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 2:5 (KJV)
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
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: