| in order, by believing in His death, ye may escape from death. It is therefore necessary that, as ye indeed do, so without the bishop ye should do nothing, but should also be subject to the presbytery, as to the apostle of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, in whom, if we live, we shall [at last] be found. It is fitting also that the deacons, as being [the ministers] of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to all.[1] For they are not ministers of meat and drink, but servants of the church of God. They are bound, therefore, to avoid all grounds of accusation [against them], as they would do fire.
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in order that, by believing in His death, ye may by baptism be made partakers of His resurrection. It is therefore necessary, whatsoever things ye do, to do nothing without the bishop. And be ye subject also to the presbytery, as to the apostles of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, in whom, if we live, we shall be found in Him. It behoves you also, in every way, to please the deacons, who are [ministers] of the mysteries of Christ Jesus; for they are not ministers of meat and drink, but servants of the church of God. They are bound, therefore, to avoid all grounds of accusation [against them], as they would a burning fire. Let them, then, prove themselves to be such. |
Chap. iii.—Honour the deacons, etc.
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In like manner, let all reverence the deacons as an appointment[2] of Jesus Christ, and the |
And do ye reverence them as Christ Jesus, of whose place they are the keepers, even as the bishop is the representative of the Father |
- ↑ It is doubtful whether this exhortation is addressed to the deacons or people; whether the former are urged in all respects to please the latter, or the latter in all points to be pleased with the former.
- ↑ Literally, "commandment." The text, which is faulty in the ms., has been amended as above by Smith.
