Both these appointments,[1] then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God. Having therefore received their orders, and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established[2] in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. And thus preaching through countries and cities, they appointed the first fruits [of their labours], having first proved them by the Spirit,[3] to be bishops and deacons of those who should afterwards believe. Nor was this any new thing, since indeed many ages before it was written concerning bishops and deacons. For thus saith the Scripture in a certain place, "I will appoint their bishops[4] in righteousness, and their deacons[5] in faith."[6]
Chap. xliii.—Moses of old stilled the contention which arose concerning the priestly dignity.
And what wonder is it if those in Christ who were entrusted with such a duty by God, appointed those [ministers] before mentioned, when the blessed Moses also, "a faithful servant in all his house,"[7] noted down in the sacred books all the injunctions which were given him, and when the other prophets also followed him, bearing witness with one consent to the ordinances which he had appointed? For, when rivalry arose concerning the priesthood, and the tribes were contending among themselves as to which of them should be adorned with that glorious title, he commanded the twelve princes of the tribes to bring him their rods, each one being inscribed with the name[8] of the tribe. And he took them
- ↑ Literally, "both things were done."
- ↑ Or, "confirmed by."
- ↑ Or, "having tested them in spirit."
- ↑ Or, "overseers."
- ↑ Or, "servants."
- ↑ Isa. lx. 17, Sept.; but the text is here altered by Clement. The LXX. have, "I will give thy rulers in peace, and thy overseers in righteousness."
- ↑ Num. xii. 10; Heb. iii. 5.
- ↑ Literally, "every tribe being written according to its name."
