The writings of the Apostolic FathersClement I, Pope
General
The writings of the Apostolic Fathers
Clement I, Pope
Apostolic Fathers; Christian literature, Early
Now the more any one sees the bishop keeping silence,[783] the more
ought he to revere him. For we ought to receive every one whom the
Master of the house sends to be over His household,[784] as we would do
Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon
the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself. And indeed Onesimus
himself greatly commends your good order in God, that ye all live
according to the truth, and that no sect[785] has any dwelling-place
among you. Nor, indeed, do ye hearken to any one rather than to Jesus
Christ speaking in truth.
LONGER.
The more, therefore, you see the bishop silent, the more do you
reverence him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the
house sends to be over His household,[786] as we would do Him that sent
him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even
as we would look upon the Lord Himself, standing, as he does, before the
Lord. For “it behoves the man who looks carefully about him, and is
active in his business, to stand before kings, and not to stand before
slothful men.”[787] And indeed Onesimus himself greatly commends your
good order in God, that ye all live according to the truth, and that no
sect[788] has any dwelling-place among you. Nor indeed do ye hearken to
any one rather than to Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd and Teacher. And
ye are, as Paul wrote to you, “one body and one spirit, because ye have
also been called in one hope of the faith.”[789] Since also “there is
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over
all, and through all, and in all.”[790] Such, then, are ye, having been
taught by such instructors, Paul the Christ-bearer, and Timothy the most
faithful.
CHAP. VII.—_Beware of false teachers._
SHORTER.
For some are in the habit of carrying about the name [of Jesus Christ]
in wicked guile, while yet they practise things unworthy of God, whom ye
must flee as ye would wild beasts. For they are ravening dogs, who bite
secretly, against whom ye must be on your guard, inasmuch as they are
men who can scarcely be cured. There is one Physician who is possessed
both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh;
true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first passible and then
impassible,—[791]even Jesus Christ our Lord.
LONGER.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account