The writings of the Apostolic FathersClement I, Pope
General
The writings of the Apostolic Fathers
Clement I, Pope
Apostolic Fathers; Christian literature, Early
Since therefore I have, in the persons before mentioned, beheld the
whole multitude of you in faith and love, I exhort you to study to do
all things with a divine harmony,[925] while your bishop presides in the
place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the
apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are
entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father
before the beginning of time,[926] and in the end was revealed. Do ye
all then, imitating the same divine conduct,[927] pay respect to one
another, and let no one look upon his neighbour after the flesh, but do
ye continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among
you that may divide you; but be ye united with your bishop, and those
that preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.[928]
LONGER.
Since therefore I have, in the persons before mentioned, beheld the
whole multitude of you in faith and love, I exhort you to study to do
all things with a divine harmony,[929] while your bishop presides in the
place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the
apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are
entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ. He, being begotten by the
Father before the beginning of time,[930] was God the Word, the
only-begotten Son, and remains the same for ever; for “of His kingdom
there shall be no end,”[931] says Daniel the prophet. Let us all
therefore love one another in harmony, and let no one look upon his
neighbour according to the flesh, but in Christ Jesus. Let nothing exist
among you which may divide you; but be ye united with your bishop, being
through him subject to God in Christ.
CHAP. VII.—_Do nothing without the bishop and presbyters._
SHORTER.
As therefore the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united to
Him, neither by Himself nor by the apostles, so neither do ye anything
without the bishop and presbyters. Neither endeavour that anything
appear reasonable and proper to yourselves apart; but being come
together into the same place, let there be one prayer, one supplication,
one mind, one hope, in love and in joy undefiled. There is one Jesus
Christ, than whom nothing is more excellent. Do ye therefore all run
together as into one temple of God, as to one altar, as to one Jesus
Christ, who came forth from one Father, and is with and has gone to one.
LONGER.
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