Chapter XLIV.—The ordinances of the apostles, that there might be no
contention respecting the priestly office.
Our apostles also knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and there would be strife on
account of the office188 of the episcopate. For this reason, therefore, inasmuch as they had
obtained a perfect fore-knowledge of this, they appointed those [ministers] already men-
tioned, and afterwards gave instructions,189 that when these should fall asleep, other approved
men should succeed them in their ministry. We are of opinion, therefore, that those appointed
by them,190 or afterwards by other eminent men, with the consent of the whole Church,
and who have blamelessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and disinterested
spirit, and have for a long time possessed the good opinion of all, cannot be justly dismissed
from the ministry. For our sin will not be small, if we eject from the episcopate191 those
who have blamelessly and holily fulfilled its duties.192 Blessed are those presbyters who,
having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and perfect departure [from
this world]; for they have no fear lest any one deprive them of the place now appointed
them. But we see that ye have removed some men of excellent behaviour from the ministry,
which they fulfilled blamelessly and with honour.
188 Literally, “on account of the title of the oversight.” Some understand this to mean, “in regard to the dignity
of the episcopate;” and others simply, “on account of the oversight.”
189 The meaning of this passage is much controverted. Some render, “left a list of other approved persons;”
while others translate the unusual word ἐπινομή, which causes the difficulty, by “testamentary direction,” and
many others deem the text corrupt. We have given what seems the simplest version of the text as it stands.
[Comp. the versions of Wake, Chevallier, and others.]
190 i.e., the apostles.
191 Or, “oversight.”
192 Literally, “presented the offerings.”
Chapter XLIV.—The ordinances of the apostles, that there might be no contention respecting the priestly office.
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Chapter XLIV.—The ordinances of the apostles, that there might be no contention…