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Chapter XLII.—The order of ministers in the Church.

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ii.ii.xlii226 words

Chapter XLII.—The order of ministers in the Church.

The apostles have preached the Gospel to us from178 the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ [has done so] from179 God. Christ therefore was sent forth by God, and the apostles by Christ. Both these appointments,180 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 established181 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,182 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 bishops183 in righteousness, and their deacons184 in faith.”185

Footnotes

  1. 178

    Or, “by the command of.”

  2. 179

    Or, “by the command of.”

  3. 180

    Literally, “both things were done.”

  4. 181

    Or, “confirmed by.”

  5. 182

    Or, “having tested them in spirit.”

  6. 183

    Or, “overseers.”

  7. 184

    Or, “servants.”

  8. 185

    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.”