Chapter III.--Honour the deacons, etc.
In like manner, let all reverence the deacons as an appointment [737] of Jesus Christ, and the bishop as Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the Father, and the presbyters as the sanhedrim of God, and assembly of the apostles. Apart from these, there is no Church. [738] Concerning all this, I am persuaded that ye are of the same opinion. For I have received the manifestation [739] of your love, and still have it with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive, [740] and his meekness of itself a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must reverence, seeing they are [741] also pleased that I do not spare myself. But shall I, when permitted to write on this point, reach such a height of self-esteem, that though being a condemned [742] man, I should issue commands to you as if I were an apostle?
And do ye reverence them as Christ Jesus, of whose place they are the keepers, even as the bishop is the representative of the Father of all things, and the presbyters are the sanhedrim of God, and assembly [743] of the apostles of Christ. Apart from these there is no elect Church, no congregation of holy ones, no assembly of saints. I am persuaded that ye also are of this opinion. For I have received the manifestation [744] of your love, and still have it with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive, and his meekness of itself a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must reverence. Loving you as I do, I avoid writing in any severer strain to you, that I may not seem harsh to any, or wanting [in tenderness]. I am indeed bound for the sake of Christ, but I am not yet worthy of Christ. But when I am perfected, perhaps I shall then become so. I do not issue orders like an apostle.
[737] Literally, "commandment." The text, which is faulty in the ms., has been amended as above by Smith.
[738] Literally, "no Church is called."
[739] Or, "pattern."
[740] Literally, "great instruction."
[741] Some here follow a text similar to that of the longer recension.
[742] Both the text and meaning are here very doubtful; some follow the reading of the longer recension.
[743] Or, "conjunction."
[744] Or, "pattern."
Chapter IV.--I have need of humility.
I have great knowledge in God, [745] but I restrain myself, lest, I should perish through boasting. For now it is needful for me to be the more fearful; and not give heed to those that puff me up. For they that speak to me [in the way of commendation] scourge me. For I do indeed desire to suffer, but I know not if I be worthy to do so. For this longing, though it is not manifest to many, all the more vehemently assails me. [746] I therefore have need of meekness, by which the prince of this world is brought to nought.
But I measure myself, that I may not perish through boasting: but it is good to glory in the Lord. [747] And even though I were established [748] in things pertaining to God, yet then would it befit me to be the more fearful, and not give heed to those that vainly puff me up. For those that commend me scourge me. [I do indeed desire to suffer [749] ], but I know not if I be worthy to do so. For the envy of the wicked one is not visible to many, but it wars against me. I therefore have need of meekness, by which the devil, the prince of this world, is brought to nought.
[745] Literally, "I know many things in God."
[746] A different turn altogether is given to this passage in the longer recension.
[747] 1 Cor. i. 31.
[748] Or, "confirmed."
[749] Omitted in the ms.
Chapter V.--I will not teach you profound doctrines.
Am I not able to write to you of heavenly things? But I fear to do so, lest I should inflict injury on you who are but babes [in Christ]. Pardon me in this respect, lest, as not being able to receive [such doctrines], ye should be strangled by them. For even I, though I am bound [for Christ], yet am not on that account able to understand heavenly things, and the places [750] of the angels, and their gatherings under their respective princes, things visible and invisible. Without reference to such abstruse subjects, I am still but a learner [in other respects [751] ]; for many things are wanting to us, that we come not short of God.
For might [752] not I write to you things more full of mystery? But I fear to do so, lest I should inflict injury on you who are but babes [in Christ]. Pardon me in this respect, lest, as not being able to receive their weighty import, [753] ye should be strangled by them. For even I, though I am bound [for Christ], and am able to understand heavenly things, the angelic orders, and the different sorts [754] of angels and hosts, the distinctions between powers and dominions, and the diversities between thrones and authorities, the mightiness of the Æons, and the pre-eminence of the cherubim and seraphim, the sublimity of the spirit, the kingdom of the Lord, and above all, the incomparable majesty of Almighty God--though I am acquainted with these things, yet am I not therefore by any means perfect; nor am I such a disciple as Paul or Peter. For many things are yet wanting to me, that I may not fall short of God.
[750] Or, "stations."
[751] Literally, "passing by this;" but both text and meaning are very doubtful.
[752] eboulomen apparently by mistake for edunamen.
[753] Literally, "their force."
[754] Or, "varieties of."