Chapter IV.--Exhortations.
Let not widows be neglected. Be thou, after the Lord, their protector [1084] and friend. Let nothing be done without thy consent; neither do thou anything without the approval of God, which indeed thou dost not, inasmuch as thou art stedfast. Let your assembling together be of frequent [1085] occurrence: seek after all by name. [1086] Do not despise either male or female slaves, yet neither let them be puffed up with conceit, but rather let them submit themselves [1087] the more, for the glory of God, that they may obtain from God a better liberty. Let them not long to be set free [from slavery] at the public expense, that they be not found slaves to their own desires.
Let not the widows be neglected. Be thou, after the Lord, their protector and friend. Let nothing be done without thy consent; neither do thou anything without the approval of God, which indeed thou doest not. Be thou stedfast. Let your assembling together be of frequent [1088] occurrence: seek after all by name. [1089] Do not despise either male or female slaves, yet neither let them be puffed up with conceit, but rather let them submit themselves [1090] the more, for the glory of God, that they may obtain from God a better liberty. Let them not wish to be set free [from slavery] at the public expense, that they be not found slaves to their own desires.
[1084] The word in the original (phrontistes) denotes one who thinks or cares for another.
[1085] Some refer the words to more frequent meetings, and others to these meetings being more numerous; no comparison is necessarily implied.
[1086] i.e., so as to bring them out to the public assembly.
[1087] Or, "act the part of slaves."
[1088] Some refer the words to more frequent meetings, and others to these meetings being more numerous; no comparison is necessarily implied.
[1089] i.e., so as to bring them out to the public assembly.
[1090] Or, "act the part of slaves."
Chapter V.--The duties of husbands and wives.
Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. [1091] Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. [1092] If any one can continue in a state of purity, [1093] to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh, [1094] let him so remain without boasting. If he begins to boast, he is undone; and if he reckon himself greater than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to God, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. [1095]
Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. If any one can continue in a state of purity, [1096] to the honour of the flesh of the Lord, let him so remain without boasting. If he shall boast, he is undone; and if he seeks to be more prominent [1097] than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to the Lord, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. [1098]
[1091] Some insert me, and render, "rather do not even speak of them."
[1092] Eph. v. 25.
[1093] i.e., in celibacy.
[1094] Some render, "to the honour of the flesh of the Lord," as in the longer recension.
[1095] Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31.
[1096] i.e., in celibacy.
[1097] Literally, "if he be known beyond the bishop."
[1098] Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31.