First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 5: Leadership

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apostles by Christ. Both these appointments, then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God. Having therefore received their orders, being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established in the Word of God with full assurance of the Holy Spirit, they went out proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. And accordingly, proclaiming the gospel through countries and cities, they appointed the first fruits to be bishops and deacons of those who believed after first confirming them by the Spirit. This was not any new thing, since indeed it was written many years before concerning bishops and deacons. For the Scripture says in a certain place, “I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness” (Isa 60:17). D idache 11C: Every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you will neither test nor judge. For every sin will be forgiven but this sin will not be forgiven. However, not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore, the false prophet and the prophet will be known by their conduct. What is more, every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit should not eat it. If he does he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth but does not do what he teaches is a false prophet. And every true prophet working for the mystery of the church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, will not be judged among you. For from God he has his judgment as did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, “Give me money, or something else,” you will not listen to him. However, if he tells you to give for the sake of others who are in need, let no one judge him.