First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 5: Leadership

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by idolatry and will be judged as one of the Gentiles. But who among us are ignorant of the judgment of the Lord? “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world” (1 Cor 6:2), as Paul teaches? But I have neither seen nor heard of any such thing among you who the blessed Paul labored and who are commended in the beginning of his letters. For he boasts about you to all those churches which alone then knew the Lord at a time when we had not yet known Him. Therefore friends, I am deeply grieved for Valens and his wife to whom may the Lord grant true repentance! You then be sensible in regard to this matter, and “do not regard him as an enemy” (2 Thess 3:15). Rather, call them back as suffering and straying members so that you can save your whole body. For by so doing you will edify yourselves. Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets D idache 11 a –13: Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. However, if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of what you have heard, do not listen to him. Yet, if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, welcome him as you would the Lord. Now concerning the apostles, who are also prophets, act according to the rule of the gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be welcome as you would the Lord. But he will not remain more than one day or two days, unless there is a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle departs, let him take nothing but A postles , P rophets , T eachers , and D eacons