First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

bread until he lodges the next night. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. Receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord. Then examine him, for you will know right from wrong. If he who comes is a traveler, assist him as far as you are able, but he should not remain with you more than two or three days if need be. However, if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he will not live with you inactively. If he decides not to cooperate, he is peddling Christ. Watch that you keep away from such. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also, a true teacher is himself worthy of his support just like the worker. Every first fruit, therefore, of the products of a winepress and threshing floor, of oxen and of sheep, you will take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give them to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first fruit and give according to the commandment. So also, when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first fruit and give it to the prophets. As for money and clothing and every possession, take the first fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment. Deacons I gnatius to the P hiladelphians 10–11: Since it is reported to me in answer to your prayers and the compassion which you feel in Christ Jesus that the church which is at Antioch in Syria possesses peace, it is fitting for you as a church of