First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 6: The Church

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head. Yes, the very smallest members of our body are necessary and useful to the whole body. But all work harmoniously together and are under one common rule for the preservation of the whole body. Let our whole body, then, be preserved in Christ Jesus. And let everyone be subject to his neighbor, according to the special gift imparted upon him. Let the strong not despise the weak, and let the weak show respect to the strong. Let the rich man provide for the needs of the poor, and let the poor man bless God because He has given him one by whom his need may be supplied. Let the wise man display his wisdom, not only by words, but through good deeds. Let the humble not boast about himself, but let another speak of him. Let him that is pure in the flesh not grow proud of it and boast knowing that it was another who gave him the gift of self-control. Let us consider, then, friends, of what we were made—by whom and of what manner of beings we came into the world. For we came out of a sepulcher and from utter darkness. He who made us and fashioned us, having prepared His generous gifts for us before we were born and introduced us into His world. Since, therefore, we receive all these things from Him, we should give Him thanks for everything. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen. Brotherly Love F irst C lement 48: Let us therefore, with all haste, put an end to this. Let us fall down before the Lord, and beg Him with tears that He would mercifully be reconciled to us and restore us to our former fitting and holy practice of brotherly love. For this is the gate of righteousness that