First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 7: Character and Imitation

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run in vain. Rather, they have run in faith and righteousness. They are in their proper place in the presence of the Lord for whom also they suffered. For they did not love this present world but Him who died for us and for our sakes was raised again from the dead by God. Stand fast, therefore, in these things, and follow the example of the Lord, being firm and unchangeable in the faith, loving the brotherhood, and being joined to one another in the truth, exhibiting the meekness of the Lord in your communication with one another, and despising no one. When you can do good, do not wait because “almsgiving delivers from death” (Tob 4:10). “Be subject to one to another, keeping your conduct among the Gentiles honorable” ( 1 Pet 2:12–13 ), that you may receive praise for your good works and the Lord may not be blasphemed through you. But woe to him by whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed! Teach, therefore, self control to all and also in your own conduct. excellent and glorious will, and long for His mercy and lovingkindness, forsaking all fruitless labors, strife, and envy which leads to death. Let us return to His compassions. Let us steadfastly think about those who have perfectly served His excellent glory. Let us consider, for instance, Enoch, who, being found righteous in obedience, was taken up and did not know death. Noah, being found faithful, preached restoration to the world through his ministry, and the Lord saved by him the animals which, with one accord, entered into the ark. The Characteristic of Faithfulness F irst C lement 9–12: So, let us be obedient to His