First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 8: Warnings Against Division and the Demonic

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remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land” (Prov 2:21–22). And again it says: I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. (Ps 37:35–37) Therefore, let us hold on to those who foster peace with godliness, and not to those who hypocritically profess to desire it. For it says in a certain place, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matt 15:8; Isa 29:13 ). And again, “They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse” (Ps 62:4). And again it says, “They flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant” (Ps 78:36–37). Therefore, “Let the lying lips be mute” (Ps 31:18). And again: May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?” “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” (Ps 12:3–5) Warnings for the Leaders of Sedition F irst C lement 57: You therefore who laid the foundation of this sedition, submit yourselves to the elders and receive correction so as to repent. Bend the knees of your hearts and learn to be submissive by laying aside the proud and arrogant self-confidence of your tongue. For it is better