First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 1: The Study of Scripture

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What, then, does he mean? That we should join ourselves with those who fear the Lord, those who meditate in their heart on the commandment which they have received, those who both utter the judgments of the Lord and observe them, those who know that meditation is a work of gladness and who ruminate on the word of the Lord. But what does he mean by split-hoofed? That the righteous man also walks in this world and also looks forward to the holy state. See how well Moses legislated. But how was it possible for them to understand or comprehend these things? We then rightly understand his commandments and explain them as the Lord intended. For this purpose, He circumcised our ears and our hearts so that we might understand these things. deceive you as indeed you are not deceived inasmuch as you are completely devoted to God. For since there is no strife raging among you which might distress you, you are certainly living in harmony with God’s will. I am your offering and set apart for you Ephesians, a church renowned throughout the world. They who are fleshly cannot do those things which are spiritual. Neither can they who are spiritual do the things which are fleshly. Just as faith cannot do the works of unbelief neither can unbelief do the works of faith. However, even those things which you do according to the flesh are spiritual for you do all things in Jesus Christ. W arnings A gainst F alse T eaching False Teachers I gnatius to the E phesians 8–9: Do not let anyone