First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same ( Matt 5:44–46 )? But love those who hate you, and you will not have an enemy. Refrain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also and you will be complete ( Matt 5:39 ). If someone forces you for one mile, go with him two ( Matt 5:41 ). If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat ( Matt 5:40 ). If someone takes from you what is yours, do not ask for it back, for indeed you are unable. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for it back, for the Father wills that all should be given our own spiritual gift. Blessed is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is innocent. Woe to him who receives. For if one receives who has need, he is innocent. However, he who receives who does not have a need will pay the penalty for why he received and for what. And coming into prison, he will be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he will not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. Also concerning this, it has been said, “Let your donations sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.” 1 Unity and the Mind of the Father I gnatius to the E phesians 3–4: I do not issue commands to you as if I were some important person. For though I am chained for the name, I am not yet perfected in Jesus Christ. For now, I only begin to be a disciple and I speak to you as my fellow disciples. For I have needed to be inspired

1 Source unknown.