Chapter XV.—Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof

Chapter XV.[2497]—Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof.

1 Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money,²⁴⁹⁸Comp. 1 Tim. iii. 4. and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service²⁴⁹⁹Or, “ministry.” This clause and the following verse indicate that the extraordinary ministers were as yet more highly regarded. of prophets and teachers. 2. Despise them not therefore, for they are your honoured ones, together with the prophets and teachers. 3. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as ye have it in the Gospel;²⁵⁰⁰Comp. Matt. xviii. 15–17. but to every one that acts amiss²⁵⁰¹The word ἀστοχέω, occurring here, means “to miss the mark;” in New Testament, “to err” or, “swerve.” See 1 Tim. i. 6, vi. 21; 2 Tim. ii. 18. against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear aught from you until he repent. 4. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as ye have it in the Gospel of our Lord.²⁵⁰²The reference here is probably to the Sermon on the Mount: Matt. v.-vii., especially to chap. vi.