Epistle to the Magnesians (Long Version)

Now it is also your duty not to disregard the age of your bishop, but to give him all respect, according to the will of God the Father, as I have known even holy elders do, not focusing on the apparent youth of their bishop, but on his knowledge of God; since "not the ancient are necessarily wise, nor do the aged understand prudence; but there is a spirit in people." For Daniel the wise, at twelve years of age, was filled with the divine Spirit and exposed the elders, who in vain carried their grey hairs, as false accusers and lusting after another man’s wife's beauty.

Samuel, when he was just a little child, reproved Eli, who was ninety years old, for honoring his sons more than God. Similarly, Jeremiah received this message from God, "Do not say, I am a child." Solomon and Josiah also showed the same. Solomon, becoming king at twelve, gave that challenging judgment concerning the two women and their children. Josiah, ascending the throne at eight, destroyed the altars and temples of idols, burned down the groves dedicated to demons, and not to God.

He killed the false priests, as the corrupters and deceivers of people, not the worshippers of the Deity.

Therefore, youth is not to be despised when it is devoted to God.

But one of a wicked mind ought to be despised, even if he is old, and full of wicked days. Timothy the Christ-bearer was young, but hear what his teacher writes to him: "Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word and conduct." It is therefore fitting that you should also be obedient to your bishop and not contradict him in anything; for it is a serious matter to contradict such a person.

For no one deceives him that is visible by such actions, but seeks to mock Him that is invisible, who cannot be mocked by anyone. Every such act concerns not man, but God. For God says to Samuel, "They have not mocked you, but Me." And Moses declares, "For their murmuring is not against us, but against the Lord God." None of those who rose against their superiors has remained unpunished. For Dathan and Abiram did not speak against the law, but against Moses, and were cast down alive into Hades.

Korah, along with the two hundred and fifty who conspired with him against Aaron, were destroyed by fire. Absalom, who had slain his brother, was hanged on a tree, and had his evil heart pierced with darts. Similarly, Abeddadan was beheaded for the same reason. Uzziah, when he presumed to oppose the priests and the priesthood, was struck with leprosy. Saul was dishonored because he did not wait for Samuel the high priest.

Therefore, it is fitting for you to also respect your superiors.