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The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version)
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Chapter 5: The Praise of Unity.
FOR IF I: in this brief period, have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop—not just a human, but a spiritual one—how much more fortunate I consider you, who rely on him as the Church relies on the Lord Jesus, and the Lord relies on God and His Father, so that all things may be in unity! Let no one deceive themselves: if anyone is not within the altar, they are deprived of the bread of God. For if the prayer of one or two is so powerful that Christ is among them, how much more will the prayer of the bishop and the whole Church, in harmony with God, succeed in granting all their requests in Christ! Therefore, whoever separates themselves from them and does not meet in the assembly where sacrifices are offered, and with "the Church of the first-born whose names are written in heaven," is a wolf in sheep's clothing, while presenting a mild outward appearance.
Beloved, be careful to be subject to the bishop, and the presbyters and deacons. For being subject to them is being obedient to Christ, who appointed them; but being disobedient to them is being disobedient to Christ Jesus. And "he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." For one who does not obey his leaders is self-confident, quarrelsome, and proud.
But "God," says the Scripture, "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble;" and, "The proud have greatly transgressed." The Lord also says to the priests, "He who hears you, hears Me; and he who hears Me, hears the Father who sent Me.
He who despises you, despises Me; and he who despises Me, despises Him who sent Me."