The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version)

The more, therefore, you see the bishop silent, the more you should respect him. For we ought to receive everyone whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, as we would receive Him who sent him. It is clear, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop just as we would look upon the Lord Himself, since he stands before the Lord. For “it is fitting for the man who is diligent and attentive in his work to stand before kings, and not to stand before lazy men.” And indeed Onesimus himself greatly praises your good order in God, that you all live according to the truth, and that no sect has any place among you. Nor do you listen to anyone other than Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd and Teacher. And you are, as Paul wrote to you, “one body and one spirit, for you have also been called in one hope of the faith. Since also “there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” Such, then, are you, having been taught by such instructors, Paul the Christ-bearer, and Timothy the most faithful.