Epistle to the Philadelphians (Short Version)

Since, according to your prayers and the compassion you feel in Christ Jesus, it has been reported to me that the Church in Antioch, Syria, has peace, it is fitting for you, as a Church of God, to elect a deacon to act as the ambassador of God for you to the brethren there, so that he may rejoice with them when they gather and glorify the name of God. Blessed is he in Jesus Christ, who is deemed worthy of such a ministry; and you too shall be glorified. And if you are willing, it is within your power to do this for the sake of God, just as the nearby Churches have sent, in some cases, bishops and in others, presbyters and deacons.