Epistle to the Trallians (Short Version)

Since you are subject to the bishop as to Jesus Christ, you seem to me to live not like ordinary people, but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us so that by believing in His death, you may escape from death. Therefore, it is necessary that, as you indeed do, you should do nothing without the bishop, but should also be subject to the presbytery, as to the apostle of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, in whom, if we live, we shall eventually be found. It is also fitting that the deacons, as ministers of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to everyone. For they are not ministers of food and drink, but servants of the Church of God. They are therefore bound to avoid any grounds of accusation against them, as they would avoid fire.