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Epistle to the Trallians (LongVersion)
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Chapter 3: - Respect the Deacons, etc.
AND DO YOU REVERENCE THEM AS CHRIST JESUS: of whose place they are the keepers, just as the bishop is the representative of the Father of all things, and the presbyters are the sanhedrim of God, and assembly of the apostles of Christ. Apart from these, there is no elect Church, no congregation of holy ones, no assembly of saints. I am persuaded that you also share this opinion. For I have received the evidence of your love, and still have it with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive, and his meekness itself is a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must reverence. Loving you as I do, I avoid writing in any severer tone to you, that I may not seem harsh to any, or lacking [in tenderness]. I am indeed bound for the sake of Christ, but I am not yet worthy of Christ. But when I am perfected, perhaps I shall then become so. I do not issue orders like an apostle.