Chapter 3. Honour the deacons, etc

Chapter 4

1In like manner, let all reverence the deacons as an appointment of Jesus Christ , and the bishop as Jesus Christ , who is the Son of the Father , and the presbyters as the sanhedrim of God , and assembly of the apostles . Apart from these, there is no Church. Concerning all this, I am persuaded that you are of the same opinion. For I have received the manifestation of your love , and still have it with me, in your bishop , whose very appearance is highly instructive, and his meekness of itself a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must reverence, seeing they are also pleased that I do not spare myself. But shall I, when permitted to write on this point, reach such a height of self-esteem, that though being a condemned man, I should issue commands to you as if I were an apostle?