Chapter XLII.—The Order of Ministers in the Church.

The apostles have preached the gospel to us from^42204220    Or, “by the command of.” the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus^42214221    A. “the Christ,” I. “Christ.” Christ [has done so] from God.  Christ therefore was sent forth by God,^42224222    I. omits. and the apostles by Christ.  Both these appointments,^42234223    Literally, “both things were done.” then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God.  Having therefore received their orders, and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established^42244224    Or, “confirmed by.” in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand.  And thus preaching through countries and cities, they appointed the first fruits [of their labours], having first proved them by the Spirit,^42254225    Or, “having tested them in spirit.” to be bishops and deacons of those who should afterwards believe.  Nor was this any new thing, since indeed many ages before it was written con242cerning bishops and deacons.  For thus saith the Scripture in a certain place, “I will appoint their bishops^42264226    Or, “overseers.” in righteousness, and their deacons^42274227    Or, “servants.” in faith.”^42284228    Isa. lx. 17, Sept.; but the text is here altered by Clement.  The LXX. have, “I will give thy rulers in peace, and thy overseers in righteousness.”