1Chapter 2 — Be subject to the bishop, etc.
2For, since ye are subject to the bishop as to Jesus Christ, ye appear to me to live not after the manner of men, but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us, in order, by believing in His death, ye may escape from death.
3It is therefore necessary that, as ye indeed do, so without the bishop ye should do nothing, 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 at last be found.
4It is fitting also that the deacons, as being the ministers of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to all.
5For they are not ministers of meat and drink, but servants of the Church of God.
6They are bound, therefore, to avoid all grounds of accusation against them, as they would do fire.
7Be ye subject to the bishop as to the Lord, for "he watches for your souls, as one that shall give account to God".
8Wherefore also, ye appear to me to live not after the manner of men, but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us, in order that, by believing in His death, ye may by baptism be made partakers of His resurrection.
9It is therefore necessary, whatsoever things ye do, to do nothing without the bishop.
10And be ye subject also to the presbytery, as to the apostles of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, in whom, if we live, we shall be found in Him.
11It behoves you also, in every way, to please the deacons, who are ministers of the mysteries of Christ Jesus; for they are not ministers of meat and drink, but servants of the Church of God.
12They are bound, therefore, to avoid all grounds of accusation against them, as they would a burning fire.
13Let them, then, prove themselves to be such.