# Apostolic Church Order

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Canones ecclesiastici apostolorum*
- Date: ca. 300 (approximate)
- Source: Franz Xaver Funk, ed., Doctrina duodecim apostolorum: Canones apostolorum ecclesiastici ac reliquae doctrinae de duabus viis expositiones veteres (Tübingen: Laupp, 1887), pp. 50–72 (Greek text of the Canones ecclesiastici apostolorum)

- Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator
- Editions and translations: Adolf von Harnack, Die Lehre der zwölf Apostel nebst Untersuchungen zur ältesten Geschichte der Kirchenverfassung und des Kirchenrechts, Texte und Untersuchungen 2.1–2 (Leipzig, 1884); Die Apostellehre und die jüdischen beiden Wege (Leipzig, 1886); Theodor Schermann, Die allgemeine Kirchenordnung, frühchristliche Liturgien und kirchliche Überlieferung, vol. 2 (Paderborn, 1914); Jean-Paul Audet and others for the later editions of the Two Ways and church-order literature
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/
- Passages: 31

## Inscription

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-0
- Source: Funk, 50
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The greeting of the Apostolic Church Order in the names of twelve apostles.

### Greek text

Χαίρετε, υἱοὶ καὶ θυγατέρες, ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἰωάννης καὶ Ματθαῖος καὶ Πέτρος καὶ ᾿Ανδρέας καὶ Φίλιππος καὶ Σίμων καὶ Ἰάκωβος καὶ Ναθαναὴλ καὶ Θωμᾶς καὶ Κηφᾶς καὶ Βαρθολομαῖος καὶ Ἰούδας Ἰακώβου.

### English translation (Claude)

Greetings, sons and daughters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. John and Matthew and Peter and Andrew and Philip and Simon and James and Nathanael and Thomas and Cephas and Bartholomew and Jude the son of James.

### Scripture references

- Luke 6:16: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The list names both Peter and Cephas as separate apostles and includes Nathanael; it is the document's own fictional setting, translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. inscr. (Funk, 50; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-0).

## Apostolic Church Order 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-1
- Source: Funk, 50–52
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The apostles, gathered at Christ's command before dividing the provinces, are told to set out the orders of the church and send these words to the whole world.

### Greek text

Κατὰ κέλευσιν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ σωτῆρος συναθροισθέντων ἡμῶν, καθὼς διέταξε πρὸ τοῦ" Μέλλετε κληροῦσθαι τὰς ἐπαρχίας, καταλογίσασθαι τόπων ἀριθμούς, ἐπισκόπων ἀξίας, πρεσβυτέρων ἕδρας, διακόνων παρεδρείας, ἀναγνωστῶν νουνεχίας, χηρῶν ἀνεγκλησίας καὶ ὅσα δέοι πρὸς θεμελίωσιν ἐκκλησίας, ἵνα τύπον τῶν ἐπουρανίων εἰδότες φυλάσσωνται ἀπὸ παντὸς ἀστοχήματος, εἰδότες, ὅτι λόγον ὑφέξουσιν ἐν τῇ μεγάλῃ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς κρίσεως περὶ ὧν ἀκούσαντες οὖκ ἐφύλαξαν, καὶ ἐκέλευσεν ἡμᾶς ἐκπέμψασθαι τοὺς λόγους εἰς ὅλην τὴν οἰκουμένην᾽

### English translation (Claude)

When we had gathered together at the command of our Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour, as he had appointed beforehand: 'You are about to be allotted the provinces, to reckon up the numbers of the places, the dignities of bishops, the seats of presbyters, the attendance of deacons, the discretion of readers, the blamelessness of widows, and whatever may be needed for the foundation of the church, so that, knowing the pattern of the heavenly things, they may guard themselves from every error, knowing that they will give account on the great day of judgment for what they heard and did not keep'; and he commanded us to send out the words into the whole inhabited world.

### Scripture references

- Matt 12:36: allusion, low confidence
- Matt 28:19: allusion, medium confidence
- Heb 8:5: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- 'Bishop', 'presbyter', 'deacon', 'reader' and 'widow' translate ἐπίσκοπος, πρεσβύτερος, διάκονος, ἀναγνώστης and χήρα; the offices are described in chapters 16–22. The words of Christ quoted here are the document's own.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 1 (Funk, 50–52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-1).

## Apostolic Church Order 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-2
- Source: Funk, 52
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The apostles resolve to set down the Lord's commands for the brotherhood.

### Greek text

ἔδοξεν οὖν ἡμῖν πρὸς ὑπόμνησιν τῆς ἀδελφότητος καὶ νουθεσίαν ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ κύριος ἀπεκάλυψε κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου μνησθεῖσι λόγου ἐντείλασθαι ὑμῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

It seemed good to us, then, for the remembrance of the brotherhood and the admonition of each, as the Lord revealed according to the will of God through the Holy Spirit, to give you commands, calling the word to mind.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 2 (Funk, 52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-2).

## Apostolic Church Order 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-3
- Source: Funk, 52
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The apostles agree to speak freely and correct one another, and John speaks first.

### Greek text

Ἰωάννης εἶπεν " ἼΑνδρες ἀδελφοί, εἰδότες, ὅτι λόγον ὑφέξομεν περὶ τῶν διατεταγμένων ἡμῖν, εἷς ἑνὸς πρόσωπον μὴ λαμβάνωμεν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐάν τις δοκῇ τι ἀσύμφορον λέγειν, ἀντιλεγέσθω αὐτῷ. Ἔδοξε δὲ πᾶσι πρῶτον Ἰωάννην εἰπεῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

John said: 'Men, brothers, knowing that we shall give account for what has been appointed to us, let us not show partiality to one another; but if anyone seems to say something unprofitable, let him be contradicted.' And it seemed good to all that John should speak first.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 3 (Funk, 52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-3).

## Apostolic Church Order 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-4
- Source: Funk, 52
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The two ways of life and death, and the two great commandments.

### Greek text

Ἰωάννης εἶπεν " Ὁδοὶ δύο εἰσί, μία τῆς ζωῆς καὶ μία τοῦ θανάτου, διαφορὰ δὲ πολλὴ μεταξὺ τῶν δύο ὁδῶν. 2. Ἧ μὲν γὰρ ὁδὸς τῆς ζωῆς ἐστιν αὕτη" πρῶτον, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν θεὸν τὸν ποιήσαντά σε ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου καὶ δοξάσεις τὸν λυτρωσάμενόν σε ἐκ θανάτου, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐντολὴ πρώτη δεύτερον, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς ἑαυτόν, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐντολὴ δευτέρα " ἐν οἷς ὅλος ὃ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οἱ προφῆται.

### English translation (Claude)

John said: 'There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways. For the way of life is this: first, you shall love God who made you with all your heart, and you shall glorify him who redeemed you from death, which is the first commandment; second, you shall love your neighbour as yourself, which is the second commandment; on which the whole law hangs, and the prophets.'

### Scripture references

- Deut 6:5: quotation, high confidence
- Lev 19:18: quotation, high confidence
- Matt 22:37: quotation, high confidence
- Matt 22:40: quotation, high confidence
- Jer 21:8: allusion, low confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 1.1-2 (Didache): quotation, high confidence
- Barn. 18.1 (Epistle of Barnabas): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- From here to chapter 13 the document reworks the 'Two Ways' teaching found in Did. 1–4 (cf. Barn. 18–20), assigning its sayings to individual apostles. Quotations: Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18; Matt 22:37–40.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 4 (Funk, 52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-4).

## Apostolic Church Order 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-5
- Source: Funk, 52
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The negative golden rule.

### Greek text

Ματθαῖος εἶπεν Πάντα ὅσα ἂν μὴ θέλῃς σοὶ γενέσθαι, μηδὲ σὺ ἄλλῳ ποιήσεις. Τούτων δὲ τῶν λόγων τὴν διδαχὴν εἶπέ, ἀδελφὲ Πέτρε.

### English translation (Claude)

Matthew said: 'Whatever you would not have done to you, do not do to another either.' 'Tell us the teaching of these words, brother Peter.'

### Scripture references

- Matt 7:12: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 1.2 (Didache): quotation, high confidence
- Tob 4:15 (Tobit): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation: Did. 1.2 (cf. Tob 4:15; Matt 7:12).

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 5 (Funk, 52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-5).

## Apostolic Church Order 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-6
- Source: Funk, 52–54
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The commandments of the way of life: against murder, adultery, sexual immorality, abortion, falsehood and hatred.

### Greek text

Πέτρος εἶπεν" Οὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ πορνεύσεις, οὗ παιδοφθορήσεις, οὗ κλέψεις, οὗ μαγεύσεις, οὗ φαρμακεύσεις, οὗ φονεύσεις τέκνων ἔν φθορᾷ οὐδὲ γεννηθὲν ἀποκτενεῖς, οὖχ ἐπιθυμήσεις τὰ τοῦ πλησίον. 2, Οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, οὗ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, οὗ κακολογήσεις οὐδὲ μνησικακήσεις, οὐκ ἔσῃ δίγνωμος οὖδὲ δίγλωσσος" παγὶς γὰρ θανάτου ἐστὶν ἢ διγλωσσία. Οὐκ ἔσται ὁ λόγος σου κενὸς οὐδὲ ψευδής. 83. Οὐχ ἔσῃ πλεονέκτης οὐδὲ ἅρπαξ οὐδὲ ὑποκριτὴς οὐδὲ κακοήθης οὐδὲ ὑπερήφανος, οὐ λήψῃ βουλὴν πονηρὰν κατὰ τοῦ πλησίον σου. 4. Οὐ μισήσεις πάντα ἄνθρωπον, ἀλλ᾽ οὖς μὲν ἐλέγξεις, οὖς δὲ ἐλεήσεις, περὶ ὧν δὲ προσεύξῃ, οὖς δὲ ἀγαπήσεις ὑπὲρ τὴν ψυχήν σου.

### English translation (Claude)

Peter said: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit sexual immorality, you shall not corrupt boys, you shall not steal, you shall not practise magic, you shall not use sorcery, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill one that is born, you shall not covet your neighbour's goods. You shall not swear falsely, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil nor bear a grudge; you shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for the double tongue is a snare of death. Your word shall not be empty or false. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor malicious, nor arrogant; you shall not take evil counsel against your neighbour. You shall not hate any man, but some you shall reprove, on some you shall have mercy, for some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.'

### Scripture references

- Exod 20:13: allusion, high confidence
- Exod 20:14: allusion, high confidence
- Exod 20:15: allusion, high confidence
- Exod 20:17: allusion, high confidence
- Matt 5:33: allusion, medium confidence
- Prov 21:6: allusion, low confidence
- Jude 1:22: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 2.2-7 (Didache): quotation, high confidence
- Barn. 19 (Epistle of Barnabas): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation: Did. 2.2–7 (cf. Barn. 19). 'Commit sexual immorality' renders πορνεύσεις, distinct from 'commit adultery' (μοιχεύσεις). Allusions: Exod 20:13–17; Prov 21:6; Jude 22–23.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 6 (Funk, 52–54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-6).

## Apostolic Church Order 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-7
- Source: Funk, 54
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Anger leads to murder; avoid jealousy and quarrelling.

### Greek text

᾿Ανδρέας εἶπεν Τέκνον μου, φεῦγε ἀπὸ παντὸς πονηροῦ καὶ ἀπὸ παντὸς ὁμοίου αὐτοῦ, Μὴ γίνου ὀργίλος᾽ ὁδηγεῖ γὰρ ἣ ὀργὴ πρὸς τὸν φόνον ἔστι γὰρ δαιμόνιον ἀρρενικὸν ὁ θυμός. Μὴ γίνου ζηλωτὴς μηδὲ ἐριστικὸς μηδὲ θυμαντικός" ἔκ γὰρ τούτων φόνος γεννᾶται.

### English translation (Claude)

Andrew said: 'My child, flee from every evil and from everything like it. Do not be prone to anger, for anger leads to murder; for wrath is a male demon. Do not be jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor hot-tempered; for from these murder is born.'

### Scripture references

- Matt 5:22: allusion, low confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 3.1-2 (Didache): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation: Did. 3.1–2. The description of wrath as 'a male demon' (and desire in chapter 8 as 'a female demon') is the document's addition.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 7 (Funk, 54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-7).

## Apostolic Church Order 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-8
- Source: Funk, 54
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Lust and anger, given room, become demons that enlarge themselves in the soul and lead it to ruin.

### Greek text

Φίλιππος εἶπεν" Τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου ἐπιθυμητής᾽ ὁδηγεῖ γὰρ ἢ ἐπιθυμία πρὸς τὴν πορνείαν καὶ ἕλκει τοὺς ἀνθρώπους πρὸς ἑαυτήν " ἔστι γὰρ θηλυκὸν δαιμόνιον ἡ ἐπιθυμία, καὶ ὃ μὲν μετ᾽ ὀργῆς, ὃ δὲ μεθ᾽ ἡδονῆς ἀπόλλυσι τοὺς εἰσδεχομένους αὐτά. 2. Ὁδὸς δὲ πονηροῦ πνεύματος ἁμαρτία ψυχῆς" καὶ ὅταν βραχείαν εἴσδυσιν σχῇ ἐν αὐτῷ, πλατύνει αὐτὴν καὶ ἄγει ἐπὶ πάντα τὰ κακὰ τὴν ψυχὴν ἐκείνην καὶ οὖχ ἐᾷ διαβλέψαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον καὶ ἰδεῖν τὴν ἀλήθειαν. 8. Ὃ θυμὸς ὑμῶν μέτρον ἐχέτω, καὶ ἐν βραχεῖ διαστήματι αὐτὸν ἡνιοχεῖτε καὶ ἀνακρούετε, ἵνα μὴ ἐμβάλλῃ ὑμᾶς εἰς ἔργον πονηρόν" θυμὸς γὰρ καὶ ἧδονὴ πονηρὰ ἐπὶ πολὺ παραμένοντα κατὰ ἐπίτασιν δαιμόνια γίνεται, καὶ ὅταν ἐπιτρέψῃ αὐτοῖς ὁ ἄνθρωπος, οἰδαίνουσιν ἐν τῇ ψυχῇ αὐτοῦ καὶ γίνονται μείζονες, καὶ ἀπάγουσιν αὐτὸν εἰς ἔργα ἄδικα καὶ ἐπιγελῶσιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἥδονται ἐπὶ τῇ ἀπωλείᾳ τῶν ἀνθρώπων.

### English translation (Claude)

Philip said: 'My child, do not be lustful, for lust leads to sexual immorality and draws men to itself; for lust is a female demon; and the one with anger, the other with pleasure, destroys those who receive them. The way of an evil spirit is the sin of the soul; and when it has a small entry into a man, it widens it and leads that soul into all evils, and does not let the man see clearly and perceive the truth. Let your anger have a measure, and within a short interval rein it in and check it, so that it may not throw you into an evil deed. For anger and evil pleasure, remaining long and growing stronger, become demons; and when a man gives way to them, they swell in his soul and grow greater, and lead him away into unjust deeds, and mock him, and rejoice at the destruction of men.'

### Scripture references

- Eph 4:26: allusion, low confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 3.3 (Didache): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation and expansion of Did. 3.3. 'Sexual immorality' renders πορνεία.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 8 (Funk, 54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-8).

## Apostolic Church Order 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-9
- Source: Funk, 54
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Foul speech and wandering eyes lead to adultery.

### Greek text

Σίμων εἶπεν " Τέκνον, μὴ γίνου αἰσχρολόγος μηδὲ ὑψηλόφθαλμος " ἔκ γὰρ τούτων μοιχεῖαι γίνονται.

### English translation (Claude)

Simon said: 'Child, do not be foul-mouthed nor a lifter-up of the eyes; for from these come adulteries.'

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 3.3 (Didache): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation: Did. 3.3.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 9 (Funk, 54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-9).

## Apostolic Church Order 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-10
- Source: Funk, 54
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Avoid augury, enchantment, astrology and purifications, which lead to idolatry.

### Greek text

Ἰάκωβος εἶπεν " Τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου οἰωνοσκόπος, ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ πρὸς τὴν εἰδωλολατρείαν, μηδὲ ἐπαοιδὸς μηδὲ μαθηματικὸς μηδὲ περικαθαίρων, μηδὲ θέλε αὐτὰ ἰδεῖν μηδὲ ἀκούειν " ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων εἰδωλολατρεῖαι γεννῶνται.

### English translation (Claude)

James said: 'My child, do not be an augur, since it leads to idolatry; nor an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor one who performs purifications; do not even wish to see or hear these things; for from all these idolatries are born.'

### Scripture references

- Deut 18:10: allusion, low confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 3.4 (Didache): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation: Did. 3.4.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 10 (Funk, 54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-10).

## Apostolic Church Order 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-11
- Source: Funk, 54–56
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Against lying, love of money, grumbling and pride; be meek, merciful, humble, and accept what happens as from God.

### Greek text

Ναθαναὴλ εἶπεν ᾿ Τέκνον, μὴ γίνου ψεύστης, ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ τὸ ψεῦσμα ἐπὶ τὴν κλοπὴν, μηδὲ φιλάργυρος μηδὲ κενόδοξος " ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων κλοπαὶ γεννῶνται. 2. Τέκνον, μὴ γίνου γόγγυσος, ἐπειδὴ ἄγει πρὸς τὴν βλασφημίαν, μηδὲ αὐθάδης μηδὲ πονηρόφρων᾽ ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων βλασφημίαι γεννῶνται. 8. Ἴσθι δὲ πραῦς, ἐπειδὴ πραεῖς κληρονομήσουσι τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν. 4. Γίνου μακρόθυμος, ἐλεήμων, εἰρηνοποιός, καθαρὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ ἀπὸ παντὸς κακοῦ, ἄκακος καὶ ἡσύχιος, ἀγαθὸς καὶ φυλάσσων καὶ τρέμων τοὺς λόγους, οἧς ἤκουσας. ὅ. Οὐχ ὑψώσεις σεαὐτὸν οὐδὲ δώσεις τὴν ψυχήν σου μετὰ ὑψηλῶν, ἀλλὰ μετὰ δικαίων καὶ ταπεινῶν ἀναστραφήσῃ. 6. Τὰ δὲ συμβαίνοντά σοι ἐνεργήματα ὡς ἀγαθὰ προσδέξῃ, εἰδώς, ὅτι ἄτερ θεοῦ οὐδὲν γίνεται.

### English translation (Claude)

Nathanael said: 'Child, do not be a liar, since lying leads to theft; nor a lover of money, nor vainglorious; for from all these thefts are born. Child, do not be a grumbler, since it leads to blasphemy; nor self-willed, nor evil-minded; for from all these blasphemies are born. But be meek, since the meek shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Be long-suffering, merciful, a peacemaker, pure in heart from every evil, guileless and quiet, good, keeping and trembling at the words you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give your soul to the proud, but you shall live with the righteous and the humble. You shall accept the things that happen to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.'

### Scripture references

- Matt 5:5: quotation, high confidence
- Matt 5:9: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 5:8: allusion, medium confidence
- Isa 66:2: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 3.5-10 (Didache): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation: Did. 3.5–10. 'The meek shall inherit the kingdom of heaven' conflates Matt 5:5 and 5:3 (the Didache has 'the earth'). Allusion: Isa 66:2 ('trembling at the words').

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 11 (Funk, 54–56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-11).

## Apostolic Church Order 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-12
- Source: Funk, 56
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Honour and support the one who teaches you the word of God and gave you the seal, as the Lord himself.

### Greek text

Θωμᾶς εἶπεν" Τέκνον, τὸν λαλοῦντά σοι τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ παραίτιόν σοι γινόμενον τῆς ζωῆς καὶ δόντα σοι τὴν ἐν κυρίῳ σφραγῖδα ἀγαπήσεις ὡς κόρην ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, μνήσθητι δὲ αὐτοῦ νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν, τιμήσεις αὐτὸν ὡς τὸν κύριον᾽ ὅθεν γὰρ ἢ κυριότης λαλεῖται, ἐκεῖ κύριός ἔστιν. 2. Ἐκζητήσεις δὲ τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν καὶ τοὺς λοιποὺς ἁγίους, ἵνα ἐπαναπαύσῃ τοῖς λόγοις αὐτῶν᾽ κολλώμενος γὰρ ἁγίοις ἁγιασθήσῃ. 8. Τιμήσεις δὲ αὐτόν, καθ᾽ ὃ δυνατὸς εἶ, ἐκ τοῦ ἱδρῶτός σου καὶ ἐκ τοῦ πόνου τῶν χειρῶν σου εἰ γὰρ ὃ κύριος δι᾿ αὐτοῦ ἠξίωσέ σοι δοθῆναι πνευματικὴν τροφὴν καὶ ποτὸν καὶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον, σὺ ὀφείλεις πολὺ μᾶλλον τὴν φθαρτὴν καὶ πρόσκαιρον προσφέρειν τροφήν ἄξιος γὰρ ὃ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ, καὶ βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὗ φιμώσεις, καὶ οὐδεὶς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα καὶ ἐκ τοῦ καρποῦ αὐτοῦ οὐχ ἐσθίει.

### English translation (Claude)

Thomas said: 'Child, the one who speaks to you the word of God, and becomes for you a cause of life, and gives you the seal in the Lord, you shall love as the apple of your eye, and remember him night and day; you shall honour him as the Lord; for where the Lord's nature is spoken of, there the Lord is. And you shall seek his face daily, and that of the rest of the saints, so that you may find rest in their words; for by cleaving to saints you shall be sanctified. And you shall honour him as far as you are able, from your sweat and from the labour of your hands. For if the Lord through him has counted you worthy to be given spiritual food and drink and eternal life, you ought much more to offer the perishable and temporary food. For the labourer is worthy of his wages, and you shall not muzzle an ox while it threshes, and no one plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit.'

### Scripture references

- Deut 32:10: allusion, medium confidence
- Ps 17:8 (16:8 LXX): allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Cor 9:11: allusion, high confidence
- Luke 10:7: quotation, high confidence
- 1 Tim 5:18: quotation, high confidence
- Deut 25:4: quotation, high confidence
- 1 Cor 9:7: quotation, high confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 4.1-2 (Didache): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation and expansion of Did. 4.1–2. 'The seal in the Lord' probably refers to baptism. 'The Lord's nature' renders κυριότης (as in the Didache). Quotations: Deut 32:10 / Ps 17:8 ('apple of the eye'); 1 Cor 9:11; 1 Tim 5:18 (Luke 10:7; Deut 25:4); 1 Cor 9:7.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 12 (Funk, 56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-12).

## Apostolic Church Order 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-13
- Source: Funk, 56–58
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Make peace, judge impartially, pray without doubting, give generously and share all things with your brother.

### Greek text

Κηφᾶς εἶπεν Οὐ ποιήσεις σχίσματα, εἰρηνεύσεις δὲ μαχομένους" κρινεῖς δικαίως, οὐ λήψῃ πρόσωπον ἐλέγξαι τινα ἐπὶ παραπτώματι. Οὐ γὰρ ἰσχύει πλοῦτος παρὰ κυρίῳ " οὐ γὰρ ἀξία προκρίνει οὐδὲ κάλλος ὠφελεῖ, ἀλλὰ ἰσότης ἔστι πάντων παρ᾽ αὐτῷ. ἃ. Ἔν προσεὐχῇ σοὺ μὴ διψυχήσῃς, πότερον ἔσται ἣ οὐ. 8. Μὴ γίνου πρὸς μὲν τὸ λαβεῖν ἐκτείνων τὰς χεῖρας, πρὸς δὲ τὸ δοῦναι συσπῶν. Ἐὰν ἔχῃς διὰ τῶν χειρῶν σου, δώσεις λύτρωσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν σοὺ" οὐ διστάσεις δοῦναι, οὐδὲ διδοὺς γογγύσεις" γνώσῃ γάρ, τίς ἐστιν ὃ τοῦ μισθοῦ καλὸς ἀνταποδότης. 4. Οὐχ ἀποστραφήσῃ ἐνδεόμενον, κοινωνήσεις δὲ ἁπάντων τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου καὶ οὐκ ἐρεῖς ἴδια εἶναι" εἰ γὰρ ἐν τῷ ἀθανάτῳ κοινωνοί ἔστε, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ἐν τοῖς φθαρτοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

Cephas said: 'You shall not make divisions, but shall reconcile those who quarrel. You shall judge justly; you shall not show partiality in reproving anyone for a transgression. For wealth has no power with the Lord; for rank does not give preference, nor does beauty profit, but there is equality of all with him. In your prayer do not be in two minds whether it will be or not. Do not be one who stretches out his hands to receive but draws them back from giving. If you have something through your hands, you shall give a ransom for your sins. You shall not hesitate to give, nor grumble when giving; for you will know who is the good repayer of the reward. You shall not turn away the needy, but shall share all things with your brother and shall not say that they are your own; for if you are sharers in what is immortal, how much more in what is perishable.'

### Scripture references

- Deut 1:17: allusion, medium confidence
- Jas 1:6: allusion, low confidence
- Acts 4:32: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Did. 4.3-8 (Didache): quotation, high confidence
- Sir 4:31 (Sirach): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotation and expansion of Did. 4.3–8. Allusions: Deut 1:17; Sir 4:31; Acts 4:32.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 13 (Funk, 56–58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-13).

## Apostolic Church Order 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-14
- Source: Funk, 58
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Do good while there is time, for the day of the Lord is near; keep what you have received without adding or taking away.

### Greek text

Βαρθολομαῖος εἶπεν: Ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, ὡς ἔτι καιρός ἐστι καὶ ἔχετε εἰς οὖς ἐργάζεσθε μεθ᾽ ἑαυτῶν, μὴ ἐκλείπητε ἐν μηδενί, ἐξουσίαν ἐὰν ἔχητε. 2. Ἐγγὺς γὰρ ἣ ἡμέρα κυρίου, ἐν ἢ συναπολεῖται πάντα σὺν τῷ πονηρῷ ἥξει γὰρ ὃ κύριος, καὶ ὃ μισθὸς αὐτοῦ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ. 8. “Ἑαυτῶν γίνεσθε νομοθέται, ἑαυτῶν γίνεσθε σύμβουλοι ἀγαθοί, θεοδίδακτοι" φυλάξεις ἃ παρέλαβες, μήτε προσθεὶς μήτε ὑφαιρῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

Bartholomew said: 'We ask you, brothers, while there is still time and you have those for whom you may work among yourselves, not to fail in anything, if you have the means. For the day of the Lord is near, in which all things will perish together with the evil one; for the Lord will come, and his reward is with him. Be lawgivers to yourselves, be good counsellors to yourselves, taught by God; you shall keep what you have received, neither adding nor taking away.'

### Scripture references

- Gal 6:10: allusion, medium confidence
- Isa 40:10: quotation, medium confidence
- Rev 22:12: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Thess 4:9: allusion, medium confidence
- Deut 4:2: allusion, high confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Barn. 21.2-6 (Epistle of Barnabas): quotation, high confidence
- Did. 4.13 (Didache): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. Barn. 21.2–6, 8; Did. 4.13. Quotations and allusions: Gal 6:10; Isa 40:10 / Rev 22:12; 1 Thess 4:9; Deut 4:2 (Rev 22:18–19).

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 14 (Funk, 58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-14).

## Apostolic Church Order 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-15
- Source: Funk, 58
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The apostles turn from moral teaching to the ordering of the church, and ask Peter to speak.

### Greek text

Πέτρος εἶπεν " ᾿Αδελφοί, τὰ περὶ τῶν λοιπῶν νουθεσιῶν αἱ γραφαὶ διδάξουσιν, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἃ ἐκελεύσθημεν διατάξωμεν. Πάντες εἶπαν" Πέτρος λεγέτω.

### English translation (Claude)

Peter said: 'Brothers, as for the rest of the admonitions, the Scriptures will teach them; but let us set in order what we were commanded.' All said: 'Let Peter speak.'

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 15 (Funk, 58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-15).

## Apostolic Church Order 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-16
- Source: Funk, 58–60
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The choice of a bishop: where a church has fewer than twelve men, three men from neighbouring churches examine the candidate, who must be of good report, temperate, the husband of one wife or unmarried, and able to interpret Scripture.

### Greek text

Πέτρος εἶπεν: Ἐὰν ὀλιγανδρία ὑπάρχῃ καὶ μήπου πλῆθος τυγχάνῃ τῶν δυναμένων ψηφίσασθαι περὶ ἐπισκόπου ἐντὸς δεκαδύο ἀνδρῶν, εἰς τὰς πλησίον ἐκκλησίας, ὅπου τυγχάνει πεπηγυῖα, γραφέτωσαν, ὅπως ἐκεῖθεν ἐκλεκτοὶ τρεῖς ἄνδρες παραγενόμενοι δοκιμῇ δοκιμάσωσι τὸν ἄξιον ὄντα, εἴ τις φήμην καλὴν ἔχει ἀπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν, εἰ ἀναμάρτητος ὑπάρχει, εἰ φιλόπτωχος, εἰ σώφρων, μὴ μέθυσος, μὴ πόρνος, μὴ πλεονέκτης ἢ λοίδορος ἢ προσωπολήπτης καὶ τὰ τούτοις ὅμοια. 2. Καλὸν μὲν εἶναι ἀγύναιος, εἶ δὲ μή, ἀπὸ μιᾶς γυναικός, παιδείας μέτοχος, δυνάμενος Ἱτὰς γραφὰς ἑρμηνεύειν, εἰ δὲ ἀγράμματος, πραῦς ὑπάρχων, καὶ τῆς ἀγάπης εἷς πάντας περισσευέτω, μήποτε περί τινος ἐλεγχθεὶς ὁ ἐπίσκοπος ἀπὸ τῶν πολλῶν γενηθείη.

### English translation (Claude)

Peter said: 'If there are few men, and there is nowhere a number of those able to vote concerning a bishop, within twelve men, let them write to the neighbouring churches, where one happens to be firmly established, so that three chosen men may come from there and examine carefully the one who is worthy: whether he has a good report from the nations, whether he is without sin, whether a lover of the poor, whether temperate, not a drunkard, not sexually immoral, not covetous or abusive or partial, and the like. It is good that he be without a wife; but if not, the husband of one wife; sharing in education, able to interpret the Scriptures; but if he is unlettered, let him be meek; and let him abound in love toward all, lest the bishop be convicted about anything by the many.'

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:2: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 3:3: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 3:7: allusion, high confidence
- Titus 1:6: allusion, high confidence
- Titus 1:9: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Allusions: 1 Tim 3:2–7; Titus 1:6–9. 'Without a wife' renders ἀγύναιος; 'the husband of one wife' (ἀπὸ μιᾶς γυναικός) follows 1 Tim 3:2. 'Sexually immoral' renders πόρνος. The church-order terms are translated exactly; the sense of 'within twelve men' (fewer than twelve voters) is the usual reading.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 16 (Funk, 58–60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-16).

## Apostolic Church Order 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-17
- Source: Funk, 60
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: John proposes that the bishop appoint two presbyters.

### Greek text

Ἰωάννης εἶπεν’ Ὃ κατασταθεὶς ἐπίσκοπος, εἰδὼς τὸ προσεχὲς καὶ φιλόθεον τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ, καταστήσει οὺς ἐὰν δοκιμάσῃ πρεσβυτέρους δύο.

### English translation (Claude)

John said: 'The bishop who has been appointed, knowing the attentiveness and love of God of those with him, shall appoint two presbyters, whomever he approves.'

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 17 (Funk, 60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-17).

## Apostolic Church Order 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-18
- Source: Funk, 60–64
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Three presbyters are to be appointed, after the pattern of the twenty-four elders; they are to be older men, generous and impartial, assisting the bishop at the altar and keeping order in the congregation.

### Greek text

Πάντες ἀντεῖπον, ὅτι οὐ δύο, ἀλλὰ τρεῖς " εἴκοσι γὰρ καὶ τέσσαρές εἶσι πρεσβύτεροι, δώδεκα ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ δώδεκα ἐξ εὐωνύμων. 2. Ἰωάννης εἶπεν: Καλῶς ὑπεμνήσατε, ἀδελφοί οἵ μὲν γὰρ ἐκ δεξιῶν δεχόμενοι ἀπὸ τῶν ἀρχαγγέλων τὰς φιάλας προσφέρουσι τῷ δεσπότῃ, οἱ δὲ ἐξ ἀριστερῶν ἐπέχουσι τῷ πλήθει τῶν ἀγγέλων. 8. Δεῖ οὖν εἶναι τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους ἤδη κεχρονικότας ἐπὶ τῷ κόσμῳ, τρόπῳ τινὲ ἀπεχομένους τῆς πρὸς γυναῖκας συνελεύσεως, εὐμεταδότους εἷς τὴν ἀδελφότητα, πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπου μὴ λαμβάνοντας, συμμύστας τοῦ ἐπισκόπου καὶ συνεπιμάχους, συναθροῖζοντας τὸ πλῆθος, προθυμουμένους τὸν ποιμένα. 4. Οἱ δὲ ἐκ δεξιῶν πρεσβύτεροι προνοήσονται τῶν ἐπισκόπων πρὸς τὸ θυσιαστῆριον, ὅπως τιμήσωσι καὶ ἐντιμηθῶσιν, εἰς ὃ ἂν δέῃ. Οἱ ἐξ ἄριστερῶν πρεσβύτεροι προνοΐσονται τοῦ πλήθους, ὅπως εὐσταθὴς καὶ ἀθόρυβος εἴη, πρῶτον μεμαθηκὼς ἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ. 5. Εἰ δέ τις νουθετούμενος αὐθαδῶς ἀποκριθῇ, τὸ ἕν ποιήσαντες οὗ ἐπὲ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ τὸν τοιοῦτον μετὰ ἴσης βουλῆς, ὃ ἂν ἢ ἄξιον, διχασάτωσαν, ἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσι, μήποτε ἑνὸς πρόσωπον λάβωσι, καὶ ἐπὶ πλεῖον νεμηθῇ ὡς γάγγραινα, καὶ αἰχμαλωτισθῶσι οἵ πάντες.

### English translation (Claude)

All objected: 'Not two, but three; for there are twenty-four elders, twelve on the right and twelve on the left.' John said: 'You have reminded us well, brothers. For those on the right receive the bowls from the archangels and present them to the Master; and those on the left are over the multitude of the angels. The presbyters, then, must be already advanced in years in the world, in some way abstaining from intercourse with women, generous toward the brotherhood, not showing partiality, fellow-initiates and fellow-defenders of the bishop, gathering the congregation together, eager for the shepherd. The presbyters on the right shall care for the bishops at the altar, so that they may give and receive honour in whatever is needed. The presbyters on the left shall care for the congregation, so that it may be orderly and undisturbed, having first learned in all submission. And if anyone, when admonished, answers insolently, those at the altar, acting together with one counsel, shall separate such a one as he deserves, so that the rest too may have fear, lest they show partiality to one, and the evil spread further like gangrene, and all be taken captive.'

### Scripture references

- Rev 4:4: allusion, high confidence
- Rev 5:8: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Tim 2:17: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 5:21: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Allusions: Rev 4:4; 5:8; 2 Tim 2:17. 'Advanced in years in the world' renders κεχρονικότας ἐπὶ τῷ κόσμῳ; 'in some way abstaining from intercourse with women' (τρόπῳ τινὶ ἀπεχομένους τῆς πρὸς γυναῖκας συνελεύσεως) is the document's requirement, translated as written. 'Shall separate' renders διχασάτωσαν (probably exclusion from communion; uncertain).

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 18 (Funk, 60–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-18).

## Apostolic Church Order 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-19
- Source: Funk, 64–66
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The qualifications of a reader, who does the work of an evangelist.

### Greek text

Ἰάκωβος εἶπεν" ᾿Αναγνώστης καθιστανέσθω πρῶτον δοχιμῇ δεδοκιμασμένος, μὴ γλωσσοχόπος, μὴ μέθυσος μηδὲ γελωτολόγος, εὔτροπος, εὐπειθής, εὐγνώμων, ἐν ταῖς κυριακαῖς συνόδοις πρῶτος σύνδρομος, εὐήκοος, διηγητικός, εἰδώς, ὅτι εὐαγγελιστοῦ τόπον ἐργάζεται" ὁ γὰρ ἐμπεπλεον ὦτα μὴ, νουῦντος ἔγγραφος λογισθήρετα: παρὰ τῷ θεῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

James said: 'Let a reader be appointed after he has first been tested: not a babbler, not a drunkard nor a jester, of good character, obedient, well-disposed, the first to come to the Lord's-day assemblies, a good listener, able to recount, knowing that he does the work of an evangelist; for he who fills the ears of one who does not understand will be reckoned as written down before God.'

### Scripture references

- 2 Tim 4:5: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- 'Reader' renders ἀναγνώστης. 'Lord's-day assemblies' renders κυριακαῖς συνόδοις. The last clause is garbled in the OCR and is translated by sense.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 19 (Funk, 64–66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-19).

## Apostolic Church Order 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-20
- Source: Funk, 66
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Three deacons are to be appointed: tested, married once, temperate, generous, and diligent in caring for and correcting the congregation.

### Greek text

Ματθαῖος εἶπεν" Διάκονοι καθιστάσθωσαν [τρεῖς] γέγραπται· Ἐπὶ τριῶν σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα κυρίου. 2. Ἔστωσαν δεδοκιμασμένοι πάσῃ διακονίᾳ, μεμαρτυρημένος παρὰ τοῦ πλήθους, μονόγαμοι, τεκνοτρόφοι, σώφρονες, ἐπιεικεῖς, ἥσυχοι, μὴ γόγγυσοι, μὴ δέγλωσσοι, μὴ ὀργίλοι, ὀργὴ γὰρ ἀπόλλυσιν ἄνδρα φρόνιμον, μηδὲ οἴνῳ πολλῷ χρώμενοι, εὔσχυλτοι- 8. τῶν κρυφίων ἔργων καλοὶ προτρεπτικοί, ἐπαναγκάζοντες τοὺς ἔχοντας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἁπλοῦν τὰς χεῖρας, καὶ αὐτοὶ εὐμετάδοτοι, κοινωνικοί, πάσῃ τιμῇ καὶ ἐντροπῇ καὶ φόβῳ τιμώμενοι ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους, ἐπιμελῶς προσέχοντες τοῖς ἀτάκτως περιπατοῦσιν, οὖς μὲν νουθετοῦντες, οὖς δὲ παρακαλοῦντες, οὖς δὲ ἐπιτιμῶντες- τοὺς δὲ καταφρονοῦντας τελέως παραπεμπόμενοι, εἰδότες, ὅτι οἱ ἀντίλογοι καὶ καταφρονηταὶ καὶ λοίδοροι Χριστῷ ἀντετάξαντο.

### English translation (Claude)

Matthew said: 'Let [three] deacons be appointed; it is written: By three every word of the Lord shall be established. Let them be tested in every service, well attested by the congregation, married once, rearing their children, temperate, gentle, quiet, not grumblers, not double-tongued, not prone to anger (for anger destroys a prudent man), not given to much wine, not easily provoked; good encouragers of hidden works, urging those of the brothers who have means to open their hands, and generous themselves, ready to share, honoured by the congregation with all honour, respect and fear; watching carefully over those who walk disorderly, admonishing some, exhorting others, rebuking others, but leaving altogether alone those who despise them, knowing that the contradictors, despisers and revilers have set themselves against Christ.'

### Scripture references

- Deut 19:15: quotation, medium confidence
- Matt 18:16: quotation, medium confidence
- 1 Tim 3:8: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 3:12: allusion, high confidence
- Prov 15:1: quotation, medium confidence
- 2 Thess 3:6: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Thess 5:14: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- '[Three]' is in square brackets in the edition; it is translated, since the following quotation assumes it. Quotations and allusions: Deut 19:15 / Matt 18:16 (the document has 'every word of the Lord'); 1 Tim 3:8–12; Prov 15:1 LXX ('anger destroys even the prudent'); 2 Thess 3:6, 11; 1 Thess 5:14. 'Married once' renders μονόγαμοι.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 20 (Funk, 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-20).

## Apostolic Church Order 21

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-21
- Source: Funk, 66–68
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Three widows are to be appointed: two for prayer and revelations, one to serve sick women and report their needs to the presbyters.

### Greek text

Κηφᾶς εἶπεν. Χῆραι καθιστανέσθωσαν τρεῖς" αἱ δύο προσμένουσαι τῇ προσευχῇ περὶ πάντων τῶν ἐν πείρᾳ καὶ πρὸς τὰς ἀποκαλύψεις περὶ οὗ ἂν δέῃ" 2. μία δὲ παρεδρεύουσα ταῖς ἐν ταῖς νόσοις πειραζομέναις, εὐδιάκονος, νηπτική, τὰ δέοντα ἀπαγγέλλουσα τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις, μὴ αἰσχροχερδῆς, μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχουσα, ἵνα δύνηται νήφειν πρὸς τὰς νυκτερινὰς ὑπηρεσίας, καὶ εἴ τις ἑτέρα βούλοιτο ἐργαγαθεῖν' καὶ γὰρ ταῦτα πρῶτα κυρίου θησαυρίσματά εἶσιν ἀγαθά.

### English translation (Claude)

Cephas said: 'Let three widows be appointed: two to persevere in prayer for all who are in trial, and for revelations about whatever may be needed; and one to attend the women who are tried by sicknesses, ready to serve, sober, reporting what is needed to the presbyters, not greedy for gain, not given to much wine, so that she may be able to keep sober for the night services, and for any other good work she may wish to do; for these are the first good treasures of the Lord.'

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 5:5: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 5:10: allusion, medium confidence
- Titus 2:3: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- 'Widows' renders χῆραι, an order of the church. Allusions: 1 Tim 5:5, 9–10; Titus 2:3.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 21 (Funk, 66–68; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-21).

## Apostolic Church Order 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-22
- Source: Funk, 68
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The deacons' work: to seek out the needy day and night without partiality, see that they are not passed over, and urge the able to give.

### Greek text

᾿Ανδρέας εἴπεν' Διάκονοι ἐργάται τῶν καλῶν ἔργων νυχθήμερον ἐπελεύσονται πανταχοῦ, μῆτε πένητα ὑπεροπτεύοντες μῆτε πλούσιον προσωποληπτοῦντες, ἐπιγνώσονται τὸν θλιβόμενον, καὶ ἐκ τῆς λογίας οὐ παραπέμψονται - 2. ἐπαναγκάσουσι τοὺς δυναμένους ἀποθησαυρίζειν εἰς ἔργα ἀγαθά, προορῶντας τοὺς λόγους τοῦ διδασκάλου ἡμῶν" Εἴδετέ με πεινῶντα καὶ οὐχ ἐθρέψατέ με" οἵ γὰρ καλῶς διακονήσαντες καὶ ἀμέμπτως τόπον ἑαυτοῖς προσποιοῦνται τὸν ποιμενικόν.

### English translation (Claude)

Andrew said: 'The deacons, workers of good works, shall go about everywhere night and day, neither despising the poor nor showing partiality to the rich; they shall recognize the one in distress and shall not pass him over in the collection; they shall urge those who are able to lay up treasure for good works, keeping in view the words of our Teacher: You saw me hungry and did not feed me. For those who have served well and blamelessly gain for themselves the place of a shepherd.'

### Scripture references

- Matt 25:42: quotation, high confidence
- 1 Tim 3:13: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 6:18: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Quotations and allusions: Matt 25:42; 1 Tim 3:13 ('those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing'). 'The place of a shepherd' (τόπον τὸν ποιμενικόν) may mean promotion to the office of bishop.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 22 (Funk, 68; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-22).

## Apostolic Church Order 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-23
- Source: Funk, 68–70
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Laymen are to keep to their own place and submit to those who serve at the altar, each in his calling, as the angels keep to theirs.

### Greek text

Φίλιππος εἶπεν. Ὃ λαϊκὸς τοῖς λαϊκοῖς πράγμασι περιπειθέσθω ὑποτασσόμενος τοῖς παρεδρεύουσι τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ. ὦ. Ἕκαστος τῷ ἰδίῳ τόπῳ ἀρεσκέτω τῷ θεῷ, μὴ φιλεχθροῦντες ἀλλήλοις περὶ τῶν τεταγμένων, ἕκαστος ἐν ᾧ ἐκλήθη παρὰ τῷ θεῷ. 8. Ὁ ἕτερος τοῦ ἑτέρου τὸν δρόμον μὴ παρατεμνέσθω" οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ ἄγγελοι παρὰ τὸ διατεταγμένον αὐτοῖς οὐδὲν ἕτερον ἐξελίσσουσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

Philip said: 'Let the layman be content with the things of laymen, submitting to those who attend at the altar. Let each please God in his own place, not quarrelling with one another about the appointed orders, each in that to which he was called by God. Let no one cut across another's course; for not even the angels carry out anything other than what has been appointed to them.'

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 7:20: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 7:24: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- 1 Clem. 40.5 (1 Clement): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- 'Layman' renders λαϊκός (cf. 1 Clem. 40.5). Allusion: 1 Cor 7:20, 24.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 23 (Funk, 68–70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-23).

## Apostolic Church Order 24

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-24
- Source: Funk, 70
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Andrew proposes establishing a ministry for women.

### Greek text

᾿Ανδρέας εἶπεν" Ἐὔχρηστόν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί, ταῖς γυναιξὶ διακονίαν καταστῆσαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Andrew said: 'It would be useful, brothers, to establish a ministry for women.'

### Translation notes

- 'A ministry' renders διακονία. The discussion that follows (chapters 25–28) is the document's own; translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 24 (Funk, 70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-24).

## Apostolic Church Order 25

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-25
- Source: Funk, 70
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Peter turns the discussion to the offering of the body and blood.

### Greek text

Πέτρος εἶπεν" ᾿Ἔφθάσαμεν τάξαντες " περὶ δὲ τῆς προσφορᾶς τοῦ σώματος καὶ τοῦ αἵματος ἀκριβῶς μηνύσωμεν.

### English translation (Claude)

Peter said: 'We have already arranged that; but concerning the offering of the body and the blood let us give exact instruction.'

### Translation notes

- 'The offering of the body and the blood' (ἡ προσφορὰ τοῦ σώματος καὶ τοῦ αἵματος) refers to the Eucharist.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 25 (Funk, 70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-25).

## Apostolic Church Order 26

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-26
- Source: Funk, 70
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: John argues from the Last Supper that women did not stand with the apostles at the offering; Martha and Mary respond.

### Greek text

Ἰωάννης εἶπεν: Ἐπελάθεσθε, ἀδελφοί, ὅτε ἤτησεν ὁ διδάσκαλος τὸν ἄρτον καὶ τὸ ποτήριον καὶ ηὐλόγησεν αὐτὰ λέγων" Τοῦτό ἔστι τὸ σῶμά μου καὶ τὸ αἷμα, ὅτι οὐκ ἐπέτρεψε ταύταις συστῆναι ἡμῖν. 2. Μάρθα εἶπεν: Διὰ Μαριάμ, ὅτι εἶδεν αὐτὴν μειδιῶσαν. Μαρία εἶπεν" Οὐκέτι ἐγέλασα" προέλεγε γὰρ ἡμῖν, ὅτε ἐδίδασκεν, ὅτι τὸ ἀσθενὲς διὰ τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ σωθήσεται.

### English translation (Claude)

John said: 'You have forgotten, brothers, that when the Teacher asked for the bread and the cup and blessed them, saying, This is my body and blood, he did not permit these women to stand with us.' Martha said: 'It was because of Mary, because he saw her smiling.' Mary said: 'I did not laugh any more; for he told us beforehand, when he was teaching, that the weak would be saved through the strong.'

### Scripture references

- Matt 26:26: allusion, high confidence
- Matt 26:28: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 11:24: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The account of the Last Supper and the exchange with Martha and Mary are not in the Gospels; they are the document's own. Allusions: Matt 26:26–28; 1 Cor 11:23–25. The passage is translated exactly as written; the document uses it to restrict women's part in the eucharistic offering.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 26 (Funk, 70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-26).

## Apostolic Church Order 27

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-27
- Source: Funk, 70
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Women are to pray seated on the ground, not standing.

### Greek text

Κηφᾶς εἶπεν: ᾿Ἐνίων μέμνησθε δέ, ὅτι ταῖς γυναιξὶ μὴ ὀρθαῖς πρέπει προσεύχεσθαι, ἀλλὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καθεζομέναις.

### English translation (Claude)

Cephas said: 'You remember some things: that it is not fitting for women to pray standing upright, but sitting on the ground.'

### Translation notes

- The meaning of the opening word (ἐνίων, 'some things') is uncertain; translated literally. Translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 27 (Funk, 70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-27).

## Apostolic Church Order 28

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-28
- Source: Funk, 70
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The ministry of women is limited to supporting women in need.

### Greek text

Ἰάκωβος εἶπεν - Πῶς οὖν δυνάμεθα περὶ γυναικῶν διακονίας ὁρίσαι, εἰ μή τι διακονίαν ἵνα ἐπισχύσωσι ταῖς ἐνδεομέναις;

### English translation (Claude)

James said: 'How then can we determine anything about a ministry for women, except a ministry that they may support the women in need?'

### Translation notes

- Translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 28 (Funk, 70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-28).

## Apostolic Church Order 29

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-29
- Source: Funk, 70–72
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Generous sharing lays up treasure in the kingdom.

### Greek text

Φίλιππος εἶπεν - Τοῦτο, ἀδελφοί, περὶ τῆς μεταδόσεως. Ὃ ποιῶν ἔργον ἑαυτῷ θησαυρὸν καλὸν περιποιεῖται" ὁ γὰρ θησαυρίζων ἐν τῷ βασιλείᾳ ἔγγραφος ἐργάτης λογισθήσεται παρὰ τῷ θεῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

Philip said: 'This, brothers, concerning sharing: he who does a good work gains a good treasure for himself; for he who lays up treasure in the kingdom will be reckoned a worker written down before God.'

### Scripture references

- Matt 6:20: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Tim 6:19: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Allusions: Matt 6:20; 1 Tim 6:19.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 29 (Funk, 70–72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-29).

## Apostolic Church Order 30

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-30
- Source: Funk, 72
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Closing exhortation to keep the commandments without adding or taking away; doxology.

### Greek text

Πέτρος εἶπεν" Ταῦτα, ἀδελφοί, οὐχ ὡς ἐξουσίαν τινὸς ἔχοντες πρὸς ἀνάγκην, ἀλλ᾽ ἐπιταγὴν ἔχοντες παρὰ κυρίου ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς φυλάξαι τὰς ἐντολάς, μηδὲν ἀφαιροῦντας ἢ προστιθέντας, ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι κυρίου ἡμῶν, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Αμήν.

### English translation (Claude)

Peter said: 'These things, brothers, we ask of you, not as having authority over anyone to compel, but having a command from the Lord: keep the commandments, taking nothing away and adding nothing, in the name of our Lord, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.'

### Scripture references

- Deut 4:2: allusion, high confidence
- Rev 22:18: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Cor 1:24: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Allusions: Deut 4:2; Rev 22:18–19; 2 Cor 1:24.

### Citation (SBL)

Ap. Ch. Ord. 30 (Funk, 72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/apostolic-church-order/0/#p-30).