Apostolic Constitutions 2.58.1–3.10.3

Anonymous · Apostolic Constitutions · ca. 380 · Antioch (probably) · 74 passages

Pseudonymous: Presented as the teaching of the apostles, handed down by Clement of Rome; the compiler is anonymous (often linked with the interpolator of the long recension of Ignatius).

Greek text: Funk 1905.English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0).

Apostolic 2, chapter 58

2.58.1Funk 1:167

Εἰ δέ τις ἀπὸ παροικίας ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἀδελφὴ ἐπέλθοι σύστασιν ἐπικομιζόμενοι, ὃ διάκονος ἐπικρινέτω τὰ κατ᾽ αὐτούς, ἀνακρίνων, εἰ πιστοί, εἰ ἐκκλησιαστικοί, εἰ μὴ ἀπὸ αἱρέσεώς εἶσι μεμολυσμένοι, καὶ πάλιν εἰ ὕπανδρος ἢ χήρα᾽ καὶ οὕτω γνοὺς τὰ κατ᾽ αὐτοὺς, ὡς εἰσὶν ἀληθῶς πιστοὶ καὶ ὁμογνώμονες ἐν τοῖς κυριακοῖς, ἀπαγέτω ἕκαστον εἰς τὸν προσήκοντα αὐτῷ τόπον.

Ei de tis apo paroikias adelphos ē adelphē epelthoi systasin epikomizomenoi, ho diakonos epikrinetō ta kat᾽ autous, anakrinōn, ei pistoi, ei ekklēsiastikoi, ei mē apo haireseōs eisi memolysmenoi, kai palin ei hypandros ē chēra᾽ kai houtō gnous ta kat᾽ autous, hōs eisin alēthōs pistoi kai homognōmones en tois kyriakois, apagetō hekaston eis ton prosēkonta autǭ topon.

If a brother or sister comes from another district bringing a letter of commendation, let the deacon examine their case, inquiring whether they are faithful, whether they belong to the church, whether they are not defiled by heresy, and further whether the woman is married or a widow; and having thus learned about them that they are truly faithful and of one mind in the things of the Lord, let him lead each to the place proper to him.

Notes and citation

Summary: Visitors with letters of commendation are examined by the deacon and given their place.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Ei δέ → Εἰ δέ; ἐπιχρινέτω → ἐπικρινέτω; ἀναχρίνων → ἀνακρίνων; τὲ κατ᾽ αὐτοὺς → τὰ κατ᾽ αὐτοὺς; κυριᾳαχοῖς → κυριακοῖς.

Topics: Church office, Heresy

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.58.1 (Funk 1:167; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-58-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Funk, Didascalia et Constitutiones Apostolorum (1905; OCR made for this site, slips corrected as logged corrections) and compared afterwards with ANF 7.

2.58.2Funk 1:167–169

εἰ δὲ καὶ πρεσβύτερος ἀπὸ παροικίας ἐπέλθοι, προσδεχέσθω ὑπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων κοινωνικῶς" εἰ δὲ διάκονος, ὑπὸ τῶν διακόνων· εἰ δὲ καὶ ἐπίσκοπος, σὺν τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καθεζέσθω τῆς αὐτῆς ἀξιούμενος ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τιμῆς.

ei de kai presbyteros apo paroikias epelthoi, prosdechesthō hypo tōn presbyterōn koinōnikōs" ei de diakonos, hypo tōn diakonōn; ei de kai episkopos, syn tǭ episkopǭ kathezesthō tēs autēs axioumenos hypʼ autou timēs.

And if a presbyter comes from another district, let him be received into communion by the presbyters; if a deacon, by the deacons; and if a bishop, let him sit with the bishop, being counted worthy by him of the same honour.

Notes and citation

Summary: Visiting clergy are received by their own order; a visiting bishop shares the bishop’s honour.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): εἰ ὁὲ καὶ → εἰ δὲ καὶ; ὑπὸ τᾶν διακόνων εἰ δὲ xoi → ὑπὸ τῶν διακόνων· εἰ δὲ καὶ; ἐπισχόπῳ καθεξέσθω → ἐπισκόπῳ καθεζέσθω.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.58.2 (Funk 1:167–169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-58-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.58.3Funk 1:169

καὶ ἐρωτήσεις αὐτόν, ὦ ἐπίσκοπε, προσλαλῆσαι τῷ λαῷ λόγους διδακτικούς, ἡ γὰρ τῶν ξένων παράκλησις καὶ νουθεσία ὠφελιμωτάτη σφόδρα· ,,Οὐδεὶς“ γὰρ ,,προφήτης“, φησίν, ,,δεκτὸς ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ πατρίδι“. ἐπιτρέψεις δὲ αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν εὐχαριστίαν ἀνοῖσαι" ἐὰν δὲ δι᾽ εὐλάβειαν ὡς σοφὸς τὴν τιμήν σοι τηρῶν μὴ θελήσῃ ἀνενέγκαι, κἂν τὴν εἰς τὸν λαὸν εὐλογίαν αὐτὸν ποιήσασθαι καταναγκάσεις.

kai erōtēseis auton, ō episkope, proslalēsai tǭ laǭ logous didaktikous, hē gar tōn xenōn paraklēsis kai nouthesia ōphelimōtatē sphodra; ,,Oudeis“ gar ,,prophētēs“, phēsin, ,,dektos en tę̄ idią patridi“. epitrepseis de autǭ kai tēn eucharistian anoisai" ean de di᾽ eulabeian hōs sophos tēn timēn soi tērōn mē thelēsę̄ anenenkai, kan tēn eis ton laon eulogian auton poiēsasthai katanankaseis.

And you shall ask him, O bishop, to address words of teaching to the people; for the exhortation and admonition of strangers is very profitable; for “no prophet,” it says, “is acceptable in his own country.” And you shall allow him also to offer the Eucharist; but if out of reverence, as a wise man, keeping the honour for you, he is unwilling to offer it, at least you shall press him to give the blessing to the people.

Luke 4:24 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: A visiting bishop is invited to preach and to offer the Eucharist, or at least to bless the people.

Luke 4:24.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): οὗ ἐπίσκοπε → ὦ ἐπίσκοπε; σφόδραʼ,, Οὐδεὶς“ γὰρ προφήτης", φησίν, »θεκτὸς → σφόδρα· ,,Οὐδεὶς“ γὰρ ,,προφήτης“, φησίν, ,,δεκτὸς; ἐὰν δὲ δὲ εὐλάβειαν → ἐὰν δὲ δι᾽ εὐλάβειαν.

Topics: Church office, Eucharist

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.58.3 (Funk 1:169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-58-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.58.4Funk 1:169

εἰ δὲ ἐν τῷ καθέζεσθαι ἕτερός τις ἐπέλθοι εὐσχήμων καὶ ἔνδοξος ἐν τῷ βίῳ, ἢ ξένος ἢ ἐγχώριος, σὺ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος ὁ προσλαλῶν τὸν περὶ θεοῦ λόγον ἢ ὁ ἀκούων τοῦ ψάλλοντος ἢ τοῦ ἀναγινώσκοντος, μὴ προσωποληπτῶν καταλίπῃς τὴν διακονίαν τοῦ λόγου, ἵνα διατάξῃ αὐτῷ προσεδρίαν, ἀλλὰ μένε ἡσύχιος μὴ διακόπτων σου τὸν λόγον ἢ τὴν ἀκοήν, οἱ δὲ ἀδελφοὶ διὰ τῶν διακόνων παραδεχέσθωσαν αὐτόν.

ei de en tǭ kathezesthai heteros tis epelthoi euschēmōn kai endoxos en tǭ biǭ, ē xenos ē enchōrios, sy ho episkopos ho proslalōn ton peri theou logon ē ho akouōn tou psallontos ē tou anaginōskontos, mē prosōpolēptōn katalipę̄s tēn diakonian tou logou, hina diataxę̄ autǭ prosedrian, alla mene hēsychios mē diakoptōn sou ton logon ē tēn akoēn, hoi de adelphoi dia tōn diakonōn paradechesthōsan auton.

And if, while you are seated, someone else comes in who is of good standing and distinguished in life, whether a stranger or a native, you, O bishop, who are speaking the word about God or listening to the singer or the reader, shall not out of partiality leave the ministry of the word to arrange a seat for him, but stay quiet, not interrupting your speaking or your listening; and let the brothers receive him through the deacons.

Jas 2:1–4 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The bishop must not interrupt the service to honour an important newcomer.

Cf. Jas 2:1–4.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): καθέξεσθαι → καθέζεσθαι; σὺ ὃ ἐπίσχοπος → σὺ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος; τοῖ ψάλλοντος → τοῦ ψάλλοντος.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.58.4 (Funk 1:169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-58-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.58.5Funk 1:169

εἰ δὲ τόπος οὐκ ἔστιν, ὁ διάκονος, τὸν μᾶλλον νεώτερον ἐγείρας μετὰ λόγου, ἀλλὰ μὴ μετ᾽ ὀργῆς, ἐκεῖνον καθισάτω" δίκαιον δὲ τοῦτο καὶ ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ τὸν φιλάδελφον ποιῆσαι" ἐὰν δὲ ἀνανεύῃ, ἐγείρας αὐτὸν ἀναγκαστῶς, ὀπίσω πάντων στῆσον, ἵνα παιδευθῶσιν καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀντιπαραχωρεῖν τοῖς ἐντιμοτέροις.

ei de topos ouk estin, ho diakonos, ton mallon neōteron egeiras meta logou, alla mē met᾽ orgēs, ekeinon kathisatō" dikaion de touto kai aph᾽ heautou ton philadelphon poiēsai" ean de ananeuę̄, egeiras auton anankastōs, opisō pantōn stēson, hina paideuthōsin kai hoi loipoi antiparachōrein tois entimoterois.

And if there is no place, let the deacon raise up one of the younger men, with a word and not with anger, and seat the newcomer there; and it is right that one who loves the brothers should do this of his own accord. But if he refuses, raise him up by force and make him stand behind everyone, so that the rest too may be taught to give way to those more deserving of honour.

Notes and citation

Summary: Younger men must give up their seats to the more honourable.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): dp ἑαυτοῦ → ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ; ὀπίσω xdrτῶν στῆσον → ὀπίσω πάντων στῆσον.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.58.5 (Funk 1:169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-58-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.58.6Funk 1:169–171

εἰ δὲ πτωχὸς ἢ ἐγχώριος ἢ ξένος ἐπέλθοι πρεσβύτης ἢ νέος τὴν ἡλικίαν καὶ τόπος οὐκ ὑπάρχει, καὶ τούτοις τόπον ποιήσει ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ ὃ διάκονος, ἵνα μὴ πρὸς ἄνθρωπον αὐτοῦ γένηται ἡ προσωπόληψις, ἀλλὰ πρὸς θεὸν ἡ διακονία εὐάρεστος. τὸ δ᾽ αὐτὸ ποιείτω καὶ ἡ διάκονος ταῖς ἐπερχομέναις γυναιξὶν πτωχαῖς ἤτοι πλουσίαις.

ei de ptōchos ē enchōrios ē xenos epelthoi presbytēs ē neos tēn hēlikian kai topos ouk hyparchei, kai toutois topon poiēsei ex holēs tēs kardias autou ho diakonos, hina mē pros anthrōpon autou genētai hē prosōpolēpsis, alla pros theon hē diakonia euarestos. to d᾽ auto poieitō kai hē diakonos tais eperchomenais gynaixin ptōchais ētoi plousiais.

And if a poor man comes in, a native or a stranger, old or young, and there is no place, the deacon shall make room for these too with all his heart, so that his regard may not be for persons before men, but his ministry well-pleasing before God. Let the deaconess do the same for the women who come in, poor or rich.

Jas 2:2–3 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Poor visitors must be given a place as readily as the rich.

“Deaconess” renders ἡ διάκονος.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): οὐχ ὑπάρχει → οὐκ ὑπάρχει; καὶ ἣ διάκονος → καὶ ἡ διάκονος; πλουσίαις. . → πλουσίαις..

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.58.6 (Funk 1:169–171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-58-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 2, chapter 59

2.59.1Funk 1:171

διδάσκων δέ, ὦ ἐπίσκοπε, κέλευε καὶ παραίνει τῷ λαῷ εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἐνδελεχίζειν ὄρθρου καὶ ἑσπέρας ἑκάστης ἡμέρας καὶ μὴ ἀπολείπεσθαι τὸ σύνολον, ἀλλὰ συνέρχεσθαι διηνεκῶς, καὶ μήτε τὴν ἐκκλησίαν κολοβοῦν ἑαυτὸν ὑφαιροῦντα καὶ παρὰ μέλος ποιεῖν τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ" οὐ γὰρ μόνον περὶ ἱερέων ἐρρέθη, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἕκαστος τῶν λαϊκῶν περὶ ἑαυτοῦ ἀκουέτω λογιζόμενος, ὅτι εἴρηται ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου" ,,Ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει“.

didaskōn de, ō episkope, keleue kai parainei tǭ laǭ eis tēn ekklēsian endelechizein orthrou kai hesperas hekastēs hēmeras kai mē apoleipesthai to synolon, alla synerchesthai diēnekōs, kai mēte tēn ekklēsian koloboun heauton hyphairounta kai para melos poiein to sōma tou Christou" ou gar monon peri hiereōn errethē, alla kai hekastos tōn laïkōn peri heautou akouetō logizomenos, hoti eirētai hypo tou kyriou" ,,Ho mē ōn met᾽ emou kat᾽ emou estin, kai ho mē synagōn met᾽ emou skorpizei“.

When you teach, O bishop, command and exhort the people to frequent the church morning and evening every day and never to stay away, but to assemble continually, and not to mutilate the church by withdrawing themselves and so leave the body of Christ short of a member. For it was not said of the priests only, but let each of the laity hear it as said of himself, considering that the Lord said: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Matt 12:30 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The bishop must urge the people to attend church morning and evening every day.

Matt 12:30.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἐπίσχοπε → ἐπίσκοπε; ,Ὁ μὴ ὧν → ,,Ὁ μὴ ὢν; ἐστιν“, καὶ ὃ μὴ → ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ μὴ.

Topics: Prayer, Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.59.1 (Funk 1:171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-59-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.59.2Funk 1:171

μὴ οὖν ἑαυτοὺς μέλη ὄντες τοῦ Χριστοῦ σκορπίζετε, μὴ συναθροιζόμενοι" Χριστὸν κεφαλὴν ἔχοντες κατὰ τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν αὐτοῦ συνόντα καὶ κοινωνοῦντα ὑμῖν, μὴ ἀμελεῖτε ἑαυτῶν μηδὲ ἀποστερεῖτε τὸν σωτῆρα τῶν οἰκείων μελῶν μηδὲ διαιρεῖτε τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ μηδὲ σκορπίζετε τὰ μέλη αὐτοῦ μηδὲ προκρίνετε τοῦ θείου λόγου τὰς βιωτικὰς χρείας, ἀλλ᾽ ἑκάστης ἡμέρας συναθροίζεσθε ὄρθρου καὶ ἑσπέρας ψάλλοντες καὶ προσευχόμενοι ἐν τοῖς κυριακοῖς, ὄρθρου μὲν λέγοντες ψαλμὸν τὸν ξβ΄, ἑσπέρας δὲ τὸν ρμ΄.

mē oun heautous melē ontes tou Christou skorpizete, mē synathroizomenoi" Christon kephalēn echontes kata tēn epangelian autou synonta kai koinōnounta hymin, mē ameleite heautōn mēde apostereite ton sōtēra tōn oikeiōn melōn mēde diaireite to sōma autou mēde skorpizete ta melē autou mēde prokrinete tou theiou logou tas biōtikas chreias, all᾽ hekastēs hēmeras synathroizesthe orthrou kai hesperas psallontes kai proseuchomenoi en tois kyriakois, orthrou men legontes psalmon ton xb΄, hesperas de ton rm΄.

Do not, then, being members of Christ, scatter yourselves by not assembling. Having Christ as your head, who according to his promise is present with you and shares with you, do not neglect yourselves, nor deprive the Saviour of his own members, nor divide his body, nor scatter his members, nor put the needs of this life before the divine word; but assemble every day, morning and evening, singing psalms and praying in the Lord’s houses, saying in the morning the sixty-second psalm and in the evening the hundred and fortieth.

Ps 63:1 (62:1 LXX) (allusion, high confidence) · Ps 141:1 (140:1 LXX) (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 18:20 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Believers must gather daily for morning and evening prayer, with Psalm 63 and Psalm 141.

The psalm numbers are those of the LXX: Ps 62 = Ps 63, Ps 140 = Ps 141. The second numeral is garbled in the digital text (“Qu”) and is read as 140. Cf. Matt 18:20; 28:20.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR garble of the numeral 140 (by sense); OCR slip): xowoγνοῦντα → κοινωνοῦντα; προκχρίνετε → προκρίνετε; ἂν τοῖς κυριακοῖς → ἐν τοῖς κυριακοῖς; τὸν Qu. → τὸν ρμ΄..

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.59.2 (Funk 1:171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-59-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.59.3Funk 1:171–173

μάλιστα δὲ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου καὶ ἐν τῇ τοῦ κυρίου ἀναστασίμῳ τῇ κυριακῇ, σπουδαιοτέρως ἀπαντᾶτε, αἶνον ἀναπέμποντες τῷ θεῷ τῷ ποιήσαντι τὰ ὅλα διὰ Ἰησοῦ καὶ αὐτὸν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐξαποστείλαντι καὶ συγχωρήσαντι παθεῖν καὶ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστήσαντι.

malista de en tę̄ hēmerą tou sabbatou kai en tę̄ tou kyriou anastasimǭ tę̄ kyriakę̄, spoudaioterōs apantate, ainon anapempontes tǭ theǭ tǭ poiēsanti ta hola dia Iēsou kai auton eis hēmas exaposteilanti kai synchōrēsanti pathein kai ek nekrōn anastēsanti.

And especially on the sabbath day, and on the day of the Lord’s resurrection, the Lord’s day, meet more diligently, sending up praise to God who made all things through Jesus and sent him to us and allowed him to suffer and raised him from the dead.

Notes and citation

Summary: Attendance is especially required on the sabbath and on Sunday, the day of the resurrection.

OCR garbage (stray marks from the printed page) is removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed): ἐν - € , - - - , 2 - τῇ → ἐν τῇ; θεῷ - , 4 € 42 - ^ B ' 2 € - 2 ? τῷ → θεῷ τῷ; ὁλα → ὅλα; sig ἡμᾶς → εἰς ἡμᾶς; νεχρῶν → νεκρῶν.

Topics: Prayer, Christology

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.59.3 (Funk 1:171–173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-59-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.59.4Funk 1:173

ἐπεὶ τί ἀπολογήσεται τῷ θεῷ ὃ μὴ συνερχόμενος ἐν τῇδε τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἀκούειν τοῦ σωτηρίου περὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως λόγου; ἐν ᾗ καὶ τρεῖς εὐχὰς ἑστῶτες ἐπιτελοῦμεν μνήμης χάριν τοῦ διὰ τριῶν ἀναστάντος ἡμερῶν, ἐν ᾗ Προφητῶν ἀνάγνωσις καὶ Εὐαγγελίου κηρυκεία καὶ θυσίας ἀναφορὰ καὶ τροφῆς ἱερᾶς δωρεά.

epei ti apologēsetai tǭ theǭ ho mē synerchomenos en tę̄de tę̄ hēmerą akouein tou sōtēriou peri tēs anastaseōs logou? en hę̄ kai treis euchas hestōtes epiteloumen mnēmēs charin tou dia triōn anastantos hēmerōn, en hę̄ Prophētōn anagnōsis kai Euangeliou kērykeia kai thysias anaphora kai trophēs hieras dōrea.

Otherwise what defence will he make to God who does not assemble on this day to hear the saving word about the resurrection — the day on which we also offer three prayers standing, in memory of him who rose after three days; on which there is the reading of the Prophets, the proclaiming of the Gospel, the offering of the sacrifice and the gift of the holy food?

Notes and citation

Summary: Sunday is the day of prayers, readings, the Gospel and the Eucharist, which no one should miss.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed; OCR slip): ἐπεὶ », 2 , - - - - tí ἀπολογήσεται → ἐπεὶ τί ἀπολογήσεται; iv τῇδε → ἐν τῇδε; ἐν 1) καὶ τρεῖς → ἐν ᾗ καὶ τρεῖς; ἐν ἡ Προφητῶν → ἐν ᾗ Προφητῶν; κηρυκχία → κηρυκεία.

Topics: Prayer, Eucharist

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.59.4 (Funk 1:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-59-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 2, chapter 60

2.60.1Funk 1:173

Πῶς δὲ οὐ πολέμιος θεοῦ ὃ περὶ τὰ πρόσκαιρα μὲν νύκτα καὶ μεθ᾽ ἡμέραν σπουδάζων, τῶν δὲ αἰωνίων ἀμελῶν; καὶ λουτρῶν μὲν καὶ προσκαίρου τροφῆς ἑκάστης μεταποιούμενος, τῶν δὲ ἀεὶ παραμόνων οὐκ ἐπιστρεφόμενος; πῶς δὲ οὐχὶ καὶ νῦν ἐρεῖ τῷ τοιούτῳ ὃ κύριος", ,,Ἐδικαιώθη τὰ ἔθνη ὑπὲρ ὑμᾶς“, ὥσπερ καὶ τὴν Ἱερουσαλὴμ ὀνειδίζων ἔλεγεν· ,,Ἐδικαιώθη Σόδομα ἐκ σοῦ“;

Pōs de ou polemios theou ho peri ta proskaira men nykta kai meth᾽ hēmeran spoudazōn, tōn de aiōniōn amelōn? kai loutrōn men kai proskairou trophēs hekastēs metapoioumenos, tōn de aei paramonōn ouk epistrephomenos? pōs de ouchi kai nyn erei tǭ toioutǭ ho kyrios", ,,Edikaiōthē ta ethnē hyper hymas“, hōsper kai tēn Hierousalēm oneidizōn elegen; ,,Edikaiōthē Sodoma ek sou“?

And how is he not an enemy of God, who is zealous night and day for temporary things but neglects the eternal; who busies himself every day with baths and temporary food, but pays no attention to what endures forever? How will the Lord not say to such a one even now, “The Gentiles have been justified rather than you,” as he said in reproach of Jerusalem, “Sodom has been justified rather than you”?

Ezek 16:52 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Those who care for bodily things but neglect the church are worse than the Gentiles.

The first saying is not in this form in the Old Testament; the second is Ezek 16:52 (LXX). OCR garbage inside the second quotation is removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed; OCR slip): Πῶς ὁὲ → Πῶς δὲ; νύχτα → νύκτα; Εδικαιώθη và ἔθνη ὑπὲρ υμᾶς → ,,Ἐδικαιώθη τὰ ἔθνη ὑπὲρ ὑμᾶς; ἔλεγενʼ, ᾿Εδικαιώθη → ἔλεγεν· ,,Ἐδικαιώθη; ix “(( 2 * HEU 2 e 2 - »€ H 2 5, σοῦ“ → ἐκ σοῦ“.

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.1 (Funk 1:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.60.2Funk 1:173

εἰ γὰρ τὰ ἔθνη ἐξ ὕπνου αὐτῶν καθʼ ἡμέραν ἀναστάντα τρέχει ἐπὶ τὰ εἴδωλα τοῦ λατρεύειν αὐτοῖς, καὶ πρὸ παντὸς ἔργου καὶ πάσης πράξεως πρῶτον αὐτοῖς προσεύχονται, καὶ ἐν ταῖς ἑορταῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς πανηγύρεσιν αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφυστεροῦσιν, ἀλλὰ σχολάζουσιν, οὐχ οἱ τοπικοὶ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ πόρρωθεν οἰκοῦντες, καὶ ἐν τοῖς θεάτροις αὐτῶν ὡς ἐν συναγωγῇ πάντες συνέρχονται·

ei gar ta ethnē ex hypnou autōn kathʼ hēmeran anastanta trechei epi ta eidōla tou latreuein autois, kai pro pantos ergou kai pasēs praxeōs prōton autois proseuchontai, kai en tais heortais kai en tais panēgyresin autōn ouk aphysterousin, alla scholazousin, ouch hoi topikoi monon, alla kai hoi porrōthen oikountes, kai en tois theatrois autōn hōs en synagōgę̄ pantes synerchontai;

For if the Gentiles, rising daily from their sleep, run to the idols to worship them, and pray to them first before every work and every action, and do not fall behind at their feasts and festivals but devote themselves to them — not only those of the place but also those who live far off — and all come together in their theatres as in a synagogue;

Notes and citation

Summary: Pagans are zealous in worshipping their idols and attending their festivals.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed): εἶ γὰρ → εἰ γὰρ; ἐξ vnvov → ἐξ ὕπνου; ἀλλὰ , 2 € ^ , 3 Ἁ M [4 , 2 σχολάζουσιν → ἀλλὰ σχολάζουσιν; οιχοῦντες → οἰκοῦντες; πάντες L ^ , - 2 συνέρχονται" → πάντες συνέρχονται·.

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.2 (Funk 1:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.60.3Funk 1:173–175

ὁμοίως καὶ οἱ μάτην λεγόμενοι Ἰουδαῖοι καθʼ $6 ἡμέρας ἀργοῦντες τῇ ἑβδόμῃ ἡμέρᾳ συνίασιν εἰς τὴν συναγωγὴν αὐτῶν, οὐδέποτε παραφίοντες ἢ παραμελοῦντες οὔτε τῆς ἀργίας αὐτῶν οὔτε τῆς συναγωγῆς αὐτῶν, οἱ τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ λόγου ἐν τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ αὐτῶν κενωθέντες, προσέτι δὴ καὶ οὗ ὀνόματος ἑαυτοὺς καλοῦσιν Ἰούδα᾽ ᾿Ιούδας γὰρ ἐξομολόγησις ἑρμηνεύεται, οὗτοι δὲ οὐκ εἰσὶν ἐξομολογούμενοι θεῷ τὸ πάθημα τοῦ Χριστοῦ παρανόμως πεποιηκότες, ἵνα καὶ μεταγνόντες σωθῶσιν.

homoiōs kai hoi matēn legomenoi Ioudaioi kathʼ $6 hēmeras argountes tę̄ hebdomę̄ hēmerą syniasin eis tēn synagōgēn autōn, oudepote paraphiontes ē paramelountes oute tēs argias autōn oute tēs synagōgēs autōn, hoi tēs dynameōs tou logou en tę̄ apistią autōn kenōthentes, proseti dē kai hou onomatos heautous kalousin Iouda᾽ ᾿Ioudas gar exomologēsis hermēneuetai, houtoi de ouk eisin exomologoumenoi theǭ to pathēma tou Christou paranomōs pepoiēkotes, hina kai metagnontes sōthōsin.

likewise those who are vainly called Jews, after six days, resting on the seventh day, assemble in their synagogue, never missing or neglecting either their rest or their synagogue — they who in their unbelief have been emptied of the power of the word, and even of the name by which they call themselves, Judah. For Judah means “confession,” but these do not confess to God, though they lawlessly brought about the suffering of Christ, so as to repent and be saved —

Gen 29:35 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Even the Jews faithfully keep the sabbath assembly, though the author says they have lost the meaning of their name.

The words before “on the seventh day” are garbled in the digital text; “after six days” is by sense. The polemic against the Jews is the author’s; translated as written. Judah = “confession” (Gen 29:35).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): οὐ ὀνόματος → οὗ ὀνόματος; Χριστοῖ → Χριστοῦ.

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.3 (Funk 1:173–175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.60.4Funk 1:175

εἰ οὖν οἱ μὴ σωζόμενοι ἐν οἷς οὐκ ὠφελοῦνται πυκνάζουσιν, σὺ τί ἂν ἀπολογήσῃ κυρίῳ τῷ θεῷ ὁ τῆς ἐκκλησίας αὐτοῦ ἀποστρεφόμενος καὶ μηδὲ τὰ ἔθνη μιμούμενος, ἀλλὰ διὰ τοῦ ἀπολείπεσθαι ῥαθυμῶν ἢ ἀποστατῶν ἢ κακοποιῶν;

ei oun hoi mē sōzomenoi en hois ouk ōphelountai pyknazousin, sy ti an apologēsę̄ kyriǭ tǭ theǭ ho tēs ekklēsias autou apostrephomenos kai mēde ta ethnē mimoumenos, alla dia tou apoleipesthai rhathymōn ē apostatōn ē kakopoiōn?

if, then, those who are not being saved frequent the things that do them no good, what defence will you make to the Lord God, you who turn away from his church, not even imitating the Gentiles, but by staying away grow slack, or fall away, or do evil?

Notes and citation

Summary: Christians who neglect church have no excuse when pagans and Jews are so diligent.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): πυκχνάζουσιν → πυκνάζουσιν; ὃ τῆς ἐκκλησίας → ὁ τῆς ἐκκλησίας.

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.4 (Funk 1:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.60.5Funk 1:175

οἷς λέγει ὁ κύριος διὰ τοῦ Ἱερεμίου: ,,Τὰ δικαιώματά μου οὐκ ἐφυλάξατε, ἀλλ οὐδὲ κατὰ τὰ s τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐπορεύθητε, παρ᾽ ὀλίγον καὶ ὑπερβάλλετε αὐτούς“, καὶ πάλιν· ,,Ἐδικαίωσεν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ᾿Ισραὴλ ἀπὸ τῆς ἀσυνθέτου Ἰούδα“, καὶ ἑξῆς. ,,Εἰ ἀλλάξονται ἔθνη θεοὺς αὐτῶν, καὶ οὗτοι οὐκ εἰσὶν θεοίʼ ὅτι διέλθετε νήσους Χετιεὶμ καὶ ἴδετε, καὶ εἰς Κηδὰρ ἀποστείλατε καὶ νοήσατε σφόδρα, εἰ γέγονεν τοιαῦτα· ὅτι ἐκεῖνα μὲν οὐκ ἀμείβουσιν τὰ ἑαυτῶν νόμιμα, ὁ δὲ λαός μου“, φησίν, ,,ἠλλάξατο τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, ἐξ ἧς οὐκ ὠφεληθήσεται“. πῶς οὖν ἀπολογήσεταί τις ὀλιγωρήσας ἢ ἐκστὰς τῆς ἐκκλησίας τοῦ θεοῦ;

hois legei ho kyrios dia tou Hieremiou: ,,Ta dikaiōmata mou ouk ephylaxate, all oude kata ta s tōn ethnōn eporeuthēte, par᾽ oligon kai hyperballete autous“, kai palin; ,,Edikaiōsen tēn psychēn autou ᾿Israēl apo tēs asynthetou Iouda“, kai hexēs. ,,Ei allaxontai ethnē theous autōn, kai houtoi ouk eisin theoiʼ hoti dielthete nēsous Chetieim kai idete, kai eis Kēdar aposteilate kai noēsate sphodra, ei gegonen toiauta; hoti ekeina men ouk ameibousin ta heautōn nomima, ho de laos mou“, phēsin, ,,ēllaxato tēn doxan autou, ex hēs ouk ōphelēthēsetai“. pōs oun apologēsetai tis oligōrēsas ē ekstas tēs ekklēsias tou theou?

To such the Lord says through Jeremiah: “You have not kept my ordinances, nor even walked according to the ordinances of the nations; you have all but surpassed them”; and again: “Israel has justified his soul more than faithless Judah”; and next: “Will nations change their gods? — and these are not gods. For cross over to the isles of Kittim and see, and send to Kedar and consider well whether such things have happened; for they do not change their ordinances; but my people,” he says, “has changed its glory for that from which it will have no profit.” How, then, will anyone make his defence who has neglected the church of God or stayed away from it?

Ezek 5:7 (quotation, high confidence) · Jer 3:11 (quotation, high confidence) · Jer 2:10–11 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The prophets reproach God’s people for being less faithful than the nations to their gods.

The first quotation is Ezek 5:7 (attributed to Jeremiah); then Jer 3:11; Jer 2:10–11. A word in the first quotation (“ordinances of the nations”) is garbled in the digital text.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): »Τὰ δικαιώματά μου οὐχ ἐφυλάξατε → ,,Τὰ δικαιώματά μου οὐκ ἐφυλάξατε; πάλιν", ᾿Ἐδικαίωσεν → πάλιν· ,,Ἐδικαίωσεν; εἰ γέγονεν τοιαῦτα" at ἐχεῖνα uiv οὐκ ἀμείβουσιν τὰ ξαυτῶν »όμιμα → εἰ γέγονεν τοιαῦτα· ὅτι ἐκεῖνα μὲν οὐκ ἀμείβουσιν τὰ ἑαυτῶν νόμιμα; ὃ δὲ λαός μου“ → ὁ δὲ λαός μου“; ο,ἤλλάξατο → ,,ἠλλάξατο; οὀφεληθήσεται → ὠφεληθήσεται.

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.5 (Funk 1:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.60.6Funk 1:175

εἰ δέ τις τὴν τοῦ ἔργου τοῦ ἰδίου πρόφασιν ἐπιφέρων ὀλιγωρεῖ ,,προφασιζόμενος προφάσεις ἐν ἁμαρτίαις“, γινωσκέτω ὃ τοιοῦτος, ὡς αἱ τέχναι τῶν πιστῶν ἐπέργιά εἰσιν, ἔργον δὲ ἡ θεοσέβεια.

ei de tis tēn tou ergou tou idiou prophasin epipherōn oligōrei ,,prophasizomenos prophaseis en hamartiais“, ginōsketō ho toioutos, hōs hai technai tōn pistōn epergia eisin, ergon de hē theosebeia.

And if anyone neglects it, putting forward the excuse of his own work, “making excuses in sins,” let such a one know that the trades of the faithful are side occupations, but piety is their work.

Ps 141:4 (140:4 LXX) (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Work is no excuse, since piety is the believer’s real work.

Ps 141:4 (LXX 140:4).

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.6 (Funk 1:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.60.7Funk 1:175

τὰς οὖν τέχνας ὑμῶν ὡς ἐν παρέργῳ ποιεῖτε εἰς διατροφὴν ὑμῶν, ἔργῳ δὲ τὴν θεοσέβειαν ἀσκεῖτε, ὡς καὶ ὃ κύριος ἔλεγεν. ,,Ἐργάζεσθε μὴ τὴν βρῶσιν τὴν ἀπολλυμένην, ἀλλὰ τὴν μένουσαν εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον“, καὶ πάλιν· ,,Τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν τὸ ἔργον τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα πιστεύσητε εἰς ὃν ἀπέστειλεν ἐκεῖνος“.

tas oun technas hymōn hōs en parergǭ poieite eis diatrophēn hymōn, ergǭ de tēn theosebeian askeite, hōs kai ho kyrios elegen. ,,Ergazesthe mē tēn brōsin tēn apollymenēn, alla tēn menousan eis zōēn aiōnion“, kai palin; ,,Touto de estin to ergon tou theou, hina pisteusēte eis hon apesteilen ekeinos“.

Practise your trades, then, as a side occupation for your maintenance, but practise piety as your work, as the Lord too said: “Work not for the food that perishes, but for that which endures to eternal life,” and again: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

John 6:27 (quotation, high confidence) · John 6:29 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Trades are for livelihood, but piety is the true work, as Christ taught.

John 6:27, 29.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): , Βργάζεσθε → ,,Ἐργάζεσθε; πάλιν: , Τοῦτο → πάλιν· ,,Τοῦτο.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.60.7 (Funk 1:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-60-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 2, chapter 61

2.61.1Funk 1:175–177

Σπουδάζετε οὖν μηδέποτε τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ καταλιπεῖν" εἰ δέ τις ταύτην ὑπερίδοι, εἰς μιαρὸν δὲ ἐθνῶν εἰσέλθοι ἢ εἰς συναγωγὴν Ἰουδαίων ἢ αἱρετικῶν, ὃ τοιοῦτος τί ἀπολογήσεται τῷ θεῷ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως; λόγια θεοῦ ζῶντος καταλιπὼν ζῶντα καὶ ζωοποιοῦντα καὶ δυνάμενα ῥύσασθαι κολάσεως αἰωνίου, καὶ πορευθεὶς εἰς οἶκον δαιμόνων ἢ εἰς συναγωγὴν χριστοκτόνων ἢ ἐκκλησίαν πονηρευομένων, οὐκ ἀκούσας τοῦ εἰπόντος· ,,Ἐμίσησα ἐκκλησίαν πονηρευομένων, καὶ μετὰ παρανομούντων οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθω· οὐκ ἐκάθισα μετὰ συνεδρίου ματαιότητος, καὶ μετὰ ἀσεβῶν οὐ μὴ καθίσω“, καὶ πάλιν· ,,Μακάριος ἀνήρ, ὃς οὐκ ἐπορεύθη ἐν βουλῇ ἀσεβῶν καὶ ἐν ὁδῷ ἁμαρτωλῶν οὐκ ἔστη καὶ ἐπὶ καθέδρᾳ λοιμῶν οὐκ ἐκάθισεν, ἀλλ᾽ ἢ ἐν τῷ νόμῳ κυρίου τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν τῷ νόμῳ αὐτοῦ μελετήσει ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός“.

Spoudazete oun mēdepote tēn ekklēsian tou theou katalipein" ei de tis tautēn hyperidoi, eis miaron de ethnōn eiselthoi ē eis synagōgēn Ioudaiōn ē hairetikōn, ho toioutos ti apologēsetai tǭ theǭ en hēmerą kriseōs? logia theou zōntos katalipōn zōnta kai zōopoiounta kai dynamena rhysasthai kolaseōs aiōniou, kai poreutheis eis oikon daimonōn ē eis synagōgēn christoktonōn ē ekklēsian ponēreuomenōn, ouk akousas tou eipontos; ,,Emisēsa ekklēsian ponēreuomenōn, kai meta paranomountōn ou mē eiselthō; ouk ekathisa meta synedriou mataiotētos, kai meta asebōn ou mē kathisō“, kai palin; ,,Makarios anēr, hos ouk eporeuthē en boulę̄ asebōn kai en hodǭ hamartōlōn ouk estē kai epi kathedrą loimōn ouk ekathisen, all᾽ ē en tǭ nomǭ kyriou to thelēma autou kai en tǭ nomǭ autou meletēsei hēmeras kai nyktos“.

Be eager, then, never to leave the church of God. But if anyone despises it and goes into a defiled place of the Gentiles, or into a synagogue of Jews or of heretics, what defence will such a one make to God on the day of judgment? He has left the oracles of the living God, which are living and life-giving and able to deliver from eternal punishment, and gone into a house of demons, or into a synagogue of Christ-killers, or an assembly of evildoers, not heeding him who said: “I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and with transgressors I will not go in; I have not sat with the council of vanity, and with the ungodly I will not sit”; and again: “Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the pestilent; but his will is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he will meditate day and night.”

Ps 26:4–5 (25:4-Ps LXX) (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 1:1–2 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Believers must never leave the church for pagan temples, synagogues or heretical assemblies.

Ps 26:5, 4 (LXX 25:5, 4); Ps 1:1–2. The polemical terms (“Christ-killers”) are the author’s; translated as written.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἐχκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ → ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ; dxoλογήσεται → ἀπολογήσεται; οἶχον δαιμόνων → οἶκον δαιμόνων; χριστοχτόνων ἢ ἐχκλησίαν → χριστοκτόνων ἢ ἐκκλησίαν; εἰπόντος, Ἐμίσησα → εἰπόντος· ,,Ἐμίσησα; παραγομούντων → παρανομούντων; εἰσέλθω" ovx ἐκάθισα → εἰσέλθω· οὐκ ἐκάθισα; πάλιν. Μακάριος → πάλιν· ,,Μακάριος; ἁμαρτωλῶν EE ovx ἔστη xal → ἁμαρτωλῶν οὐκ ἔστη καὶ; οὐκ ἐχάθισεν, ἀλλ ἢ → οὐκ ἐκάθισεν, ἀλλ᾽ ἢ; vuxtOc". → νυκτός“..

Topics: Heresy

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.61.1 (Funk 1:175–177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-61-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.61.2Funk 1:177

σὺ δέ, καταλιπὼν τῶν πιστῶν τὸ συνάθροισμα, τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, τοὺς ἐκείνου νόμους, ἐπιβλέπεις ἐπὶ τὰ σπήλαια τῶν λῃστῶν, ἅγια ἡγούμενος, ἃ ἐκεῖνος βέβηλα ἀπεκάλεσεν, καὶ κοινοποιῶν, ἃ ἐκεῖνος ἐχώρισεν· καὶ οὐ τοῦτο μόνον, ἀλλ᾽ ἤδη καὶ πομπαῖς Ἑλλήνων συντρέχεις καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ θέατρα ἐπείγῃ, ἐπιθυμήσας εἷς τῶν εἰσπορευομένων ἐκεῖ λογισθῆναι καὶ μετασχεῖν ἀκροαμάτων ἀπρεπῶν, ἵνα μὴ λέγωμεν· μυσαρῶν, μὴ ἀκούσας τοῦ Ἱερεμίου λέγοντος· ,,Κύριε, οὐκ ἐκάθισα ἐν συνεδρίῳ αὐτῶν παιζόντων, ἀλλ᾽ εὐλαβούμην ἀπὸ προσώπου χειρός σου“, καὶ τοῦ Ἰὼβ φάσκοντος τὰ ὅμοια᾽,, Εἰ δὲ καὶ μετὰ γελοιαστῶν ἐπορεύθην ποτέ" ἵσταμαι γὰρ ἐν ζυγῷ δικαίῳ“.

sy de, katalipōn tōn pistōn to synathroisma, tou theou tēn ekklēsian, tous ekeinou nomous, epiblepeis epi ta spēlaia tōn lę̄stōn, hagia hēgoumenos, ha ekeinos bebēla apekalesen, kai koinopoiōn, ha ekeinos echōrisen; kai ou touto monon, all᾽ ēdē kai pompais Hellēnōn syntrecheis kai epi ta theatra epeigę̄, epithymēsas heis tōn eisporeuomenōn ekei logisthēnai kai metaschein akroamatōn aprepōn, hina mē legōmen; mysarōn, mē akousas tou Hieremiou legontos; ,,Kyrie, ouk ekathisa en synedriǭ autōn paizontōn, all᾽ eulaboumēn apo prosōpou cheiros sou“, kai tou Iōb phaskontos ta homoia᾽,, Ei de kai meta geloiastōn eporeuthēn pote" histamai gar en zygǭ dikaiǭ“.

But you, having left the gathering of the faithful, the church of God, and his laws, look to the dens of robbers, considering holy what he called profane and making common what he set apart. And not only this: you already run along with the processions of the Greeks and hurry to the theatres, wishing to be counted one of those who go in there and to share in unseemly — not to say abominable — entertainments, not heeding Jeremiah when he says, “Lord, I have not sat in their council of revellers, but I feared before your hand,” and Job when he says the like: “If I have ever walked with mockers … for I stand in a just balance.”

Jer 15:17 (quotation, high confidence) · Job 31:5–6 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Christians who attend pagan processions and theatres ignore the example of Jeremiah and Job.

Jer 15:17; Job 31:5–6 (LXX), abbreviated.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): συνἀθροιόσμα → συνάθροισμα; ἐχώρισεν" → ἐχώρισεν·; Βλλήνων → Ἑλλήνων; ἀχροαμάτων → ἀκροαμάτων; λέγωμειʼ → λέγωμεν·; λέγοντος", Κύριε → λέγοντος· ,,Κύριε; ξυγῷ → ζυγῷ.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.61.2 (Funk 1:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-61-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.61.3Funk 1:177

τί δὲ βούλει μετασχεῖν τῶν ἑλληνικῶν λογίων, ὄντων νεκρῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐξ ἐπιπνοίας διαβόλου ἀποφανθέντων νεκροποιὰ καὶ πίστεως ἀνατρεπτικὰ καὶ πρὸς πολυθείαν ἀπάγοντα τοὺς προσανέχοντας αὐτοῖς;

ti de boulei metaschein tōn hellēnikōn logiōn, ontōn nekrōn anthrōpōn ex epipnoias diabolou apophanthentōn nekropoia kai pisteōs anatreptika kai pros polytheian apagonta tous prosanechontas autois?

And why do you wish to share in the Greek writings, which were uttered by dead men under the inspiration of the devil, deadly, subversive of faith, and leading those who attend to them into polytheism?

Notes and citation

Summary: Pagan writings are inspired by the devil and lead to polytheism.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): νεχροποιὰ → νεκροποιὰ.

Topics: Scripture and canon

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.61.3 (Funk 1:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-61-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.61.4Funk 1:177

ὑμεῖς οὖν, σχολάζοντες τοῖς τοῦ θεοῦ νόμοις, καὶ τῶν βιωτικῶν χρειῶν τούτους ἡγεῖσθε τιμιωτέρους, καὶ πλείονα τιμὴν νέμοντες αὐτοῖς συντρέχετε εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ κυρίου, ,,ἣν περιεποιήσατο τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ ἠγαπημένου, τοῦ ,,πρωτοτόκου πάσης κτίσεως“.

hymeis oun, scholazontes tois tou theou nomois, kai tōn biōtikōn chreiōn toutous hēgeisthe timiōterous, kai pleiona timēn nemontes autois syntrechete eis tēn ekklēsian tou kyriou, ,,hēn periepoiēsato tǭ haimati tou Christou tou ēgapēmenou, tou ,,prōtotokou pasēs ktiseōs“.

You, then, devoting yourselves to the laws of God, regard them as more precious than the needs of life, and giving them greater honour, run together to the church of the Lord, “which he acquired with the blood” of Christ, the beloved, “the firstborn of all creation.”

Acts 20:28 (quotation, high confidence) · Col 1:15 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: God’s laws come before worldly needs, and believers should hasten to the church bought by Christ’s blood.

Acts 20:28; Col 1:15.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): βιωτιχῶν → βιωτικῶν; ,}»ν περιεποιήσατο → ,,ἣν περιεποιήσατο; τοῦ (πρωτοτόκου → τοῦ ,,πρωτοτόκου.

Topics: Christology

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.61.4 (Funk 1:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-61-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.61.5Funk 1:177

αὕτη γὰρ θυγάτηρ ἐστὶν τοῦ ὑψίστου ἡ ὠδινήσασα ὑμᾶς διὰ τοῦ λόγου τῆς χάριτος καὶ μορφώσασα ἐν ὑμῖν τὸν Χριστόν, οὗ μέτοχοι γενόμενοι ἱερὰ μέλη ἐστὲ καὶ ἐκλεκτά, ,,μὴ ἔχοντα σπῖλον ἢ ῥυτίδα ἢ τι τῶν τοιούτων, ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἅγιοι καὶ ἄμωμοι“ ἐν πίστει τετελειωμένοι ἐστὲ ἐν αὐτῷ κατ᾽ εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος ὑμᾶς.

hautē gar thygatēr estin tou hypsistou hē ōdinēsasa hymas dia tou logou tēs charitos kai morphōsasa en hymin ton Christon, hou metochoi genomenoi hiera melē este kai eklekta, ,,mē echonta spilon ē rhytida ē ti tōn toioutōn, all᾽ hōs hagioi kai amōmoi“ en pistei teteleiōmenoi este en autǭ kat᾽ eikona tou ktisantos hymas.

For she is the daughter of the Most High, who has been in labour with you through the word of grace and formed Christ in you; sharing in him, you are holy and chosen members, “not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but as holy and blameless,” perfected in faith in him after the image of him who created you.

Gal 4:19 (allusion, high confidence) · Eph 5:27 (quotation, high confidence) · Col 3:10 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The church is the daughter of God who bears believers and forms Christ in them.

Gal 4:19; Eph 5:27; Col 3:10.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ov μέτοχοι → οὗ μέτοχοι; ,μὴ ἔχοντα → ,,μὴ ἔχοντα; εἰχόνα → εἰκόνα.

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.61.5 (Funk 1:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-61-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 2, chapter 62

2.62.1Funk 1:177

Φυλάσσεσθε οὖν τοῦ μὴ συσχολάζειν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις, ὅ ἐστιν συναγωγὴ ἐθνῶν, εἰς ἀπάτην καὶ ἀπώλειαν" οὐδεμία γὰρ κοινωνία θεῷ πρὸς διάβολον" ὃ γὰρ συναθροιζόμενος μετὰ τῶν τὰ τοῦ διαβόλου φρονούντων εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν λογισθήσεται καὶ τὸ οὐαὶ κληρονομήσει.

Phylassesthe oun tou mē syscholazein tois apollymenois, ho estin synagōgē ethnōn, eis apatēn kai apōleian" oudemia gar koinōnia theǭ pros diabolon" ho gar synathroizomenos meta tōn ta tou diabolou phronountōn heis ex autōn logisthēsetai kai to ouai klēronomēsei.

Guard yourselves, then, against spending time with those who are perishing — that is, the assembly of the Gentiles — to your deception and destruction; for God has no fellowship with the devil; for whoever gathers with those who think the things of the devil will be reckoned one of them and inherit the woe.

2 Cor 6:14–15 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Believers must not join pagan gatherings, since God has no fellowship with the devil.

Cf. 2 Cor 6:14–15.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἀπολλυμέvoto, 0 ἐστιν → ἀπολλυμένοις, ὅ ἐστιν.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.62.1 (Funk 1:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-62-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.62.2Funk 1:177–179

φεύγετε δὴ καὶ τὰ ἀπρεπῇ τῶν θεαμάτων, τὰ θέατρά φημι καὶ τὰς ἑλληνικὰς πομπάς, ἐπαοιδάς, κληδόνας, μαντείας, καθαρισμούς, οἰωνισμούς, ὀρνιθοσκοπίας, νεκρομαντείας, ἐπιφωνήσεις, ὅτι γέγραπται ,,Οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν οἰωνισμὸς ἐν Ἰακώβ, οὐδὲ μαντεία ἐν Ἰσραήλ“, καὶ πάλιν" ,,Οἰώνισμα ἁμαρτία ἐστίν“, καὶ ἀλλαχοῦ" ,,Οὐκ οἰωνιεῖσθε, καὶ κληδόσι καὶ μαντείαις καὶ ἐγγαστριμύθοις οὐκ ἐπακολουθήσετε, φαρμακοὺς οὐ περιποιήσετε“. διὸ παραινεῖ καὶ ὁ Ἰερεμίας λέγων· ,,Κατὰ τὰς ὁδοὺς τῶν ἐθνῶν μὴ πορεύεσθε, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν σημείων τοῦ οὐρανοῦ μὴ φοβεῖσθε“.

pheugete dē kai ta aprepę̄ tōn theamatōn, ta theatra phēmi kai tas hellēnikas pompas, epaoidas, klēdonas, manteias, katharismous, oiōnismous, ornithoskopias, nekromanteias, epiphōnēseis, hoti gegraptai ,,Ou gar estin oiōnismos en Iakōb, oude manteia en Israēl“, kai palin" ,,Oiōnisma hamartia estin“, kai allachou" ,,Ouk oiōnieisthe, kai klēdosi kai manteiais kai engastrimythois ouk epakolouthēsete, pharmakous ou peripoiēsete“. dio parainei kai ho Ieremias legōn; ,,Kata tas hodous tōn ethnōn mē poreuesthe, kai apo tōn sēmeiōn tou ouranou mē phobeisthe“.

Flee also the unseemly spectacles — I mean the theatres and the Greek processions — and incantations, omens, divinations, purifications, augury, observation of birds, necromancy, invocations; for it is written: “For there is no augury in Jacob, nor divination in Israel,” and again: “Augury is sin,” and elsewhere: “You shall not practise augury, and you shall not follow omens and divinations and mediums; you shall not keep sorcerers.” Therefore Jeremiah too exhorts, saying: “Do not walk according to the ways of the nations, and do not be afraid of the signs of heaven.”

Num 23:23 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Sam 15:23 (quotation, high confidence) · Lev 19:26 (quotation, high confidence) · Lev 19:31 (quotation, medium confidence) · Exod 22:18 (allusion, medium confidence) · Jer 10:2 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Theatres, processions and all forms of divination and magic are forbidden.

Num 23:23; 1 Sam 15:23; Lev 19:26, 31; Exod 22:18; Jer 10:2.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): οἰωνιαμούς → οἰωνισμούς; γνεκρομαντείας → νεκρομαντείας; ,,Οὐ yàg ἔστιν oloνισμὸς → ,,Οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν οἰωνισμὸς; ἐστί»“ → ἐστίν“; , Ovx οἰωνιεῖσθε → ,,Οὐκ οἰωνιεῖσθε; ὃ ᾿Ιερεμίας A£yowv' , Κατὰ → ὁ Ἰερεμίας λέγων· ,,Κατὰ; φοβεῖσθες“ → φοβεῖσθε“.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.62.2 (Funk 1:177–179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-62-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.62.4Funk 1:179

διόπερ χρὴ τὸν πιστὸν φεύγειν τὰς συνόδους τῶν ἀσεβῶν Ἑλλήνων καὶ Ἰουδαίων καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν αἱρετικῶν, ἵνα μὴ τῷ συσχολάζειν αὐτοῖς παγίδας λάβωμεν ταῖς ἑαυτῶν ψυχαῖς, ὅπως μὴ συναναστρεφόμενοι ταῖς ἑορταῖς αὐτῶν, αἵτινες ἐπὶ τιμῇ τῶν δαιμόνων ἐπιτελοῦνται, κοινωνήσωμεν αὐτοῖς καὶ τῆς ἀσεβείας. 4. φευκτέαι δὲ αὐτῶν καὶ αἱ πανηγύρεις καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐταῖς ἐπιτελούμενα παίγνια᾽ πιστὸν γὰρ ἐν πανηγύρει οὐ χρὴ παραβάλλειν πλεῖον τοῦ σωμάτιον πρίασθαι καὶ ψυχὴν περιποιήσασθαι καὶ ἕτερά τινα συνωνήσασθαι τῶν πρὸς σύστασιν ἁρμοζόντων. ἀπέχεσθε οὖν πάσης τῆς τῶν εἰδώλων πομπῆς, φαντασίας, πανηγύρεως, συμποσίων, μονομαχίας, καὶ πάσης θέας δαιμονικῆς.

dioper chrē ton piston pheugein tas synodous tōn asebōn Hellēnōn kai Ioudaiōn kai tōn loipōn hairetikōn, hina mē tǭ syscholazein autois pagidas labōmen tais heautōn psychais, hopōs mē synanastrephomenoi tais heortais autōn, haitines epi timę̄ tōn daimonōn epitelountai, koinōnēsōmen autois kai tēs asebeias. 4. pheukteai de autōn kai hai panēgyreis kai ta en autais epiteloumena paignia᾽ piston gar en panēgyrei ou chrē paraballein pleion tou sōmation priasthai kai psychēn peripoiēsasthai kai hetera tina synōnēsasthai tōn pros systasin harmozontōn. apechesthe oun pasēs tēs tōn eidōlōn pompēs, phantasias, panēgyreōs, symposiōn, monomachias, kai pasēs theas daimonikēs.

Therefore the believer must flee the gatherings of the ungodly Greeks and Jews and of the other heretics, lest by spending time with them we take snares for our own souls, and lest by joining in their festivals, which are held in honour of demons, we share in their impiety too. [4] Their fairs also and the games held at them must be avoided; for a believer ought not to go to a fair except to buy a slave and save a soul, and to buy some other things suited to his livelihood. Abstain, then, from every procession of idols, every show, festival and banquet, from gladiatorial combat, and from every demonic spectacle.

Notes and citation

Summary: Believers must avoid the festivals and games of pagans, Jews and heretics, going to fairs only for necessary purchases.

This staged ref begins with Funk’s section 3 (numeral lost); section 4 is marked [4]. “To buy a slave and save a soul” renders σωμάτιον πρίασθαι καὶ ψυχὴν περιποιήσασθαι, as printed. The grouping of Jews with heretics is the author’s.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): περιίποιἤσασθαι → περιποιήσασθαι; ἄρμοζόντων → ἁρμοζόντων.

Topics: Ethics, Heresy

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.62.4 (Funk 1:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-62-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 2, chapter 63

2.63.1Funk 1:179–181

Οἱ δὲ νεώτεροι τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ἐν πάσαις ταῖς χρείαις ἀόκνως λειτουργεῖν σπουδάζετε, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος τοῖς ἔργοις ὑμῶν σχολάζετε, ὅπως ἐν παντὶ τῷ χρόνῳ ὑμῶν ἦτε ἐπαρκοῦντες καὶ ,,ἑαυτοῖς“ καὶ τοῖς πενομένοις, πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρεῖν τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ ,,ἐκκλησίαν“. καὶ γὰρ καὶ ἡμεῖς, σχολάζοντες τῷ λόγῳ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ὅμως καὶ τῶν ἐπεργίων οὐκ ἀμελοῦμεν· οἱ μὲν γάρ εἰσιν ἐξ ἡμῶν ἁλιεῖς, οἱ δὲ σκηνοποιοί, οἱ δὲ γῆς ἐργάται, πρὸς τὸ μηδέποτε ἡμᾶς ἀργοὺς εἶναι.

Hoi de neōteroi tēs ekklēsias, en pasais tais chreiais aoknōs leitourgein spoudazete, meta pasēs semnotētos tois ergois hymōn scholazete, hopōs en panti tǭ chronǭ hymōn ēte eparkountes kai ,,heautois“ kai tois penomenois, pros to mē epibarein tēn tou theou ,,ekklēsian“. kai gar kai hēmeis, scholazontes tǭ logǭ tou euangeliou, homōs kai tōn epergiōn ouk ameloumen; hoi men gar eisin ex hēmōn halieis, hoi de skēnopoioi, hoi de gēs ergatai, pros to mēdepote hēmas argous einai.

You younger members of the church, be eager to minister without hesitation in all needs; give yourselves to your work with all dignity, so that all your life you may be able to provide “both for yourselves” and for those in need, so as “not to burden the church” of God. For we too, though we devote ourselves to the word of the Gospel, nevertheless do not neglect our side occupations; for some of us are fishermen, others tentmakers, others farmers, so that we are never idle.

Acts 20:34 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 5:16 (quotation, medium confidence) · Acts 18:3 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Younger members must work to support themselves and the needy, as the apostles themselves did.

Acts 20:34; 1 Tim 5:16; Acts 18:3; 2 Thess 3:8. OCR garbage is removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed): ,,ἦΊτε ἐπαρκοῦντες καὶ ,,ξαυτοῖς““ → ἦτε ἐπαρκοῦντες καὶ ,,ἑαυτοῖς“; τὴν“ τοῦ θεοῦ → τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ; xol τῶν ἐπεργίων οὐκ Gusiobusv: → καὶ τῶν ἐπεργίων οὐκ ἀμελοῦμεν·; γῆς 2 , * * H c E 2 * 3 7 , ἐργάται → γῆς ἐργάται.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.63.1 (Funk 1:179–181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-63-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.63.2Funk 1:181

λέγει δέ που καὶ ὁ Σολομών· ,,Ἴθι πρὸς τὸν μύρμηκα, ὦ ὀκνηρέ, καὶ ζήλωσον εἰδὼς τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ, καὶ γενοῦ ἐκείνου σοφώτερος" ἐκείνῳ γὰρ γεωργίου μὴ ὑπάρχοντος, οὐδὲ τὸν ἀναγκάζοντα ἔχων οὐδὲ ὑπὸ δεσπότην ὤν, ἑτοιμάζεται θέρους τὴν τροφὴν πολλήν τε ἐν τῷ ἀμητῷ ποιεῖται τὴν παράθεσιν.

legei de pou kai ho Solomōn; ,,Ithi pros ton myrmēka, ō oknēre, kai zēlōson eidōs tas hodous autou, kai genou ekeinou sophōteros" ekeinǭ gar geōrgiou mē hyparchontos, oude ton anankazonta echōn oude hypo despotēn ōn, hetoimazetai therous tēn trophēn pollēn te en tǭ amētǭ poieitai tēn parathesin.

And Solomon says somewhere: “Go to the ant, O sluggard, and emulate it when you know its ways, and become wiser than it; for though it has no farm, and no one to compel it, and is under no master, it prepares its food in summer and makes a great store at harvest.”

Prov 6:6–8 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Solomon points the idle to the industrious ant.

Prov 6:6–8 (LXX).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed; OCR slips): mov καὶ ὁ XoAouow' ,[σθι → που καὶ ὁ Σολομών· ,,Ἴθι; ὀχνηρέ → ὀκνηρέ; ἔχω» οὐδὲ ὑπὸ δεσπότην ὦν → ἔχων οὐδὲ ὑπὸ δεσπότην ὤν; πολλήν τὸ ἐν τῷ E] - " ^ , » , * ἀἁμητῷ → πολλήν τε ἐν τῷ ἀμητῷ.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.63.2 (Funk 1:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-63-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.63.3Funk 1:181

ἢ πορεύθητι πρὸς τὴν μέλισσαν καὶ μάθε, ὡς ἐργάτης ἐστὶν τήν τε ἐργασίαν ὡς σεμνὴν ἐμπορεύεται· ἧς τοὺς πόνους βασιλεῖς καὶ ἰδιῶται πρὸς ὑγείαν προσφέρονται, ποθεινὴ δέ ἐστι καὶ ἐπίδοξος, καίπερ οὖσα τῇ ῥώμῃ ἀσθενής“.

ē poreuthēti pros tēn melissan kai mathe, hōs ergatēs estin tēn te ergasian hōs semnēn emporeuetai; hēs tous ponous basileis kai idiōtai pros hygeian prospherontai, potheinē de esti kai epidoxos, kaiper ousa tę̄ rhōmę̄ asthenēs“.

“Or go to the bee and learn how industrious it is, and how it carries on its work as something honourable; its labours kings and commoners use for health, and it is desired and renowned, though weak in strength.”

Prov 6:8 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The bee too is a model of industry.

Prov 6:8a–c (an LXX addition).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed; OCR slip): ἐμπορεί£tGL' → ἐμπορεύεται·; mQooφέρονται → προσφέρονται; δώμῃ 2 u Ue Cu e , 3 ΕΣ , , , ἀσθενής““ → ῥώμῃ ἀσθενής“.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.63.3 (Funk 1:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-63-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.63.4Funk 1:181

καὶ ἑξῆς. ,,Ἕως πότε, ὦ ὀκνηρέ, κατάκεισαι, πότε δὲ ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθήσῃ; ὀλίγον μὲν ὑπνοῖς, ὀλίγον δὲ κάθησαι, μικρὸν δὲ νυστάζεις, ὀλίγον δὲ ἐναγκαλίζῃ χερσὶ στήθη· εἶτα παραγίνεταί σοι ὥσπερ κακὸς ὁδοιπόρος ἡ πενία, καὶ ἡ ἔνδεια ὥσπερ ἀγαθὸς δρομεύς. ἐὰν δὲ ἄοκνος ᾖς, ἥξει ὥσπερ πηγὴ ὃ ἀμητός σου, καὶ ἡ ἔνδεια ὥσπερ κακὸς ἀνὴρ ἀπαυτομολήσει“.

kai hexēs. ,,Heōs pote, ō oknēre, katakeisai, pote de ex hypnou egerthēsę̄? oligon men hypnois, oligon de kathēsai, mikron de nystazeis, oligon de enankalizę̄ chersi stēthē; eita paraginetai soi hōsper kakos hodoiporos hē penia, kai hē endeia hōsper agathos dromeus. ean de aoknos ę̄s, hēxei hōsper pēgē ho amētos sou, kai hē endeia hōsper kakos anēr apautomolēsei“.

And next: “How long, O sluggard, will you lie there? When will you rise from sleep? A little you sleep, a little you sit, a little you doze, a little you fold your hands on your breast; then poverty comes upon you like an evil traveller, and want like a swift runner. But if you are diligent, your harvest will come like a spring, and want will run away like an evil man.”

Prov 6:9–11 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Proverbs warns that laziness brings poverty while diligence brings plenty.

Prov 6:9–11 (LXX, with 11a).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed): (Ἕως πότε, ὦ ὀχνηρέ → ,,Ἕως πότε, ὦ ὀκνηρέ; χερσὶ ovg: → χερσὶ στήθη·; ἔνδεια [d 2 * , ' A 3 e cr S ὥσπερ → ἔνδεια ὥσπερ; doxvoc ἧς, ἥξει cons πηγὴ → ἄοκνος ᾖς, ἥξει ὥσπερ πηγὴ; καὶ 7 ἔνδεια → καὶ ἡ ἔνδεια.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.63.4 (Funk 1:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-63-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.63.5Funk 1:181

καὶ πάλιν. ,,Ὁ ἐργαζόμενος τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γῆν πλησθήσεται ἄρτων“, καὶ ἐν ἄλλοις φησίν" ,,Ὁ ἀργὸς περιέλαβεν τὰς χεῖρας αὑτοῦ καὶ ἔφαγεν τὰς σάρκας αὐτοῦ“, καὶ ἑξῆς",, Κρύψας ὃ ὀκνηρὸς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ οὐ δυνήσεται ἀπενεγκεῖν εἰς τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ“, καὶ πάλινʼ ,,Διὰ ἀργίαν χειρῶν ταπεινωθήσεται ἡ δόκωσις“.

kai palin. ,,Ho ergazomenos tēn heautou gēn plēsthēsetai artōn“, kai en allois phēsin" ,,Ho argos perielaben tas cheiras hautou kai ephagen tas sarkas autou“, kai hexēs",, Krypsas ho oknēros tēn cheira autou ou dynēsetai apenenkein eis to stoma autou“, kai palinʼ ,,Dia argian cheirōn tapeinōthēsetai hē dokōsis“.

And again: “He who works his own land will be filled with bread”; and elsewhere he says: “The idle man folded his hands and ate his own flesh”; and next: “The sluggard who has hidden his hand will not be able to bring it to his mouth”; and again: “Through idleness of hands the roof will sink in.”

Prov 12:11 (quotation, high confidence) · Eccl 4:5 (quotation, high confidence) · Prov 19:24 (quotation, high confidence) · Eccl 10:18 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: More sayings of Scripture against idleness.

Prov 12:11; Eccl 4:5; Prov 19:24; Eccl 10:18.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray marks removed): ,ἍὯ ἐργαζόμενος → ,,Ὁ ἐργαζόμενος; πλησθήσεται » "m 3 2 » " τ 2 * " * 7 ἄρτων“ → πλησθήσεται ἄρτων“; ἔν ἄλλοις → ἐν ἄλλοις; ,,O ἀργὸς → ,,Ὁ ἀργὸς.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.63.5 (Funk 1:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-63-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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2.63.6Funk 1:181

ἐργάζεσθε οὖν ἐνδελεχῶς" ἀθεράπευτος γάρ ἐστιν ἀργοῦ μῶμος. ,,εἰ δέ τις μὴ ἐργάζεται, οὗτος παρ᾽ ὑμῖν μὴ ἐσθιέτω“· ἀργοὺς γὰρ μισεῖ καὶ ὃ κύριος ὃ θεὸς ἡμῶν" ἀργὸς γὰρ εἶναι οὐκ ὀφείλει οὐδεὶς τῶν θεῷ προσανεχόντων.

ergazesthe oun endelechōs" atherapeutos gar estin argou mōmos. ,,ei de tis mē ergazetai, houtos par᾽ hymin mē esthietō“; argous gar misei kai ho kyrios ho theos hēmōn" argos gar einai ouk opheilei oudeis tōn theǭ prosanechontōn.

Work, then, continually; for the reproach of the idle is incurable. “If anyone does not work, let him not eat” among you; for the Lord our God hates the idle; for none of those devoted to God ought to be idle.

2 Thess 3:10 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Idleness is hateful to God; whoever will not work should not eat.

2 Thess 3:10.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): »εὶ δέ τις → ,,εἰ δέ τις; ἐσθιέτω““" → ἐσθιέτω“·.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 2.63.6 (Funk 1:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-2-63-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 1

3.1.1Funk 1:183

,,Χήρας δὲ καθιστᾶτε μὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα“, ἵνα τρόπῳ τινὶ τὸ τῆς διγαμίας αὐτῶν ἀνύποπτον βέβαιον ὑμῖν διὰ τῆς ἡλικίας ὑπάρχῃ.

,,Chēras de kathistate mē elatton etōn hexēkonta“, hina tropǭ tini to tēs digamias autōn anypopton bebaion hymin dia tēs hēlikias hyparchę̄.

Appoint widows “not less than sixty years old,” so that in some measure, because of their age, you may be sure that there is no suspicion of a second marriage.

1 Tim 5:9 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Women enrolled as widows must be at least sixty, so that a second marriage is not to be feared.

1 Tim 5:9. “Second marriage” renders διγαμία.
Books 1–6 of the Constitutions rework the Didascalia; book 3 reworks Didascalia book 3 (the chapter divisions of the two works do not always coincide).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ο,Ἰήρας → ,,Χήρας.

Extrabiblical texts: Did. Apost. 3 (Didascalia Apostolorum; quotation)

Topics: Church office, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.1.1 (Funk 1:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-1-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.1.2Funk 1:183

εἰ δὲ νεωτέραν καταστήσητε εἰς τὸ χηρικὸν καὶ μὴ φέρουσα τὴν ἐν νεότητι χηρείαν γαμηθῇ, ἀπρέπειαν ἐμποιήσει τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ χηρικοῦ καὶ λόγον ὑφέξει τῷ θεῷ, οὐχ ὅτι δευτέρῳ γάμῳ συνήφθη, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι τὴν ἑαυτῆς ἐπαγγελίαν οὐκ ἐφύλαξεν, ,,καταστρηνιάσασα τοῦ Χριστοῦ“.

ei de neōteran katastēsēte eis to chērikon kai mē pherousa tēn en neotēti chēreian gamēthę̄, aprepeian empoiēsei tę̄ doxę̄ tou chērikou kai logon hyphexei tǭ theǭ, ouch hoti deuterǭ gamǭ synēphthē, all᾽ hoti tēn heautēs epangelian ouk ephylaxen, ,,katastrēniasasa tou Christou“.

But if you appoint a younger woman to the order of widows, and, unable to bear widowhood in her youth, she marries, she will bring disgrace on the glory of the widows’ order and will give account to God — not because she was joined in a second marriage, but because she did not keep her promise, “having grown wanton against Christ.”

1 Tim 5:11–12 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: A young enrolled widow who remarries is blamed for breaking her promise, not for the marriage itself.

1 Tim 5:11–12. The fault is the broken promise of widowhood, as the text says, not the second marriage.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): τὴν» ἐν νεότητι → τὴν ἐν νεότητι; ,καταστρηνιάσασα → ,,καταστρηνιάσασα.

Topics: Church office, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.1.2 (Funk 1:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-1-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.1.3Funk 1:183–185

διὸ χρὴ μὴ προπετῶς ποιεῖσθαι τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, ἀλλὰ μετὰ ἀσφαλείας" ,,κρεῖσσον“ γὰρ αὐτῇ ,,ἐστιν μὴ εὔξασθαι, ἢ εὔξασθαι καὶ μὴ ἀποδοῦναι“.

dio chrē mē propetōs poieisthai tēn epangelian, alla meta asphaleias" ,,kreisson“ gar autę̄ ,,estin mē euxasthai, ē euxasthai kai mē apodounai“.

Therefore the promise must not be made rashly, but with assurance; for “it is better” for her “not to vow than to vow and not pay.”

Eccl 5:5 (5:4 LXX) (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: A vow of widowhood should not be made rashly.

Eccl 5:5 (LXX 5:4).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): προπετῶ: ποιεῖσθαι → προπετῶς ποιεῖσθαι; ,,(ἐστιν → ,,ἐστιν.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.1.3 (Funk 1:183–185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-1-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.1.4Funk 1:185

εἰ δέ τις νεωτέρα ὀλίγον χρόνον σὺν τῷ ἀνδρὶ ποιήσασα καὶ ἀποβαλοῦσα αὐτὸν διὰ τελευτῆς ἢ δι᾿ ἀφορμῆς τινος ἑτέρας, καὶ μείνῃ ἐφ᾽ ἑαυτῆς δῶρον ἔχουσα χηρείας, μακαρία εὑρεθήσεται, ὁμοιωθεῖσα τῇ ἐν Σαρεφθοῖς Σιδωνίᾳ χήρᾳ, πρὸς ἣν ὁ ἅγιος τοῦ θεοῦ προφήτης Ἠλίας ἐπεξενώθη.

ei de tis neōtera oligon chronon syn tǭ andri poiēsasa kai apobalousa auton dia teleutēs ē di᾿ aphormēs tinos heteras, kai meinę̄ eph᾽ heautēs dōron echousa chēreias, makaria heurethēsetai, homoiōtheisa tę̄ en Sarephthois Sidōnią chērą, pros hēn ho hagios tou theou prophētēs Ēlias epexenōthē.

But if a younger woman, having spent a short time with her husband and lost him through death or for some other reason, remains by herself, having the gift of widowhood, she will be found blessed, like the Sidonian widow of Zarephath, with whom the holy prophet of God Elijah lodged.

1 Kgs 17:9–16 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: A young woman who stays unmarried after losing her husband, having the gift of widowhood, is blessed like the widow of Zarephath.

1 Kgs 17:9–16. “For some other reason” (δι᾽ ἀφορμῆς τινος ἑτέρας) is not specified.

Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.1.4 (Funk 1:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-1-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.1.5Funk 1:185

ἡ τοιαύτη ἐξομοιωθήσεται Ἄννῃ ,,τῇ θυγατρὶ Φανουὴλ τῇ ἐκ φυλῆς Ἀσήρ, ἣ οὐκ ἀφίστατο τοῦ ἱεροῦ νύκτωρ καὶ μεθʼ ἡμέραν προσμένουσα ταῖς δεήσεσι καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς, οὖσα μὲν ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα, ζήσασα δὲ μετὰ ἀνδρὸς ἐκ τῆς παρθενίας αὐτῆς ἔτη ἑπτά“, καὶ τὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ δοξάσασα παρουσίαν ,,ἀνθωμολογεῖτο τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ ἐλάλει περὶ αὐτοῦ πᾶσι τοῖς προσδοκῶσιν λύτρωσιν ἐν Ἰσραήλ“· ἡ τοιαύτη μαρτύριον λαβοῦσα τιμηθήσεται, κλέος ἔχουσα καὶ παρὰ ἀνθρώποις ἐπὶ γῆς καὶ παρὰ θεῷ ἐν οὐρανοῖς τὸν αἰώνιον ἔπαινον.

hē toiautē exomoiōthēsetai Annę̄ ,,tę̄ thygatri Phanouēl tę̄ ek phylēs Asēr, hē ouk aphistato tou hierou nyktōr kai methʼ hēmeran prosmenousa tais deēsesi kai tais proseuchais, ousa men etōn ogdoēkonta, zēsasa de meta andros ek tēs parthenias autēs etē hepta“, kai tēn tou Christou doxasasa parousian ,,anthōmologeito tǭ kyriǭ kai elalei peri autou pasi tois prosdokōsin lytrōsin en Israēl“; hē toiautē martyrion labousa timēthēsetai, kleos echousa kai para anthrōpois epi gēs kai para theǭ en ouranois ton aiōnion epainon.

Such a woman will be likened to Anna, “the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who did not depart from the temple, continuing night and day in supplications and prayers, being eighty years old, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,” who glorified the coming of Christ and “gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of him to all who were looking for redemption in Israel.” Such a woman, having received a good testimony, will be honoured, having glory among men on earth and eternal praise with God in heaven.

Luke 2:36–38 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Such a widow is like Anna the prophetess and will be honoured on earth and in heaven.

Luke 2:36–38.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Avvy ,τῇ θυγατρὶ → Ἄννῃ ,,τῇ θυγατρὶ; i] οὐκ ἀφίστατο → ἣ οὐκ ἀφίστατο; νύχτωρ → νύκτωρ; παρουσίαν ,(,(ἀνθωμολογεῖτο → παρουσίαν ,,ἀνθωμολογεῖτο; προσδοχῶσιν λύτρωσιν ἐν logo ' → προσδοκῶσιν λύτρωσιν ἐν Ἰσραήλ“·; ἀνθρόποις → ἀνθρώποις.

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.1.5 (Funk 1:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-1-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 2

3.2.1Funk 1:185

Αἱ δὲ νεώτεραι χῆραι εἰς χηρικὸν μὲν μὴ ἐντασσέσθωσαν, μήποτε προφάσει τοῦ μὴ δύνασθαι κρατεῖν τῆς ἀκμῆς ἐπὶ δευτερογαμίαν ἐλθοῦσαι ἐν πράγματι γένωνται· ἐπικουρείσθωσαν δὲ καὶ βοηθείσθωσαν, ἵνα μὴ προφάσει τοῦ λείπεσθαι ἐπὶ δευτερογαμίαν ἐλθοῦσαι ἐν πράγματι ἀπρεπεῖ ἐνσχεθῶσιν.

Hai de neōterai chērai eis chērikon men mē entassesthōsan, mēpote prophasei tou mē dynasthai kratein tēs akmēs epi deuterogamian elthousai en pragmati genōntai; epikoureisthōsan de kai boētheisthōsan, hina mē prophasei tou leipesthai epi deuterogamian elthousai en pragmati aprepei enschethōsin.

Let younger widows not be enrolled in the order of widows, lest, on the plea that they cannot master their youthful vigour, they enter a second marriage and come into trouble; but let them be helped and supported, lest on the plea of want they enter a second marriage and be caught up in unseemly conduct.

1 Tim 5:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 5:14 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Young widows are not to be enrolled but should be supported, so that need does not drive them into an unseemly remarriage.

Cf. 1 Tim 5:11, 14. “Second marriage” renders δευτερογαμία.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): γένωνται ἐπικουρείσθωσαν ὁὲ → γένωνται· ἐπικουρείσθωσαν δὲ.

Topics: Church office, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.2.1 (Funk 1:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-2-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.2.2Funk 1:185–187

καὶ τοῦτο γὰρ εἰδέναι ὀφείλετε, ὅτι μονογαμία μὲν κατὰ νόμον γινομένη δικαία, ὡς ἂν κατὰ γνώμην θεοῦ ὑπάρχουσα, διγαμία δὲ μετὰ ἐπαγγελίαν παράνομον, οὐ διὰ τὴν συνάφειαν, ἀλλὰ διὰ τὸ ψεῦδος, τριγαμία δὲ ἀκρασίας σημεῖον, τὸ δὲ ὑπὲρ τὴν τριγαμίαν προφανὴς πορνεία καὶ ἀσέλγεια ἀναμφίβολος.

kai touto gar eidenai opheilete, hoti monogamia men kata nomon ginomenē dikaia, hōs an kata gnōmēn theou hyparchousa, digamia de meta epangelian paranomon, ou dia tēn synapheian, alla dia to pseudos, trigamia de akrasias sēmeion, to de hyper tēn trigamian prophanēs porneia kai aselgeia anamphibolos.

For you ought to know this too: that a single marriage, entered according to law, is righteous, as being in accordance with God’s will; a second marriage after the promise is unlawful, not because of the union but because of the falsehood; a third marriage is a sign of incontinence; and anything beyond a third marriage is manifest sexual immorality and undoubted licentiousness.

Notes and citation

Summary: One marriage is righteous; a second after the widow’s vow is unlawful because of the broken promise; a third shows incontinence; more is sexual immorality.

“After the promise” refers to a widow’s promise to remain unmarried (3.1.2). “Sexual immorality” renders πορνεία. The text is translated exactly as written.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): xol ἀσέλγεια dvaugifoAoc → καὶ ἀσέλγεια ἀναμφίβολος.

Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.2.2 (Funk 1:185–187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-2-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.2.3Funk 1:187

ὁ γὰρ θεὸς μίαν γυναῖκα ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ δέδωκεν ἐν τῇ δημιουργίᾳ. ,,ἔσονται“ γὰρ ,,οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν“. νεωτέραις δὲ μετὰ τὴν τοῦ πρώτου τελευτὴν συγκεχωρήσθω καὶ ὁ δεύτερος, ἵνα μὴ ,,εἰς κρίμα τοῦ διαβόλου ἐμπέσωσιν καὶ παγίδας πολλὰς καὶ ἐπιθυμίας ἀνοήτους καὶ ἐπιζημίους ψυχαῖς, αἵτινες κόλασιν προξενοῦσιν μᾶλλον, ἢ ἄνεσιν.

ho gar theos mian gynaika heni andri dedōken en tę̄ dēmiourgią. ,,esontai“ gar ,,hoi dyo eis sarka mian“. neōterais de meta tēn tou prōtou teleutēn synkechōrēsthō kai ho deuteros, hina mē ,,eis krima tou diabolou empesōsin kai pagidas pollas kai epithymias anoētous kai epizēmious psychais, haitines kolasin proxenousin mallon, ē anesin.

For God gave one wife to one man at the creation; for “the two shall become one flesh.” But to younger women, after the death of the first husband, let a second also be permitted, lest they “fall into the condemnation of the devil” and into many snares and foolish and harmful desires for their souls, which bring punishment rather than relief.

Gen 2:24 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Tim 3:6 (quotation, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 6:9 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: God made one wife for one man, but young widows are permitted a second husband to avoid sin.

Gen 2:24; 1 Tim 3:6; 1 Tim 6:9.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ὃ yàg θεὸς → ὁ γὰρ θεὸς; Gvyxeχωρήσθω καὶ ὃ δεύτερος → συγκεχωρήσθω καὶ ὁ δεύτερος; ,tig κρίμα → ,,εἰς κρίμα; ἐμπέσῶσιν → ἐμπέσωσιν; ἐπιζημίους ΄ ψυχαῖς → ἐπιζημίους ψυχαῖς.

Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.2.3 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-2-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 3

3.3.1Funk 1:187

Αἱ δὲ ἀληθιναὶ χῆραί εἰσιν αἱ μόνανδροι ὑπάρξασαι, ,,μαρτυρούμεναι“ ὑπὸ πλειόνων ,,ἐν ἔργοις ἀγαθοῖς“, χῆραι τῷ ὄντι, σώφρονες, ἁγναί, πισταί, εὐσεβεῖς, ,,τεκνοτροφήσασαι“ καλῶς, ,,ξενοδοχήσασαι“ ἀμέμπτως, ὧν καὶ ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι χρὴ ὡς θεῷ ἀνακειμένων.

Hai de alēthinai chērai eisin hai monandroi hyparxasai, ,,martyroumenai“ hypo pleionōn ,,en ergois agathois“, chērai tǭ onti, sōphrones, hagnai, pistai, eusebeis, ,,teknotrophēsasai“ kalōs, ,,xenodochēsasai“ amemptōs, hōn kai antilambanesthai chrē hōs theǭ anakeimenōn.

True widows are those who have had only one husband, “well attested” by many “for good works,” widows indeed, chaste, pure, faithful, pious, who “have brought up children” well and “shown hospitality” blamelessly; these must be supported as dedicated to God.

1 Tim 5:3–10 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: True widows, married once and known for good works, are to be supported by the church.

1 Tim 5:3, 5, 9–10.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): χῆραί εἶσιν → χῆραί εἰσιν; »μαρτυρούμεναι“ → ,,μαρτυρούμεναι“; »τεκνοτροφήσασαι“ καλεῖς i οξενοδοχήσασαι“ → ,,τεκνοτροφήσασαι“ καλῶς, ,,ξενοδοχήσασαι“.

Topics: Church office, Marriage

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.3.1 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-3-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.3.2Funk 1:187

ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ τῶν πενήτων, ὦ ἐπίσκοπε, μνημόνευε καὶ αὐτοῖς χεῖρα ὀρέγων ἐπικουρίας καὶ πρόνοιαν αὐτῶν ποιούμενος, ,,ὡς θεοῦ οἰκονόμος“ εὐκαίρως ἑκάστῳ διανέμων τὰ πρόσφορα, χήραις καὶ ὀρφανοῖς καὶ ἀπεριστάτοις καὶ τοῖς ἐν θλίψει ἐξεταζομένοις.

alla mēn kai tōn penētōn, ō episkope, mnēmoneue kai autois cheira oregōn epikourias kai pronoian autōn poioumenos, ,,hōs theou oikonomos“ eukairōs hekastǭ dianemōn ta prosphora, chērais kai orphanois kai aperistatois kai tois en thlipsei exetazomenois.

But remember the poor too, O bishop, stretching out a helping hand to them and providing for them, “as God’s steward,” distributing in season to each what is suitable — to widows and orphans, to the destitute and to those tried by affliction.

Titus 1:7 (quotation, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The bishop must also provide for the poor and afflicted.

Titus 1:7.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ,ὧὡς θεοῦ οἰκονόμος“ → ,,ὡς θεοῦ οἰκονόμος“.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.3.2 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-3-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 4

3.4.1Funk 1:187

Τί γὰρ εἴ τινες μή εἰσιν χῆραι ἢ χῆροι, βοηθείας δὲ χρήζουσιν διὰ πενίαν ἢ διὰ νόσον ἢ διὰ τεκνοτροφίαν; πάντας σε δεῖ ἐφορᾶν καὶ πάντων ἐπιμελεῖσθαι.

Ti gar ei tines mē eisin chērai ē chēroi, boētheias de chrēzousin dia penian ē dia noson ē dia teknotrophian? pantas se dei ephoran kai pantōn epimeleisthai.

For what if some are not widows or widowers, but need help because of poverty or illness or the rearing of children? You must oversee all and take care of all.

Notes and citation

Summary: The bishop must care for all the needy, not only widows.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.1 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.2Funk 1:187

οἱ γὰρ τὰ δόματα διδόντες οὐκ αὐτοσχεδίως αὐτὰ διδόασιν ταῖς χήραις, ἀλλὰ συνεισφέρουσιν ἁπλῶς, ἑκούσια αὐτὰ ὀνομάζοντες, ὅπως σὺ ὁ ἐπιστάμενος τοὺς θλιβομένους ἀκριβῶς ,,ὡς ἀγαθὸς οἰκονόμος“ μερίζῃς αὐτοῖς ἐκ τοῦ δόματος" ὃ γὰρ θεὸς γινώσκει τὸν δεδωκότα, κἂν ἀπόντος αὐτοῦ ὑπὸ σοῦ τοῖς δεομένοις μερίζηται᾽ καὶ ὃς μὲν ἔχει τὸν τῆς εὐποιίας μισθόν, σὺ δὲ τὸν τῆς εὐσυνειδήτου οἰκονομίας μακαρισμόν.

hoi gar ta domata didontes ouk autoschediōs auta didoasin tais chērais, alla syneispherousin haplōs, hekousia auta onomazontes, hopōs sy ho epistamenos tous thlibomenous akribōs ,,hōs agathos oikonomos“ merizę̄s autois ek tou domatos" ho gar theos ginōskei ton dedōkota, kan apontos autou hypo sou tois deomenois merizētai᾽ kai hos men echei ton tēs eupoiias misthon, sy de ton tēs eusyneidētou oikonomias makarismon.

For those who give gifts do not give them directly to the widows, but simply bring them in together, calling them free-will offerings, so that you, who know exactly who are afflicted, may distribute to them from the gift “as a good steward”; for God knows the giver, even if it is distributed by you to those in need in his absence; and he has the reward of his good deed, and you the blessedness of conscientious stewardship.

1 Pet 4:10 (quotation, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Gifts are brought to the bishop, who distributes them to the needy as a faithful steward.

1 Pet 4:10.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἀκριβῶς ὡς ἀγαθὸς οἰκονόμος“ → ἀκριβῶς ,,ὡς ἀγαθὸς οἰκονόμος“; μερίζης → μερίζῃς; οἰχονομίας → οἰκονομίας.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.2 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.3Funk 1:187

λέγε δὲ αὐτοῖς καί, τίς ὃ δεδωκώς, ἵνα καὶ ἐξ ὀνόματος ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ προσεύχωνται.

lege de autois kai, tis ho dedōkōs, hina kai ex onomatos hyper autou proseuchōntai.

And tell them also who the giver is, so that they may pray for him by name.

Notes and citation

Summary: Recipients should know the giver’s name to pray for him.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): δεδωκούς → δεδωκώς.

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.3 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.4Funk 1:187

χρὴ γὰρ εὖ ποιεῖν πάντας ἀνθρώπους, μὴ φιλοκρινοῦντα τοῦτον ὅστις ᾖ ἢ ἐκεῖνον· ὁ γὰρ κύριός φησι· ,,Παντὶ τῷ αἰτοῦντί σε δίδου“· δῆλον δὲ ὡς τῷ χρήζοντι κατὰ ἀλήθειαν, κἂν φίλος ᾖ κἂν ἐχθρός, κἂν συγγενὴς κἂν ἀλλότριος, κἂν ἄγαμος κἂν γεγαμηκὼς ὑπάρχῃ.

chrē gar eu poiein pantas anthrōpous, mē philokrinounta touton hostis ę̄ ē ekeinon; ho gar kyrios phēsi; ,,Panti tǭ aitounti se didou“; dēlon de hōs tǭ chrēzonti kata alētheian, kan philos ę̄ kan echthros, kan syngenēs kan allotrios, kan agamos kan gegamēkōs hyparchę̄.

For one must do good to all people, not favouring this person or that, whoever he may be; for the Lord says: “Give to everyone who asks you” — clearly, to one truly in need, whether friend or enemy, kinsman or stranger, unmarried or married.

Luke 6:30 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Charity must be given to all who are truly in need without favouritism.

Luke 6:30.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἀνθραΐπους → ἀνθρώπους; φιλοχρινοῦντα τοῦτον ὅστις ἡ ἢ ἐκεῖνον" → φιλοκρινοῦντα τοῦτον ὅστις ᾖ ἢ ἐκεῖνον·; φησι Παντὶ τῷ αἰτοῦντί σε Óióov'" ὁῆλον → φησι· ,,Παντὶ τῷ αἰτοῦντί σε δίδου“· δῆλον; κἂν φίλος ἡ → κἂν φίλος ᾖ.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.4 (Funk 1:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.5Funk 1:187–189

ἐν πάσῃ γὰρ γραφῇ ὃ κύριος περὶ τῶν πενήτων παραινεῖ, λέγων διὰ μὲν Ἡσαΐου" ,,Διάθρυπτε πεινῶντι τὸν ἄρτον σου καὶ πτωχοὺς ἀστέγους εἰσάγαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου· ἐὰν ἴδῃς γυμνόν, περίβαλε, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν οἰκείων τοῦ σπέρματός σου οὐχ ὑπερόψῃ“.

en pasę̄ gar graphę̄ ho kyrios peri tōn penētōn parainei, legōn dia men Hēsaïou" ,,Diathrypte peinōnti ton arton sou kai ptōchous astegous eisagage eis ton oikon sou; ean idę̄s gymnon, peribale, kai apo tōn oikeiōn tou spermatos sou ouch hyperopsę̄“.

For in all Scripture the Lord exhorts concerning the poor, saying through Isaiah: “Break your bread for the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; if you see one naked, cover him, and do not overlook those of your own kin.”

Isa 58:7 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Isaiah commands care for the hungry, homeless and naked.

Isa 58:7.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἔν πάσῃ → ἐν πάσῃ; σου" ἐὰν → σου· ἐὰν; ὑπερόψῃ". → ὑπερόψῃ“..

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.5 (Funk 1:187–189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.6Funk 1:189

καὶ διὰ τοῦ Δανιὴλ λέγει τῷ δυνάστῃ" ,,Διό, βασιλεῦ, ἡ βουλή μου ἀρεσάτω σοι, καὶ τὰς ἁμαρτίας σου ἐν ἐλεημοσύναις λύτρωσαι καὶ τὰς ἀδικίας σου ἐν οἰκτιρμοῖς πενήτων“.

kai dia tou Daniēl legei tǭ dynastę̄" ,,Dio, basileu, hē boulē mou aresatō soi, kai tas hamartias sou en eleēmosynais lytrōsai kai tas adikias sou en oiktirmois penētōn“.

And through Daniel he says to the ruler: “Therefore, O king, let my counsel please you, and redeem your sins by almsgiving and your iniquities by compassion on the poor.”

Dan 4:27 (4:24 LXX) (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Daniel counsels the king to redeem his sins by almsgiving.

Dan 4:27 (4:24 in the Greek and Hebrew numbering).

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.6 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.7Funk 1:189

καὶ διὰ Σολομῶνός φησιν· ,,Ἐλεημοσύναις καὶ πίστεσιν ἀποκαθαίρονται ἁμαρτίαι“.

kai dia Solomōnos phēsin; ,,Eleēmosynais kai pistesin apokathairontai hamartiai“.

And through Solomon he says: “By almsgiving and faithfulness sins are purged away.”

Prov 15:27 (quotation, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Almsgiving purges sins.

Prov 15:27a (LXX).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): φησιν", Ἐλεημοσύναις → φησιν· ,,Ἐλεημοσύναις.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.7 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.8Funk 1:189

καὶ διὰ τοῦ Δαυὶδ πάλιν λέγει· ,,Μακάριος ὃ συνιῶν ἐπὶ πτωχὸν καὶ πένητα, ἐν ἡμέρᾳ πονηρᾷ ῥύσεται αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος“, καὶ πάλιν· ,,Ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν, ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα“.

kai dia tou Dauid palin legei; ,,Makarios ho syniōn epi ptōchon kai penēta, en hēmerą ponērą rhysetai auton ho kyrios“, kai palin; ,,Eskorpisen, edōken tois penēsin, hē dikaiosynē autou menei eis ton aiōna“.

And through David again he says: “Blessed is he who considers the poor and needy; in the evil day the Lord will deliver him,” and again: “He scattered, he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

Ps 41:1 (40:2 LXX) (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 112:9 (111:9 LXX) (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The Psalms bless those who care for the poor.

Ps 41:1 (LXX 40:2); Ps 112:9 (LXX 111:9).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): xai διὰ τοῦ Δαυὶδ πάλιν λέγει. ,, Μακάριος → καὶ διὰ τοῦ Δαυὶδ πάλιν λέγει· ,,Μακάριος; Ó κύριος", xai πάλιν", Ἐσκόρπισεν → ὁ κύριος“, καὶ πάλιν· ,,Ἐσκόρπισεν.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.8 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.4.9Funk 1:189

καὶ ὁ Σολομών φησιν" ,,Ὁ ἐλεῶν πτωχὸν κυρίῳ δανείζει, κατὰ δὲ τὸ δόμα αὐτοῦ ἀνταποδοθήσεται αὐτῷ“, καὶ ἑξῆς· ,,Ὃς φράσσει τὰ ὦτα αὐτοῦ τοῦ μὴ εἰσακοῦσαι τοῦ δεομένου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπικαλέσεται καὶ οὐκ ἔσται ὃ εἰσακούων αὐτοῦ“.

kai ho Solomōn phēsin" ,,Ho eleōn ptōchon kyriǭ daneizei, kata de to doma autou antapodothēsetai autǭ“, kai hexēs; ,,Hos phrassei ta ōta autou tou mē eisakousai tou deomenou, kai autos epikalesetai kai ouk estai ho eisakouōn autou“.

And Solomon says: “He who has mercy on the poor lends to the Lord, and according to his gift it will be repaid to him”; and next: “He who stops his ears so as not to hear the one in need, he too will call, and there will be no one to hear him.”

Prov 19:17 (quotation, high confidence) · Prov 21:13 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Mercy to the poor is a loan to the Lord; refusing them brings the same refusal.

Prov 19:17; Prov 21:13.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ,,0 ἐλεῶν πτωχὸν κυρίῳ θανείζει → ,,Ὁ ἐλεῶν πτωχὸν κυρίῳ δανείζει; ἑξῆς᾽ (ὺς φράσσει → ἑξῆς· ,,Ὃς φράσσει; ὁεομένου → δεομένου.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.4.9 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-4-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 5

3.5.1Funk 1:189

Ὑπαρχέτω δὲ πᾶσα χήρα πραεῖα, ἥσυχος, ἐπιεικής, ἄκακος, ἀόργητος, μὴ πολύλαλος, μὴ κραύγασος, μὴ πρόγλωσσος, μὴ κατάλαλος, μὴ λεξίθηρος, μὴ δισσόλογος, μὴ φιλοπράγμων᾽ βλέπουσά τι σκολιὸν ἢ καὶ ἀκούουσα γινόμενον, ἔστω ὡς μὴ βλέπουσα καὶ ὡς μὴ ἀκούουσα ὑπαρχέτω.

Hyparchetō de pasa chēra praeia, hēsychos, epieikēs, akakos, aorgētos, mē polylalos, mē kraugasos, mē proglōssos, mē katalalos, mē lexithēros, mē dissologos, mē philopragmōn᾽ blepousa ti skolion ē kai akouousa ginomenon, estō hōs mē blepousa kai hōs mē akouousa hyparchetō.

Let every widow be gentle, quiet, reasonable, without malice, free from anger, not talkative, not clamorous, not hasty of tongue, not a slanderer, not a catcher at words, not double-tongued, not a busybody; if she sees or hears of something crooked being done, let her be as one who does not see and does not hear.

1 Tim 5:13 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: A widow must be gentle and quiet, avoiding gossip and meddling.

Cf. 1 Tim 5:13.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.5.1 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-5-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.5.2Funk 1:189

καὶ μηδὲν ἕτερον τῇ χήρᾳ μελέτω, εἰ μὴ τὸ προσεύχεσθαι ὑπὲρ τῶν διδόντων καὶ ὑπὲρ ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας.

kai mēden heteron tę̄ chērą meletō, ei mē to proseuchesthai hyper tōn didontōn kai hyper holēs tēs ekklēsias.

And let the widow have no other care than to pray for those who give and for the whole church.

Notes and citation

Summary: The widow’s task is prayer for donors and the church.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἐχκλησίας → ἐκκλησίας.

Topics: Prayer, Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.5.2 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-5-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.5.3Funk 1:189

ἐπερωτωμένη δέ τι ὑπό τινος, μὴ ῥᾳδίως ἀποκρινέσθω, πλὴν ὅσα περὶ πίστεως καὶ δικαιοσύνης καὶ τῆς εἰς θεὸν ἐλπίδος, ἀποστέλλουσα τοῖς ἡγουμένοις τοὺς θέλοντας κατηχεῖσθαι τὰ τῆς εὐσεβείας δόγματα.

eperōtōmenē de ti hypo tinos, mē rhądiōs apokrinesthō, plēn hosa peri pisteōs kai dikaiosynēs kai tēs eis theon elpidos, apostellousa tois hēgoumenois tous thelontas katēcheisthai ta tēs eusebeias dogmata.

When she is asked anything by anyone, let her not readily answer, except about faith and righteousness and hope in God, sending to the leaders those who wish to be instructed in the doctrines of piety.

Notes and citation

Summary: Widows should refer inquirers to the clergy rather than teach.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἀποχρινέσθω → ἀποκρινέσθω; δικαιουσύνης → δικαιοσύνης.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.5.3 (Funk 1:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-5-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.5.4Funk 1:189–191

μόνα δὲ ἀποκρινέσθω τὰ περὶ ἀνατροπῆς πολυθέου πλάνης, ἀποδεικνύουσα τὸν περὶ μοναρχίας θεοῦ λόγον᾽ περὶ δὲ τῶν ἑξῆς προπετῶς τι μὴ ἀποκρινέσθω, ὅπως μή τι ἀμαθῶς φθεγξαμένη βλασφημίαν προστρίψῃ τῷ λόγῳ. 5. κόκκῳ γὰρ σινάπεως ἐοικέναι τὸν λόγον ὁ κύριος ἐδογμάτισεν. τοῦτο δὲ ἐστὶ διάπυρον, ᾧ ἐάν τις ἀπείρως χρήσηται, πικρὸν αὐτὸ εὑρήσει. χρὴ γὰρ ἐν τοῖς μυστικοῖς μὴ προδότην εἶναι, ἀλλ᾽ ἀσφαλῆ· παραινεῖ γὰρ ἡμῖν ὃ κύριος λέγων" ,, Μὴ βάλετε τοὺς μαργαρίτας ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν χοίρων, μήποτε καταπατήσωσιν αὐτοὺς ἐν τοῖς ποσὶν αὐτῶν καὶ στραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς“.

mona de apokrinesthō ta peri anatropēs polytheou planēs, apodeiknyousa ton peri monarchias theou logon᾽ peri de tōn hexēs propetōs ti mē apokrinesthō, hopōs mē ti amathōs phthenxamenē blasphēmian prostripsę̄ tǭ logǭ. 5. kokkǭ gar sinapeōs eoikenai ton logon ho kyrios edogmatisen. touto de esti diapyron, hǭ ean tis apeirōs chrēsētai, pikron auto heurēsei. chrē gar en tois mystikois mē prodotēn einai, all᾽ asphalē; parainei gar hēmin ho kyrios legōn" ,, Mē balete tous margaritas hymōn emprosthen tōn choirōn, mēpote katapatēsōsin autous en tois posin autōn kai straphentes rhēxōsin hymas“.

Let her answer only on the overthrow of the error of many gods, demonstrating the teaching of the sole rule of God; but about what follows let her answer nothing rashly, lest by saying something ignorantly she bring blasphemy on the word. [5] For the Lord taught that the word is like a grain of mustard seed; and this is fiery, and if anyone uses it unskilfully he will find it bitter. For in the mysteries one must not be a betrayer, but a safe keeper; for the Lord exhorts us, saying: “Do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you.”

Matt 13:31 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 7:6 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Widows may refute polytheism but must not expound deeper mysteries, lest they be misunderstood.

Funk’s section 5 sits inside this staged ref (numeral misread); marked [5]. Matt 13:31; Matt 7:6. “Sole rule of God” renders μοναρχία.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; section numeral misread; OCR slips): ἀποδειχνύουσα → ἀποδεικνύουσα; λόγφ. $. κόχκῳ → λόγῳ. 5. κόκκῳ; ἀλλ ἀσφαλῆ" → ἀλλ᾽ ἀσφαλῆ·; καταπατή6001» αὐτοὺς → καταπατήσωσιν αὐτοὺς.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.5.4 (Funk 1:189–191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-5-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.5.6Funk 1:191

ἀκούσαντες γὰρ οἱ ἄπιστοι τὸν περὶ Χριστοῦ λόγον οὐ δεόντως, ἀλλ᾽ ἐνδεῶς, καὶ μάλιστα τὸν περὶ ἐνσωματώσεως ἢ τοῦ πάθους αὐτοῦ, μυκτηρίσαντες χλευάσουσιν μᾶλλον ὡς ψευδῆ ἢ δοξάσουσιν, καὶ ἔνοχος ἔσται τῆς προπετείας ἡ πρεσβῦτις καὶ τῆς βλασφημίας καὶ τὸ ,,οὐαὶ“ κληρονομήσει. ,,Οὐαὶ“ δέ, φησίν, ,,δι᾽ οὗ τὸ ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν“.

akousantes gar hoi apistoi ton peri Christou logon ou deontōs, all᾽ endeōs, kai malista ton peri ensōmatōseōs ē tou pathous autou, myktērisantes chleuasousin mallon hōs pseudē ē doxasousin, kai enochos estai tēs propeteias hē presbytis kai tēs blasphēmias kai to ,,ouai“ klēronomēsei. ,,Ouai“ de, phēsin, ,,di᾽ hou to onoma mou blasphēmeitai en tois ethnesin“.

For unbelievers, hearing the word about Christ not as they should but deficiently, and especially the word about his embodiment or his passion, will sneer at it and mock it as false rather than glorify it; and the old woman will be guilty of rashness and blasphemy and will inherit the woe. “Woe,” he says, “to him through whom my name is blasphemed among the Gentiles.”

Isa 52:5 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Poorly explained teaching about the incarnation and passion leads unbelievers to mock.

Isa 52:5, with “woe” added (as in 1.10.1).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): μυχτηρίσαντες → μυκτηρίσαντες; 7) πρεσβῦτις → ἡ πρεσβῦτις; Ουαὶ“ δέ, φησί», διʼ οὐ τὸ → ,,Οὐαὶ“ δέ, φησίν, ,,δι᾽ οὗ τὸ; ἔθνεσιν“". → ἔθνεσιν“..

Topics: Christology, Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.5.6 (Funk 1:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-5-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 6

3.6.1Funk 1:191

Οὐχ ἐπιτρέπομεν οὖν γυναῖκας διδάσκειν ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἀλλὰ μόνον προσεύχεσθαι καὶ τῶν διδασκάλων ἐπακούειν.

Ouch epitrepomen oun gynaikas didaskein en ekklēsią, alla monon proseuchesthai kai tōn didaskalōn epakouein.

We do not permit women, then, to teach in the church, but only to pray and to listen to the teachers.

1 Cor 14:34–35 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Tim 2:12 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Women are not permitted to teach in the church.

Cf. 1 Cor 14:34–35; 1 Tim 2:12.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): γυναῖχας διδάσκειν → γυναῖκας διδάσκειν.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.6.1 (Funk 1:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-6-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.6.2Funk 1:191

καὶ γὰρ καὶ αὐτὸς ὃ διδάσκαλος ἡμῶν καὶ κύριος Ἰησοῦς ὁ Χριστὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς δώδεκα πέμψας μαθητεῦσαι τὸν λαὸν καὶ τὰ ἔθνη, γυναῖκας οὐδαμοῦ ἐξαπέστειλεν εἰς τὸ κήρυγμα, καίτοι οὐκ κεἰ χορῶν. συνῆν γὰρ ἡμῖν ἥ τε μήτηρ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ αἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ ἔτι δὲ Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ Ἰακώβου καὶ Μάρθα καὶ Μαρία αἱ ἀδελφαὶ Λαζάρου καὶ Σαλώμη καὶ ἕτεραί τινες. εἰ γὰρ ἦν ἀναγκαῖον γυναιξὶν διδάσκειν, αὐτὸς ἂν ἐκέλευσε πρῶτος καὶ ταύταις σὺν ἡμῖν κατηχεῖν τὸν λαόν᾽ εἰ γὰρ ,,κεφαλὴ γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ“, οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιον τὸ λοιπὸν σῶμα τῆς κεφαλῆς ἐξάρχειν.

kai gar kai autos ho didaskalos hēmōn kai kyrios Iēsous ho Christos hēmas tous dōdeka pempsas mathēteusai ton laon kai ta ethnē, gynaikas oudamou exapesteilen eis to kērygma, kaitoi ouk kei chorōn. synēn gar hēmin hē te mētēr tou kyriou kai hai adelphai autou eti de Maria hē Magdalēnē kai Maria hē Iakōbou kai Martha kai Maria hai adelphai Lazarou kai Salōmē kai heterai tines. ei gar ēn anankaion gynaixin didaskein, autos an ekeleuse prōtos kai tautais syn hēmin katēchein ton laon᾽ ei gar ,,kephalē gynaikos ho anēr“, ouk estin dikaion to loipon sōma tēs kephalēs exarchein.

For our Teacher and Lord Jesus the Christ himself, when he sent us the twelve to make disciples of the people and the nations, nowhere sent out women to preach, though there was no lack of them. For there were with us the mother of the Lord and his sisters, and also Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus, and Salome and certain others. For if it were necessary for women to teach, he himself would first have commanded these too to instruct the people with us; for if “the man is the head of the woman,” it is not right that the rest of the body should rule the head.

1 Cor 11:3 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 6:3 (allusion, medium confidence) · Mark 15:40 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Christ sent no women to preach though many followed him, so women are not to teach.

“Though there was no lack of them” renders a phrase garbled in the digital text (“οὐκ κεἰ χορῶν”), by sense. 1 Cor 11:3; Mark 6:3; Mark 15:40; John 11:1.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): γυναῖχας οὐδαμοῦ → γυναῖκας οὐδαμοῦ; 7j τε μήτηρ τοῦ κυρίου xol αἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ“ → ἥ τε μήτηρ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ αἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ; Μαρία 5 Μαγδαληνὴ → Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ; xai ταύταις → καὶ ταύταις; εἰ γὰρ, κεφαλὴ → εἰ γὰρ ,,κεφαλὴ.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.6.2 (Funk 1:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-6-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.6.3Funk 1:191

γνωριζέτω οὖν ἡ χήρα, ὅτι θυσιαστήριόν ἔστι θεοῦ, καὶ καθήσθω ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτῆς, μὴ μετά τινος προφάσεως ἐν ταῖς τῶν πιστῶν οἰκίαις ἐπὶ τῷ λαμβάνειν εἰσπορευομένη οὐδὲ γάρ ποτε τὸ θυσιαστήριον τοῦ θεοῦ περιτρέχει, ἀλλ᾽ ἐν ἑνὶ τόπῳ ἵδρυται.

gnōrizetō oun hē chēra, hoti thysiastērion esti theou, kai kathēsthō en tę̄ oikią autēs, mē meta tinos prophaseōs en tais tōn pistōn oikiais epi tǭ lambanein eisporeuomenē oude gar pote to thysiastērion tou theou peritrechei, all᾽ en heni topǭ hidrytai.

Let the widow know, then, that she is an altar of God, and let her sit in her house, not going into the houses of the faithful on any pretext to receive; for the altar of God never runs about, but is fixed in one place.

Notes and citation

Summary: The widow, as God’s altar, should stay at home and not go round the houses for gifts.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): καθ7569« ἐν τῇ → καθήσθω ἐν τῇ.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.6.3 (Funk 1:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-6-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.6.4Funk 1:191–193

ὑπαρχέτω οὖν καὶ ἡ παρθένος καὶ ἡ χήρα μὴ περιτροχάδην ῥεμβομένη κατὰ τὰς τῶν ἀλλοτρίων οἰκίας· ὅτι αἱ ῥεμβοὶ καὶ ἀναιδεῖς καὶ αἱ τοιαῦται οὐχ ἡσυχάζουσιν τοὺς πόδας ἐν ἑνὶ τόπῳ διὰ τὸ μὴ χήρας, ἀλλὰ πήρας αὐτὰς ὑπάρχειν, ἑτοίμους εἰς τὸ λαμβάνειν, φλυάρους, καταλάλους, μαχοσυμβούλους, ἀναιδεῖς, ἀναισχύντους" αἵτινες τοιαῦται ὑπάρχουσαι οὐκ ἄξιαι τοῦ καλέσαντος τυγχάνουσιν.

hyparchetō oun kai hē parthenos kai hē chēra mē peritrochadēn rhembomenē kata tas tōn allotriōn oikias; hoti hai rhemboi kai anaideis kai hai toiautai ouch hēsychazousin tous podas en heni topǭ dia to mē chēras, alla pēras autas hyparchein, hetoimous eis to lambanein, phlyarous, katalalous, machosymboulous, anaideis, anaischyntous" haitines toiautai hyparchousai ouk axiai tou kalesantos tynchanousin.

Let the virgin too and the widow not be running about, gadding into the houses of strangers; for gadabouts and shameless women and such as these do not keep their feet still in one place, because they are not widows but wallets, ready to receive, babblers, slanderers, stirrers of strife, shameless and brazen; such women are not worthy of him who called them.

1 Tim 5:13 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Virgins and widows must not roam others’ houses as gossiping beggars.

The Greek puns on χῆραι (“widows”) and πῆραι (“wallets”, beggars’ bags). Cf. 1 Tim 5:13.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἢ χήρα μὴ περιτροχᾶς ? ῥεμβομένη → ἡ χήρα μὴ περιτροχάδην ῥεμβομένη; oixiag: → οἰκίας·; aí τοιαῦται → αἱ τοιαῦται; sig τὸ λαμβάνειν → εἰς τὸ λαμβάνειν.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.6.4 (Funk 1:191–193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-6-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.6.5Funk 1:193

οὐ γὰρ ἐπὶ τὸ κοινὸν τῆς συναγωγῆς ἀνάπαυμα ἐν τῇ κυριακῇ καταντῶσιν ὡς οἱ ἐγρηγορότες, ἀλλ᾽ ἢ νυστάζουσιν ἢ φλυαροῦσιν ἢ αἰτοῦσιν ἢ ἑτέρους αἰχμαλωτίζουσιν προσάγοντες τῷ πονηρῷ, οὐκ ἐῶντες αὐτοὺς νήφειν ἐν κυρίῳ, ἀλλὰ παρασκευάζοντες τοιούτους αὐτοὺς ἐξιέναι, οἷοι καὶ εἰσίασιν, διάκενοι διὰ τὸ μὴ ἀκούειν τῶν διδασκόντων ἢ τῶν ἀναγινωσκόντων τὸν τοῦ κυρίου λόγον" περὶ γὰρ τῶν τοιούτων καὶ Ἡσαΐας ὃ προφήτης λέγει" ,,Ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε, καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε· ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου“.

ou gar epi to koinon tēs synagōgēs anapauma en tę̄ kyriakę̄ katantōsin hōs hoi egrēgorotes, all᾽ ē nystazousin ē phlyarousin ē aitousin ē heterous aichmalōtizousin prosagontes tǭ ponērǭ, ouk eōntes autous nēphein en kyriǭ, alla paraskeuazontes toioutous autous exienai, hoioi kai eisiasin, diakenoi dia to mē akouein tōn didaskontōn ē tōn anaginōskontōn ton tou kyriou logon" peri gar tōn toioutōn kai Hēsaïas ho prophētēs legei" ,,Akoę̄ akousete kai ou mē synēte, kai blepontes blepsete kai ou mē idēte; epachynthē gar hē kardia tou laou toutou“.

For they do not come to the common rest of the assembly on the Lord’s day as the watchful do, but either doze, or chatter, or beg, or take others captive, drawing them to the evil one, not allowing them to be sober in the Lord, but making them go out such as they came in, empty, because they do not listen to those who teach or read the word of the Lord. For of such Isaiah the prophet also says: “Hearing you will hear and not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the heart of this people has grown dull.”

Isa 6:9–10 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Such women distract others at the Sunday assembly so that they gain nothing from the word.

Isa 6:9–10.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ,, Ἀχοῇ → ,,Ἀκοῇ; ἴδητεʼ → ἴδητε·.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.6.5 (Funk 1:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-6-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 7

3.7.1Funk 1:193

Τὸν αὐτὸν οὖν τρόπον καὶ τῶν τοιούτων χηρῶν ἐκλείσθη τὰ ὦτα τῆς καρδίας εἰς τὸ μὴ καθεζομένας ἔνδον ἐν ταῖς στέγαις αὐτῶν προσλαλεῖν τῷ κυρίῳ, ἀλλὰ περιτρεχούσας ἐν ἐπινοίᾳ πορισμοῦ διὰ τῶν φλυαριῶν τὰ τοῦ ἀντικειμένου ἐπιθυμήματα πράσσειν.

Ton auton oun tropon kai tōn toioutōn chērōn ekleisthē ta ōta tēs kardias eis to mē kathezomenas endon en tais stegais autōn proslalein tǭ kyriǭ, alla peritrechousas en epinoią porismou dia tōn phlyariōn ta tou antikeimenou epithymēmata prassein.

In the same way, then, the ears of the heart of such widows have been closed, so that they do not sit within their dwellings to speak with the Lord, but run about with schemes of gain and by their chatter do what the adversary desires.

Notes and citation

Summary: Gadabout widows have closed hearts and serve the adversary’s desires.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ποριομοῦ → πορισμοῦ.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.1 (Funk 1:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.7.2Funk 1:193

αἱ τοιαῦται οὖν χῆραι οὐ προσήρτηνται τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

hai toiautai oun chērai ou prosērtēntai tǭ thysiastēriǭ tou Christou.

Such widows, then, are not attached to the altar of Christ.

Notes and citation

Summary: Such widows do not belong to Christ’s altar.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): τᾷ θυσιαστηρίῳ → τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.2 (Funk 1:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.7.3Funk 1:193–195

εἰσὶ γὰρ ἔνιαι χῆραι ἐργασίαν ἡγούμεναι τὸ πρᾶγμα, καὶ ἐξ ὧν ἀναισχύντως αἰτοῦσιν καὶ ἀπλήστως λαμβάνουσιν, ἤδη καὶ ὀκνηροτέρους τοὺς πολλοὺς πρὸς τὸ διδόναι κατέστησαν" δέον γὰρ αὐτὰς ἀρκεῖσθαι τοῖς ἐκκλησιαστικοῖς διὰ μετριότητα γνώμης, ἐκ τῶν ἐναντίων ἐμπεριτρέχουσαι τοὺς τῶν πλουσίων οἴκους διασείουσιν εὐπορίαν χρημάτων ἑαυταῖς σωρεύουσαι, καὶ ἐπὶ πικροῖς τόκοις δανείζουσιν καὶ μόνου τοῦ μαμωνᾷ φροντίζουσιν, ὧν ὃ θεὸς τὸ βαλλάντιον, αἱ τὸ φαγεῖν καὶ τὸ πιεῖν προκρίνουσιν πάσης ἀρετῆς λέγουσαι· ,,Φάγωμεν καὶ πίωμεν, αὔριον γὰρ ἀποθνήσκομεν“, αἱ ὡς ἑστῶτα ταῦτα ἐλογίσαντο καὶ οὐχ ὡς φεύγοντα.

eisi gar eniai chērai ergasian hēgoumenai to pragma, kai ex hōn anaischyntōs aitousin kai aplēstōs lambanousin, ēdē kai oknēroterous tous pollous pros to didonai katestēsan" deon gar autas arkeisthai tois ekklēsiastikois dia metriotēta gnōmēs, ek tōn enantiōn emperitrechousai tous tōn plousiōn oikous diaseiousin euporian chrēmatōn heautais sōreuousai, kai epi pikrois tokois daneizousin kai monou tou mamōną phrontizousin, hōn ho theos to ballantion, hai to phagein kai to piein prokrinousin pasēs aretēs legousai; ,,Phagōmen kai piōmen, aurion gar apothnēskomen“, hai hōs hestōta tauta elogisanto kai ouch hōs pheugonta.

For there are some widows who regard the matter as a trade, and by asking shamelessly and receiving insatiably have already made most people slower to give. For when they ought to be content with what the church gives, out of moderation of mind, on the contrary they run round the houses of the rich and shake them down, heaping up abundance of money for themselves; and they lend at bitter interest and care only for mammon — their purse is their god; they prefer eating and drinking to all virtue, saying, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die,” reckoning these things as lasting and not as passing away.

1 Cor 15:32 (quotation, high confidence) · Isa 22:13 (quotation, medium confidence) · Phil 3:19 (allusion, low confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Some widows make begging a trade, hoard money and lend at interest.

1 Cor 15:32 (Isa 22:13); cf. Phil 3:19.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἕξαυταῖς ix σωρεύουσαι → ἑαυταῖς σωρεύουσαι; πιχροῖς → πικροῖς; λέγουσαι", Φάγωμεν → λέγουσαι· ,,Φάγωμεν.

Topics: Church office, Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.3 (Funk 1:193–195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.7.4Funk 1:195

ἡ γὰρ ἠσχηκυῖα περὶ τὸ χρηματολογεῖν ἀντὶ τοῦ θεοῦ λατρεύει τῷ μαμωνᾷ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν δουλεύει τῷ κέρδει, τῷ δὲ θεῷ εὐάρεστος εἶναι οὐ δύναται οὐδὲ ταῖς λατρείαις αὐτοῦ ὑπήκοος, συνεχῶς οὐ δυναμένη ἐντυγχάνειν αὐτῷ, ἐπὶ τὸ ἀργυρολογεῖν τὸν νοῦν καὶ τὴν διάθεσιν ἔχουσα, ἐπείπερ ,,ὅπου ὁ θησαυρός, ἐκεῖ καὶ ἡ καρδία αὐτῆς.

hē gar ēschēkuia peri to chrēmatologein anti tou theou latreuei tǭ mamōną, tout᾽ estin douleuei tǭ kerdei, tǭ de theǭ euarestos einai ou dynatai oude tais latreiais autou hypēkoos, synechōs ou dynamenē entynchanein autǭ, epi to argyrologein ton noun kai tēn diathesin echousa, epeiper ,,hopou ho thēsauros, ekei kai hē kardia autēs.

For she who has trained herself in collecting money serves mammon instead of God, that is, she is a slave to gain, and cannot be pleasing to God nor obedient in his worship, being unable to intercede with him continually, since she has her mind and disposition set on collecting silver; for “where the treasure is, there also is” her “heart.”

Matt 6:24 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 6:21 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: A widow devoted to money serves mammon and cannot pray rightly.

Matt 6:24, 21.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ἐπείπερ οὕπου ὃ θησαυρός, ἐκεῖ καὶ jj καρδία → ἐπείπερ ,,ὅπου ὁ θησαυρός, ἐκεῖ καὶ ἡ καρδία.

Topics: Prayer, Ethics

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.4 (Funk 1:195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.7.5Funk 1:195

ἐν νῷ γὰρ διαλαμβάνει, ποῦ πορευθῇ λήμματος χάριν, ἢ ὅτι ἡ δεῖνα ἡ φίλη αὐτῆς ἐπιλέλησται καὶ λόγον τινὰ ταύτῃ προσενεγκεῖν ὀφείλει" ἡ δὲ τοιαῦτα λογιζομένη οὐκέτι τῇ προσευχῇ προσέξει, ἀλλὰ τῇ ἐμπιπτούσῃ ἐννοίᾳ. διὸ κἂν ποτε θελήσῃ προσεύξασθαι ὑπέρ τινος, οὐκ εἰσακουσθήσεται᾽ οὐ γὰρ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας προσφέρει τὴν δέησιν κυρίῳ, ἀλλὰ μεμερισμένῃ διανοίᾳ.

en nǭ gar dialambanei, pou poreuthę̄ lēmmatos charin, ē hoti hē deina hē philē autēs epilelēstai kai logon tina tautę̄ prosenenkein opheilei" hē de toiauta logizomenē ouketi tę̄ proseuchę̄ prosexei, alla tę̄ empiptousę̄ ennoią. dio kan pote thelēsę̄ proseuxasthai hyper tinos, ouk eisakousthēsetai᾽ ou gar ex holēs kardias prospherei tēn deēsin kyriǭ, alla memerismenę̄ dianoią.

For she turns over in her mind where she may go for gain, or that such-and-such a woman, her friend, has forgotten her and she ought to have a word with her. And she who thinks such things will no longer attend to her prayer, but to the thought that occurs to her. So even if she sometimes wishes to pray for someone, she will not be heard; for she does not offer her petition to the Lord with her whole heart, but with a divided mind.

Notes and citation

Summary: A distracted widow’s prayers are not heard.

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.5 (Funk 1:195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.7.6Funk 1:195–197

ἡ δὲ θεῷ βουλομένη προσανέχειν καθημένη ἔνδον φρονεῖ τὰ τοῦ κυρίου, νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἀκαταπαύστῳ στόματι δέησιν προσφέρουσα εἰλικρινῆ. ὥσπερ οὖν καὶ ἡ σοφωτάτη Ἰουδίθ, μαρτυρουμένη ἐπὶ σωφροσύνῃ, νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐδεῖτο τοῦ θεοῦ ὑπὲρ τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, οὕτως οὖν καὶ ἡ ὁμοία αὐτῇ χήρα ἔντευξιν ἀκατάπαυστον ὑπὲρ τῆς ἐκκλησίας προσοίσει τῷ θεῷ, καὶ εἰσακούσεται αὐτῆς διὰ τὸ τὴν διάνοιαν αὐτῆς πρὸς μόνῳ τούτῳ ἠρτῆσθαι καὶ μήτε πρὸς ἀπληστίαν μήτε πρὸς ἐπιθυμίαν πολυδάπανον ἐκκεῖσθαι· ὅ τε ὀφθαλμὸς αὐτῆς ἁγνὸς καὶ ἡ ἀκοὴ καθαρὰ καὶ αἱ χεῖρες ἀμόλυντοι καὶ οἱ πόδες ἥσυχοι καὶ τὸ στόμα οὔτε πρὸς λαιμαργίαν οὔτε πρὸς φλυαρίαν ἕτοιμον, ἀλλὰ λαλοῦν μὲν τὰ δέοντα, μεταλαμβάνον δὲ ὧν προσήκει διὰ μόνην τὴν σύστασιν" οὕτως οὖν σεμνὴ καὶ ἀτάραχος ὑπάρχουσα εὐάρεστος ἔσται τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἅμα τῷ αἰτήσασθαι αὐτήν τι προφθάσει αὐτὴν ἡ δόσις" ,,Ἔτι“ γάρ ,,σου“, φησί, ,,λαλοῦντος ἐρῶ· ἰδοὺ πάρειμι“.

hē de theǭ boulomenē prosanechein kathēmenē endon phronei ta tou kyriou, nyktos kai hēmeras akatapaustǭ stomati deēsin prospherousa eilikrinē. hōsper oun kai hē sophōtatē Ioudith, martyroumenē epi sōphrosynę̄, nyktos kai hēmeras edeito tou theou hyper tou Israēl, houtōs oun kai hē homoia autę̄ chēra enteuxin akatapauston hyper tēs ekklēsias prosoisei tǭ theǭ, kai eisakousetai autēs dia to tēn dianoian autēs pros monǭ toutǭ ērtēsthai kai mēte pros aplēstian mēte pros epithymian polydapanon ekkeisthai; ho te ophthalmos autēs hagnos kai hē akoē kathara kai hai cheires amolyntoi kai hoi podes hēsychoi kai to stoma oute pros laimargian oute pros phlyarian hetoimon, alla laloun men ta deonta, metalambanon de hōn prosēkei dia monēn tēn systasin" houtōs oun semnē kai atarachos hyparchousa euarestos estai tǭ theǭ, kai hama tǭ aitēsasthai autēn ti prophthasei autēn hē dosis" ,,Eti“ gar ,,sou“, phēsi, ,,lalountos erō; idou pareimi“.

But she who wishes to devote herself to God sits within and minds the things of the Lord, offering sincere petition night and day with an unceasing mouth. As, then, the most wise Judith, attested for her chastity, besought God night and day for Israel, so the widow who is like her will offer unceasing intercession to God for the church; and he will hear her, because her mind is fixed on this alone and is not given over to greed or to extravagant desire. Her eye is pure, her hearing clean, her hands undefiled, her feet quiet, and her mouth ready neither for gluttony nor for chatter, but speaking what is needful and partaking only of what is required for her sustenance. Being thus dignified and untroubled, she will be pleasing to God, and as soon as she asks anything, the gift will come before her: “For while you are still speaking,” he says, “I will say: Here I am.”

Isa 58:9 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 7:34 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The true widow, like Judith, prays without ceasing for the church and is heard by God.

Judith (cf. Jdt 8:1–8; 9). Isa 58:9 (cf. 65:24).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): καὶ ἣ σοφωτάτη Ἰουδίθʼι → καὶ ἡ σοφωτάτη Ἰουδίθ; νυχτὸς → νυκτὸς; ἀκατάπαυστο: → ἀκατάπαυστον; ἐκκεῖσθαι" 0 τε ὀφθαλμὸς → ἐκκεῖσθαι· ὅ τε ὀφθαλμὸς; καὶ 5$ ἀκοὴ → καὶ ἡ ἀκοὴ; ὧν προσxtv διὰ → ὧν προσήκει διὰ; ,, Ert! γάρ ,,σου“, φησί, ,λαλοῦντος → ,,Ἔτι“ γάρ ,,σου“, φησί, ,,λαλοῦντος; ἐρῶ" ἰδοὺ → ἐρῶ· ἰδοὺ.

Extrabiblical texts: Jdt 8 (Judith [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; allusion)

Topics: Prayer, Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.6 (Funk 1:195–197; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.7.7Funk 1:197–199

τοιαύτη δὲ οὐσα ὑπαρχέτω ἀφιλάργυρος, ἄτυφος, μὴ αἰσχροκερδής, μὴ ἄπληστος, μὴ λίχνος" ἀλλ᾽ ἐγκρατής, πραεῖα, ἀτάραχος, εὐλαβής, αἰδήμων, καθημένη ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτῆς ψάλλουσα, προσευχομένη, ἀναγινώσκουσα, ἀγρυπνοῦσα, νηστεύουσα, θεῷ πάντοτε προσομιλοῦσα ᾠδαῖς καὶ ὕμνοις· 8. ἔριά τε ἐκλαμβάνουσα ἑτέροις μᾶλλον ἐπιχορηγείτω, ἥπερ αὐτή τινος δεέσθω, μιμνησκομένη τῆς ἐν τῷ Εὐαγγελίῳ μεμαρτυρημένης ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου χήρας, ἥτις, ,,ἐλθοῦσα ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἔβαλεν εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον τὰ δύο λεπτά, ὅπερ ἐστὶ κοδράντης“· καὶ θεασάμενος αὐτὴν ὃ καρδιογνώστης Χριστὸς ὃ κύριος ἡμῶν καὶ διδάσκαλος εἶπεν· ,,Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι αὕτη ἡ χήρα πλεῖον πάντων ἔβαλεν εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον, ὅτι οἱ πάντες ἐκ τοῦ περισσεύματος αὐτῶν ἔβαλον, αὕτη δὲ ὅλον τὸν βίον αὐτῆς, ὃν εἶχεν“. Σεμνὰς οὖν δεῖ εἶναι τὰς χήρας, πειθομένας τοῖς ἐπισκόποις καὶ τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις καὶ τοῖς διακόνοις, ἔτι μὴν καὶ ταῖς διακόνοις, εὐλαβουμένας, ἐντρεπομένας, φοβουμένας, μὴ κατεξουσιαζούσας μηδὲ παρὰ τὴν διαταγήν τι ποιεῖν θελούσας δίχα γνώμης τοῦ διακόνου, οἷον τὸ πρός τινα ἀπελθεῖν θελούσας ἐπὶ τὸ φαγεῖν παρ᾽ αὐτῷ ἢ πιεῖν ἢ λαβεῖν τι παρά τινος. εἰ δὲ μὴ κελευσθεῖσα ποιήσει ἕν τι τούτων, ἐπιτιμάσθω νηστείᾳ ἢ ἀφορισμῷ ὡς προπετής. 2. τί γὰρ ἐπίσταται, ὁποία τίς ἐστιν, παρ᾽ ἧς λαμβάνει, ἢ ἐκ ποταπῆς διακονίας παραβάλλει τὴν τροφήν; πότερον ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς ἢ ἑτέρας τινὸς οὐ καλῆς ἀγωγῆς; οὐκ ἐπισταμένη ἡ χήρα, ὅτι ὑπὲρ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου τούτων δώσει λόγον τῷ θεῷ δεχομένη ἀναξίως θεοῦ. οὔτε γὰρ οἱ ἱερεῖς τοιαύτης ἑκουσιασμὸν δέξονταί ποτε οἷον ἅρπαγος ἢ πόρνης" γέγραπται γάρ· ,,Οὐκ ἐπιθυμήσεις τὰ τοῦ πλησίον“, καί· ,,Οὐ προσοίσεις μίσθωμα πόρνης κυρίῳ τῷ θεῷ“. οὐ δεῖ οὖν δέχεσθαι παρὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὔτε μὴν παρὰ ἀφωρισμένων. 3. γινέσθωσαν δὲ αἱ χῆραι ἕτοιμοι πρὸς ὑπακοὴν τῶν ἐντεταλμένων αὐταῖς ὑπὸ τῶν κρειττόνων, καὶ κατὰ τὴν διάταξιν τοῦ ἐπισκόπου ποιείτωσαν ὡς θεῷ ὑπακούουσαι. ὃ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοιούτου ἐπιρρήτου ἢ ἀποσυναγώγου δεχόμενος καὶ ὑπὲρ τούτου προσευχόμενος, ἐμμένειν τοῖς κακοῖς προαιρουμένου καὶ μὴ θέλοντος μεταμεληθῆναί ποτε, κοινωνεῖ τούτῳ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ λυπεῖ Χριστὸν τὸν τοὺς ἀδίκους ἀποστρεφόμενον, καὶ οἰκοδομεῖ αὐτοὺς διὰ τῆς ἀναξίου δόσεως καὶ συμμολύνεται αὐτοῖς, μὴ ἀφίων αὐτοὺς εἰς μετάνοιαν ἐλθεῖν, ὥστε προσκλαῦσαι καὶ δεηθῆναι τοῦ θεοῦ.

toiautē de ousa hyparchetō aphilargyros, atyphos, mē aischrokerdēs, mē aplēstos, mē lichnos" all᾽ enkratēs, praeia, atarachos, eulabēs, aidēmōn, kathēmenē en tę̄ oikią autēs psallousa, proseuchomenē, anaginōskousa, agrypnousa, nēsteuousa, theǭ pantote prosomilousa ǭdais kai hymnois; 8. eria te eklambanousa heterois mallon epichorēgeitō, hēper autē tinos deesthō, mimnēskomenē tēs en tǭ Euangeliǭ memartyrēmenēs hypo tou kyriou chēras, hētis, ,,elthousa en tǭ hierǭ ebalen eis to gazophylakion ta dyo lepta, hoper esti kodrantēs“; kai theasamenos autēn ho kardiognōstēs Christos ho kyrios hēmōn kai didaskalos eipen; ,,Amēn legō hymin, hoti hautē hē chēra pleion pantōn ebalen eis to gazophylakion, hoti hoi pantes ek tou perisseumatos autōn ebalon, hautē de holon ton bion autēs, hon eichen“. Semnas oun dei einai tas chēras, peithomenas tois episkopois kai tois presbyterois kai tois diakonois, eti mēn kai tais diakonois, eulaboumenas, entrepomenas, phoboumenas, mē katexousiazousas mēde para tēn diatagēn ti poiein thelousas dicha gnōmēs tou diakonou, hoion to pros tina apelthein thelousas epi to phagein par᾽ autǭ ē piein ē labein ti para tinos. ei de mē keleustheisa poiēsei hen ti toutōn, epitimasthō nēsteią ē aphorismǭ hōs propetēs. 2. ti gar epistatai, hopoia tis estin, par᾽ hēs lambanei, ē ek potapēs diakonias paraballei tēn trophēn? poteron ex harpagēs ē heteras tinos ou kalēs agōgēs? ouk epistamenē hē chēra, hoti hyper henos hekastou toutōn dōsei logon tǭ theǭ dechomenē anaxiōs theou. oute gar hoi hiereis toiautēs hekousiasmon dexontai pote hoion harpagos ē pornēs" gegraptai gar; ,,Ouk epithymēseis ta tou plēsion“, kai; ,,Ou prosoiseis misthōma pornēs kyriǭ tǭ theǭ“. ou dei oun dechesthai para tōn toioutōn oute mēn para aphōrismenōn. 3. ginesthōsan de hai chērai hetoimoi pros hypakoēn tōn entetalmenōn autais hypo tōn kreittonōn, kai kata tēn diataxin tou episkopou poieitōsan hōs theǭ hypakouousai. ho gar apo toioutou epirrētou ē aposynagōgou dechomenos kai hyper toutou proseuchomenos, emmenein tois kakois proairoumenou kai mē thelontos metamelēthēnai pote, koinōnei toutǭ tę̄ proseuchę̄ kai lypei Christon ton tous adikous apostrephomenon, kai oikodomei autous dia tēs anaxiou doseōs kai symmolynetai autois, mē aphiōn autous eis metanoian elthein, hōste prosklausai kai deēthēnai tou theou.

Being such, let her be free from love of money, not arrogant, not greedy for gain, not insatiable, not gluttonous, but self-controlled, gentle, untroubled, devout, modest, sitting in her house singing psalms, praying, reading, keeping vigil, fasting, conversing with God always in songs and hymns. [8] And taking wool to work, let her rather supply others than need anything herself, remembering the widow attested by the Lord in the Gospel, who “came into the temple and threw into the treasury the two lepta, which make a quadrans”; and Christ our Lord and Teacher, who knows the heart, seeing her, said: “Truly I say to you, this widow has put into the treasury more than all; for all put in out of their abundance, but she all the living that she had.” [Chapter 8.1] The widows, then, must be dignified, obedient to the bishops and the presbyters and the deacons, and also to the deaconesses, reverent, respectful, fearful, not acting on their own authority nor wishing to do anything contrary to the ordinance without the deacon’s consent — for instance, wishing to go to someone to eat or drink at his house, or to receive something from someone. And if, without being bidden, she does any one of these things, let her be punished with fasting or with exclusion as rash. [2] For what does she know of what kind of person the one is from whom she receives, or from what kind of service the food she is given comes? Whether from robbery or some other bad way of life? Does the widow not know that she will give account to God for each of these things, if she receives in a way unworthy of God? For neither will the priests ever accept a free-will offering from such people, such as a robber or a prostitute; for it is written: “You shall not covet what is your neighbour’s,” and, “You shall not bring the hire of a prostitute to the Lord your God.” One must not, then, receive from such people, nor indeed from those who are excommunicated. [3] Let the widows be ready to obey what is commanded them by their superiors, and let them act according to the bishop’s ordinance as obeying God. For whoever receives from such a notorious sinner or excommunicated person and prays for him, while he chooses to remain in his evils and will never repent, shares with him in prayer and grieves Christ, who turns away from the unjust; and he confirms them through their unworthy gift and is defiled with them, not letting them come to repentance so as to weep before God and entreat him.

Mark 12:41–44 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 21:1–4 (quotation, medium confidence) · Exod 20:17 (quotation, high confidence) · Deut 23:18 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The widow should pray, fast and work like the widow with two coins; widows must obey the clergy and not accept gifts from robbers, prostitutes or the excommunicated.

Funk’s section 7.8 and chapter 8 (sections 1–3) sit inside this staged ref, because the OCR lost or misread their numerals; they are marked [8], [Chapter 8.1], [2], [3]. The digital text has “(VIII)”, the older chapter number, twice; removed. Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4; Exod 20:17; Deut 23:18. “Deaconesses” renders αἱ διάκονοι.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; older chapter number removed; section numeral misread): φὠδαῖς → ᾠδαῖς; ὕμνοις" ὃ. ἔριά → ὕμνοις· 8. ἔριά; ἐλθοῦσα“ ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ , ἔβαλεν → ,,ἐλθοῦσα ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἔβαλεν; δίο λεπτά → δύο λεπτά; κοδράντης““ xol → κοδράντης“· καὶ; εἶπεν" , Ἀμὴν → εἶπεν· ,,Ἀμὴν; εἶχεν“. ΨΠΠ. Σεμνὰς → εἶχεν“. Σεμνὰς; τινος. ti δὲ → τινος. εἰ δὲ; προπετής. 2 (VIIL). τί γὰρ → προπετής. 2. τί γὰρ; nag ἧς → παρ᾽ ἧς; oUx ἐπισταμένη 7 χήρα → οὐκ ἐπισταμένη ἡ χήρα; ἕκουσιασμὸν → ἑκουσιασμὸν; γέγραπται ydo: »Οὐκχ → γέγραπται γάρ· ,,Οὐκ; xai* ,,Οὐ → καί· ,,Οὐ; τριούτων → τοιούτων; προeupovuérvov → προαιρουμένου.

Topics: Church office, Prayer, Fasting

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.7.7 (Funk 1:197–199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-7-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 9

3.9.1Funk 1:199–201

Περὶ δὲ τοῦ γυναῖκας βαπτίζειν γνωρίζομεν ὑμῖν, ὅτι κίνδυνος οὐ μικρὸς ταῖς τοῦτο ἐπιχειρούσαις᾽ διὸ οὐ συμβουλεύομεν" ἐπισφαλὲς γάρ, μᾶλλον δὲ παράνομον καὶ ἀσεβές.

Peri de tou gynaikas baptizein gnōrizomen hymin, hoti kindynos ou mikros tais touto epicheirousais᾽ dio ou symbouleuomen" episphales gar, mallon de paranomon kai asebes.

As for women baptizing, we make known to you that there is no small danger for those who attempt it; therefore we do not advise it; for it is hazardous, or rather unlawful and impious.

Notes and citation

Summary: Women must not baptize.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): yvvoixag → γυναῖκας; μιχρὸς → μικρὸς.

Topics: Baptism, Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.9.1 (Funk 1:199–201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-9-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.9.2Funk 1:201

εἰ γὰρ ,,κεφαλὴ γυναικὸς ὃ ἀνήρ“, οὗτος δὲ προχειρίζεται εἰς ἱερωσύνην, οὐ δίκαιον ἀθετῆσαι τὴν δημιουργίαν καὶ καταλιπόντα τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐπὶ τὸ ἔσχατον ἐλθεῖν σῶμα· γυνὴ γὰρ σῶμα ἀνδρὸς ἐκ πλευρᾶς ὃν καὶ ὑποκείμενον ἐκείνῳ, ἐξ οὗπερ καὶ διηρέθη εἰς παίδων γένεσιν. ,,Αὐτὸς“ γάρ ,,σου“, φησίν, ,,κυριεύσει“· ἀρχὴ γὰρ γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ, ἐπειδὴ καὶ κεφαλή.

ei gar ,,kephalē gynaikos ho anēr“, houtos de procheirizetai eis hierōsynēn, ou dikaion athetēsai tēn dēmiourgian kai kataliponta tēn archēn epi to eschaton elthein sōma; gynē gar sōma andros ek pleuras hon kai hypokeimenon ekeinǭ, ex houper kai diērethē eis paidōn genesin. ,,Autos“ gar ,,sou“, phēsin, ,,kyrieusei“; archē gar gynaikos ho anēr, epeidē kai kephalē.

For if “the man is the head of the woman,” and he is appointed to the priesthood, it is not right to set aside the order of creation and, leaving the head, to come to the last part of the body. For the woman is the body of the man, being taken from his side and subject to him, from whom she was also separated for the bearing of children. For “he,” it says, “shall rule over you”; for the man is the woman’s beginning, since he is also her head.

1 Cor 11:3 (quotation, high confidence) · Gen 2:21–22 (allusion, high confidence) · Gen 3:16 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Since man is the head of woman in the order of creation, the priesthood belongs to men.

1 Cor 11:3; Gen 2:21–22; Gen 3:16. The argument is translated as written.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): εἰ γὰρ κεφαλὴ → εἰ γὰρ ,,κεφαλὴ; ἐλθεῖν σῶμα γυνὴ → ἐλθεῖν σῶμα· γυνὴ; ὑποχείμενον → ὑποκείμενον; ἐξ οὐπερ → ἐξ οὗπερ; οχουριεύσεικ" ἀρχὴ γὰρ γυrauxóc → ,,κυριεύσει“· ἀρχὴ γὰρ γυναικὸς.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.9.2 (Funk 1:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-9-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.9.3Funk 1:201

εἰ δὲ ἐν τοῖς προλαβοῦσιν διδάσκειν αὐταῖς οὐκ ἐπιτρέπομεν, πῶς ἱερατεῦσαι ταύταις παρὰ φύσιν τις συγχωρήσει; τοῦτο γὰρ τῆς τῶν Ἑλλήνων ἀθεότητος τὸ ἀγνόημα θηλείαις θεαῖς ἱερείας χειροτονεῖν, ἀλλ᾽ οὐ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διατάξεως.

ei de en tois prolabousin didaskein autais ouk epitrepomen, pōs hierateusai tautais para physin tis synchōrēsei? touto gar tēs tōn Hellēnōn atheotētos to agnoēma thēleiais theais hiereias cheirotonein, all᾽ ou tēs tou Christou diataxeōs.

And if earlier we did not permit them to teach, how will anyone allow them, against nature, to act as priests? For this is the ignorance of the godlessness of the Greeks, to ordain priestesses for female goddesses, but it is no part of the ordinance of Christ.

Notes and citation

Summary: Since women may not teach, still less may they be priests, a pagan custom.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ὁὀιατάξεως → διατάξεως.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.9.3 (Funk 1:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-9-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.9.4Funk 1:201

εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔδει ὑπὸ γυναικῶν βαπτίζεσθαι, πάντως ἂν καὶ ὁ κύριος ὑπὸ τῆς ἰδίας μητρὸς ἐβαπτίζετο καὶ οὐχ ὑπὸ Ἰωάννου, ἢ καὶ ἡμᾶς ἀποστέλλων ἐπὶ τὸ βαπτίζειν συναπέστειλεν ἂν ἡμῖν καὶ γυναῖκας ἐπὶ τούτῳ· νῦν δὲ οὐδαμοῦ οὔτε προσέταξεν οὔτε ἐγγράφως παρέδωκεν, εἰδὼς καὶ τὴν ἀκολουθίαν τῆς φύσεως καὶ τὴν εὐπρέπειαν τοῦ πράγματος, ὡς καὶ τῆς φύσεως δημιουργὸς καὶ τῆς διατάξεως νομοθέτης.

ei de kai edei hypo gynaikōn baptizesthai, pantōs an kai ho kyrios hypo tēs idias mētros ebaptizeto kai ouch hypo Iōannou, ē kai hēmas apostellōn epi to baptizein synapesteilen an hēmin kai gynaikas epi toutǭ; nyn de oudamou oute prosetaxen oute engraphōs paredōken, eidōs kai tēn akolouthian tēs physeōs kai tēn euprepeian tou pragmatos, hōs kai tēs physeōs dēmiourgos kai tēs diataxeōs nomothetēs.

And if it were necessary to be baptized by women, the Lord too would surely have been baptized by his own mother and not by John; or, when he sent us to baptize, he would have sent women with us for this. But as it is, he nowhere commanded it or handed it down in writing, knowing both the order of nature and the fitness of the matter, as being both the creator of nature and the lawgiver of the ordinance.

Matt 3:13 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 28:19 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Christ was baptized by John, not his mother, and sent no women to baptize.

Matt 3:13; Matt 28:19.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): συναπἔστειλεν → συναπέστειλεν; ἐπὶ τούτῳ νῦν ὁὲ → ἐπὶ τούτῳ· νῦν δὲ; παρέδωχεν → παρέδωκεν.

Topics: Baptism, Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.9.4 (Funk 1:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-9-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Apostolic 3, chapter 10

3.10.1Funk 1:201

Ἀλλ᾽ οὔτε λαϊκοῖς ἐπιτρέπομεν ποιεῖν τι τῶν ἱερατικῶν ἔργων, οἷον θυσίαν ἢ βάπτισμα ἢ χειροθεσίαν ἢ εὐλογίαν μικρὰν ἢ μεγάλην.

All᾽ oute laïkois epitrepomen poiein ti tōn hieratikōn ergōn, hoion thysian ē baptisma ē cheirothesian ē eulogian mikran ē megalēn.

But neither do we permit the laity to perform any of the priestly works, such as the sacrifice, or baptism, or the laying on of hands, or the blessing, whether small or great.

Notes and citation

Summary: Laymen may not perform priestly acts.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): oiov → οἷον; μικρὰν ἢ) μεγάλην → μικρὰν ἢ μεγάλην.

Topics: Church office, Baptism, Eucharist

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.10.1 (Funk 1:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-10-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.10.2Funk 1:201

,,οὐχ ἑαυτῷ“ γάρ ,,τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλ᾽ ὃ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ“ διὰ γὰρ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ ἐπισκόπου δίδοται ἡ τοιαύτη ἀξία.

,,ouch heautǭ“ gar ,,tis lambanei tēn timēn, all᾽ ho kaloumenos hypo tou theou“ dia gar tēs epitheseōs tōn cheirōn tou episkopou didotai hē toiautē axia.

For “no one takes the honour for himself, but he who is called by God”; for such a dignity is given through the laying on of the bishop’s hands.

Heb 5:4 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Priestly dignity comes only by God’s call through the bishop’s laying on of hands.

Heb 5:4.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): (,οὐχ ἑαυτῷ“ γάρ tic λαμβάνει τὴν τιμή» → ,,οὐχ ἑαυτῷ“ γάρ ,,τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.10.2 (Funk 1:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-10-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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3.10.3Funk 1:201

ὁ δὲ μὴ ἐγχειρισθεὶς ταύτην, ἀλλ᾽ ἁρπάσας αὐτὴν ἑαυτῷ, τὴν τιμωρίαν τοῦ Ὀζία ὑποστήσεται.

ho de mē encheiristheis tautēn, all᾽ harpasas autēn heautǭ, tēn timōrian tou Ozia hypostēsetai.

But one to whom it has not been entrusted, but who has seized it for himself, will suffer the punishment of Uzziah.

2 Chr 26:16–21 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Usurpers of priestly office will be punished like Uzziah.

2 Chr 26:16–21.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Const. ap. 3.10.3 (Funk 1:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/constitutiones-apostolorum/2-58-1/#p-3-10-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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