Judge each Christian by conduct

But someone will say, “Some who were arrested have already been proved criminals.” Yes, you often condemn many people when, in each case, you examine the life of the accused; but you do not condemn them because of those mentioned above. So we acknowledge this general point: just as among the Greeks those who teach whatever opinions please them are all called by the one name “philosophy,” even though their doctrines are contradictory, so also among the barbarians the same name is applied to those who have become or are thought to be wise. All are called Christians. Therefore we ask that the actions of everyone reported to you be judged, so that whoever is proved unjust may be punished as an unjust person, not as a Christian; and if someone is shown to be innocent, let him be released as a Christian who has done no wrong. We will not ask you to punish the accusers, for their present wickedness and ignorance of what is good are punishment enough.