Since, then, in the persons named above I saw the whole multitude in faith and loved them, I advise you: be eager to do everything in the harmony of God, with the bishop presiding in the place of God, the presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles, and the deacons, who are most dear to me, entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the ages and appeared at the end.
Therefore, all of you, having received a disposition like God’s, respect one another, and let no one regard his neighbor according to the flesh; instead, always love one another in Jesus Christ. Let there be nothing among you that can divide you, but be united with the bishop and with those who preside, as a pattern and teaching of incorruption.