Chapter 6

Submission to the Bishop and the Virtue of the Faithful

1 Pay attention to the bishop, so that God may also pay attention to you.

2 I give myself as a ransom for those who submit to the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons; may it be granted me to share a portion with them in God.

3 Labor together, struggle together, run together, suffer together, rest together, rise together, as God’s stewards, assistants, and servants.

4 Please the One under whom you serve, from whom you also receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter.[1]

5 Let your baptism remain as your armor, faith as a helmet, love as a spear, endurance as full armor. Your deeds are your deposits, so that you may receive the back-pay you deserve.[2]

6 So bear with one another in gentleness, as God bears with you.

7 May I always have joy in you.