Chapter 11

Concerning Valens and Sobriety

¹ I am deeply grieved for Valens, who was once made a presbyter among you, that he so little understands the office that was given to him. I warn you, therefore: abstain from every evil.

² But if someone cannot govern himself in these things, how can he proclaim this to others? If anyone does not abstain from greed, he will be defiled by idolatry and will be judged as though among the Gentiles, who do not know the judgment of the Lord. Or do we not know that the saints will judge the world? as Paul teaches.[1]

³ But I have neither sensed nor heard anything of this kind among you, among whom the blessed Paul laboured, and who are at the beginning of his letter. For he boasts of you in all the churches—churches that alone knew the Lord at that time; but we did not yet know him.[2]

⁴ So I am deeply grieved, brothers, for him and for his wife. May the Lord grant them true repentance. Be sober, then, you also in this matter; and do not regard such people as enemies, but call them back as suffering and straying members, so that you may save your whole body. For in doing this, you build yourselves up.