Letters of Ignatius 29

1Since, in the persons mentioned above, I saw and embraced your whole people in faith, I urge you: be zealous to do all things in godly concord, with the bishop presiding after the likeness of God, the presbyters after the likeness of the council of the Apostles, and also the deacons, who are most dear to me, having been entrusted with the diaconate of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the worlds and appeared at the end of time.

2Therefore, all of you, study conformity to God and show reverence to one another. Let no one regard a neighbor after the flesh, but always love one another in Jesus Christ. Let there be nothing among you that has power to divide you; rather, be united with the bishop and with those who preside over you, as an example and a lesson of incorruptibility.