947 The meaning here is very doubtful. Some read ἐν τοῖς ἀρχαίοις, as translated above; others prefer ἐν τοῖς ἀρχείοις, as in the longer recension.

948 i.e., the system of Christian doctrine.

I therefore did what belonged to me, as a man devoted to unity; adding this also, that where there is diversity of judgment, and wrath, and hatred, God does not dwell. To all them that repent, God grants forgiveness, if they with one consent return to the unity of Christ, and communion with the bishop.⁹⁴⁹

949 Literally, “to the assembly of the bishop.”

I trust to the grace of Jesus Christ, that He will free you from every bond of wickedness.⁹⁵⁰

950 Comp. Isa. lviii. 6.

I therefore exhort you that ye do nothing out of strife,⁹⁵¹

951 Phil. ii. 3.

but according to the doctrine of Christ. For I have heard some saying, If I do not find the Gospel in the archives, I will not believe it. To such persons I say that my archives are Jesus Christ, to disobey whom is manifest destruction. My authentic archives are His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which bears on these things, by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified. He who disbelieves the Gospel disbelieves everything along with it. For the archives ought not to be preferred to the Spirit.⁹⁵²

952 Or, “the archives of the Spirit are not exposed to all.”

“It is hard to kick against the pricks;”⁹⁵³

953 Acts xxvi. 14.

it is hard to disbelieve Christ; it is hard to reject the preaching of the apostles.

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