Chapter 116 of 541

Section 116

Section 116

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\ 84 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. tie to the Romans, has among others made mention also of Hermes, of whom they say we have the book called Pastor, it should be observed, that this too is disputed by some, on account of whom it is not placed among those of acknowledged authority ('0|UO/lo^oi^m>t.) By others, however, it is judged most neces sary, especially to those who need an elementary introduction. Hence we know that it has been already in public use in our churches, and I have also understood by tradition, that some of the most ancient writers have made use of it ^et this suffice for the present, to show what books were disputed, what admit ted by all in the sacred Scriptures^ CHAPTER IV. The first successors of the Apostles. THAT Paul preached to the Gentiles, and established churches from Jerusalem and around as far as Illyricum, is evident both from his own expressions, and from the testimony of Luke in the book of Acts. And in what provinces Peter also proclaimed the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the New Covenant, appears from his own writings, and may be seen from that epistle we have mentioned as admitted in the canon, and which he address ed to the Hebrews in the dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. But how many and which of these, actuated by a genuine zeal, were judged suitable to feed the churches established by these apostles, it is not easy to say, any farther than may be gathered from the writings of Paul. For he, indeed, had innumerable fellow-labourers, or as he him self calls them, fellow-soldiers in the church. Of these, the greater part are honoured with an indelible remembrance by him in his epistles, where he gives a lasting testimony concerning them. Luke also, in hjg^A^ts, speaking of his friends, mentions them by name. Timothy, indeed, is recorded as having first re ceived the episcopate at Ephesus, (ev Epheso TtapoiXLog) as

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