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375 - 380 AD
The Apostolic Constitutions (or Constitutions of the Holy
Apostles, lat. Constitutiones Apostolorum)
By Clement, Bishop And Citizen Of Rome (Pseudonym)
The Work Claiming To Be The Constitutions Of The Holy Apostles,
Including The Canons; William Whiston's Version, Revised From The
Greek;
Irah Chase, OttoKrabbe
D. Appleton and company, 1848
Link on Google Book
Table of Contents
 BOOK I. Concerning The Laity
 BookII. Concerning Bishops,Presbyters, And Deacons
 BookIII. Concerning Widows
 BookIV. Concerning Orphans
 Book V.Concerning Martyrs
 Book VI. Concerning Schisms
 Book VII. Concerning Deportment, And The Eucharist, And Initiation
Into Christ
 Book VIII. Concerning Gifts, And Ordinations, And Ecclesiastical
Canons
BOOK I. Concerning The Laity
Chapters
I. ConcerningCovetousness
II. That we ought not to return injuries, nor revenge ourselves on him that doeth us
wrong
III. Concerningtheadornmentofourselves,andthesinwhichariseththence
IV. That we ought not to be over curious about such as live wickedly, but to be intent
uponourownproperemployment
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V. WhatbooksofScriptureweoughttoread
VI. Thatweoughttoabstainfromallthebooksofthosethatareoutofthechurch
VII. Concerningabadwoman
VIII. Concerningthe subjection ofa wife toher husband, andthat she must be lovingand
modest
IX. Thatawomanmustnotbathewithmen
X. Concerningacontentiousandbrawlingwoman
Book II. Concerning Bishops, Presbyters, And Deacons
Chapters
I. InwhatthingsaBishopistobeexaminedbeforeheisordained
II. Thatcharitabledistributionsarenottobemadetoeverywidow,butthatsometimes
a woman who has a husband is to be preferred; and that no distributions are to be
madetoanyonewhoisgiventogluttony,drunkenness,andidleness
III. ThataBishopmustbenoaccepterofpersonsinjudgment;thathemustbegentlein
hisconversation,andtemperateinhisdiet
IV. ThataBishopmustnotbegiventofilthylucre,norbeasurety,noranadvocate
V. Whatoughttobethecharacteroftheinitiated
VI. Concerningapersonfalselyaccused,or,ontheotherhand,apersonconvicted
VII. ThataBishopoughtnottoreceivebribes
VIII. ThataBishop,who,bywrongjudgment,sparethanoffender,ishimselfguilty
IX. HowaBishopoughttojudgeoffenders
X. AnInstruction,howaBishopoughttobehavehimselftothePenitent
XI. Thatweoughttobewarehowwemaketrialofanysinfulcourse
XII. Concerning those who affirm that a Penitent is not to be received into the church.
That a righteous person, although he converse with a sinner, Avill not perish with
him. That no person is punished for another; but every one must give an account of
himself.Thatwemustassistthosewhoareweakinthefaith;andthataBishopmust
notbegovernedbyanyturbulentpersonamongthelaity
XIII. ThatthePriestmustneitheroverlookoffences,norberashinpunishingthem
XIV. OfPenance.Themannerofit,andrulesconcerningit
XV. ThataBishopmustbeunblamable,andapatternforthosewhoareunderhischarge
XVI. That a Bishop must take care that his people do not sin, considering that he is a
watchman
XVII. That a shepherd who is careless of his sheep incurreth penalty; and that a sheep
whodothnotobeytheshepherdispunished
XVIII. HowthegovernedaretoobeytheBishopswhoaresetoverthem
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XIX. That it is a dangerous thing to judge without hearing both sides, or to determine
punishmentagainstapersonbeforeheisconvicted
XX. That David, the Ninevites, Hezekiah, and his son Manasseh are eminent examples of
repentance
XXI. Amonmaybeanexampletosuchassinwithahighhand
XXII. ThatChristJesusourLordcametosavesinnersbyrepentance
XXIII. Of first-fruits and tithes; and after what manner the Bishop is himself to partake of
them,ortodistributethemtoothers
XXIV. AccordingtowhatpatternanddignityeveryorderoftheclergyisappointedbyGod
XXV. That it is a horrible thing for a man to thrust himself into any sacerdotal office; as
didCorahandhiscompany,Saul,andUzziah
XXVI. Of an entertainment; and how each distinct order of the clergy is to be treated by
thosewhoinvitethemtoit
XXVII. WhatisthedignityofaBishopandofaDeacon
XXVIII. AfterwhatmannerthelaityaretobeobedienttotheDeacon
XXIX. ThattheDeaconmustnotdoanythingwithouttheBishop
XXX. ThattheDeaconmustnotmakeanydistributionswithouttheconsentoftheBishop,
becausethatwillturntothereproachoftheBishop
XXXI. After what manner the Priests are to be honored and to be reverenced as our
spiritualparents
XXXII. ThatthePriestsaretobepreferredbeforetherulersandkings
XXXIII. ThatboththeLawandtheGospelprescribeofferings
XXXIV. MentionoftheTenCommandments;andafterwhatmannertheyprescribe
XXXV. Concerning accusers and false accusers; and how a judge is not rashly either to
believethemortodisbelievethem,butafteranaccurateexamination
XXXVI. That they who sin are to be privately reproved, and the Penitent to be received
accordingtotheConstitutionofourLord
XXXVII. Examplesofrepentance
XXXVIII. Thatwearenottobeimplacabletowardshimwhohathonceortwiceoffended
XXXIX. HowweoughttoreceivethePenitent,andhowtobearwiththemthatsin,andwhen
tocutthemofffromthechurch
XL. Thatajudgemustnotbearespecterofpersons
XLI. Howfalseaccusersaretobepunished
XLII. That the Deacon is to ease the burden of the Bishops, and to order the smaller
mattershimself
XLIII. ThatcontentionsandquarrelsareunbecomingChristians
XLIV. That believers ought not to go to law before unbelievers; nor ought any unbeliever
tobecalledforawitnessagainstbelievers
XLV. ThatthejudicaturesofChristiansoughttobeheldontheseconddayoftheweek
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XLVI. That the same punishment is not to be inflicted forevery offence, but different
punishmentsfordifferentoffenders
XLVII. Whataretobethecharactersofaccusersandwitnesses
XLVIII. Thatformeroffencessometimesrendersubsequentonescredible
XLIX. Againstjudgingwithouthearingbothsides
L. The caution observed at heathen tribunals before the condemnation of criminals,
affordethChristiansagoodexample
LI. ThatChristiansoughtnottohavecontentionsonewithanother
LII. That the Bishops must, by their Deacon, put the people in mind of the obligation
theyareundertolivepeaceablytogether
LIII. An enumeration of several instances of divine Providence, and how, in every age,
fromthebeginning,Godhathinvitedallmentorepentance
LIV. That it is the will of God that men should be of one mind, in matters of religion, like
theheavenlyPowers
LV. An exact description of a church, and the clergy: and what things in particular,
everyone is to do in the solemn assemblies of the clergy and laity for religious
worship
LVI. Of commendatory letters in favor of strangers, lay-persons, clergymen, and bishops;
and that those who come into the church-assemblies, are to be received without
regardtotheirquality
LVII. That every Christian ought to frequent the church diligently both morning and
evening
LVIII. ThevainzealwhichtheheathenandtheJewsshowinfrequentingtheirtemplesand
synagogues is a proper example and motive to excite Christians to frequent the
church
LIX. Thatwemustnotprefertheaffairsofthislifetothosewhichconcerntheworshipof
God
LX. ThatChristiansmustabstainfromalltheimpiouspracticesoftheheathen
LXI. That no Christian who will not work must eat; as Peter and the rest of the apostles
were fishermen, Paul and Aquila, tentmakers; and Jude the son of James, a
husbandman
Book III. Concerning Widows
Chapters
I. Thatthosewhoarechosenwidowsoughttobenotundersixtyyearsofage
II. Thatwemustavoidthechoiceofyoungerwidows,becauseofsuspicion
III. in. Of what character the widows ought to be, and how they ought to be supported
bytheBishop
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IV. Thatweoughttobecharitabletoallsortsofpersonsinwant
V. Thatthewidowsaretobeverycarefuloftheirdeportment
VI. That women ought not to teach, because it is unseemly; and what women followed
ourLord
VII. Whatarethecharactersofwidowsfalselysocalled
VIII. That a widow ought not to accept of alms from the unworthy, nor ought a Bishop,
noranyotherofthefaithful
IX. Thatwomenoughtnottobaptize;becauseitisimpious,andcontrarytothedoctrine
ofChrist
X. That a layman ought not to perform a priestly work, baptism, or sacrifice, or laying
onofhands,orblessing
XI. That none but a Bishop or a Presbyter, none even of the inferior ranks of the clergy
arepermittedtodotheofficesofthePriests;thatordinationbelongethwhollytothe
Bishop,andtonootherperson
XII. Therejectionofalluncharitableactions
XIII. Howthewidowsaretoprayforthosewhosupplytheirnecessities
XIV. That she who hath been kind to the poor ought not to boast, and tell abroad her
name,accordingtotheConstitutionoftheLord
XV. That it doth not become us to revile our neighbors, because cursing is contrary to
Christianity
XVI. Concerningthedivineinitiationofholybaptism
XVII. What is the meaning of baptism into Christ 5 and on what account everything
thereinissaidanddone
XVIII. Ofwhatcharacterheoughttobewhoisinitiated
XIX. OfwhatcharacteraDeaconoughttobe
XX. That a Bishop ought to be ordained by three or by two Bishops, but not by one; for
thatwouldbeinvalid
Book IV. Concerning Orphans
Chapters
I. Thatitishighlycommendabletoreceiveorphanskindly,andadoptthem
II. HowtheBishopoughttoprovidefortheorphans
III. Whooughttobesupported,accordingtotheLord'sConstitution
IV. Concerningtheloveofmoney
V. WithwhatfearmenoughttopartakeoftheLord'soblations
VI. Whoseoblationsaretobereceived,andwhosearenottobereceived
VII. That the oblations of the unworthy, while they are such, do not only not propitiate
God,but,onthecontrary,provokehimtoindignation
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VIII. That it is better to present to the widows from our own labors, though it be
inconsiderable and few contributions, than to presenfthose which are many and
large, receivedfromthe ungodly. Forit isbettertoperishbyfamine, than toreceive
anoblationfromtheungodly
IX. That the people ought to be exhorted by the Priest to do good to the needy, as saith
Solomonthewise
X. A Constitution, that if anyone of the ungodly by force will cast money to the Priests,
theyspenditinwoodandcoals,butnotinfood
XI. OfParentsandChildren
XII. OfServantsandMasters
XIII. Inwhatthingsweoughttobesubjecttotherulersofthisworld
XIV. OfVirgins
Book V. Concerning Martyrs
Chapters
I. That it is reasonable for the faithful to supply, according to the Constitution of the
Lord,thewantsofthosewho,bytheunbelievers,areafflictedforthesakeofChrist
II. That we are to avoid intercourse with false brethren, when they continue in their
perversity
III. That we ought to afford a helping hand to such as are plundered for the sake of
Christ,althoughweshouldincurdangerourselves
IV. ThatitisahorribleanddestructivethingtodenyChrist
V. ThatweoughttoimitateChristinsuffering,andwithzealtofollowhispatience
VI. That a believer ought neither rashly to run into danger, through security; nor to be
over-timorous, through pusillanimity; but to fly away for fear; yet, if he fall into the
enemy'shand,tostriveearnestlyonaccountofthecrownthatislaidupforhim
VII. Severaldemonstrationsconcerningthe resurrection, concerningthe Sibyl, andwhat
theStoicssayconcerningthebirdcalledthePhoenix
VIII. ConcerningJamesthebrotheroftheLord,andStephenthefirstmartyr
IX. ConcerningfalseMartyrs
X. A moral admonition, that we are to abstain from vain talking, obscene talking,
jesting,drunkenness,lasciviousness,andluxury
XI. Anadmonition,instructingmentoavoidtheabominablesinofidolatry
XII. That we ought not to sing a heathen or an obscene song 5 nor to swear by an idol,
becauseitisanimpiousthing,andcontrarytotheknowledgeofGod
XIII. A catalogue of the feasts of the Lord which are to be kept; and when each of them
oughttobeobserved
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XIV. Concerning the Passion of our Lord; and what was done on each day of his
sufferings; and concerning Judas; and that Judas was not present when the Lord
deliveredthemysteriestohisdisciples
XV. Of the great week; and on what account they enjoin us to fast on Wednesday and
Friday
XVI. An enumeration of the prophetical predictions which declare Christ; whose
completion though the Jews saw, yet out of the evil temper of their mind they did
notbelievehewastheChristofGod,andcondemnedtheLordofglorytothecross
XVII. HowthePassoveroughttobecelebrated
XVIII. AConstitutionconcerningthegreatPassoverweek
XIX. Concerning the watching all the night of the great Sabbath, and concerning the day
oftheresurrection
XX. ApropheticpredictionconcerningChristJesus
Book VI. Concerning Schisms
Chapters
I. Whotheywerethatventuredtomakeschisms,anddidnotescapepunishment
II. Thatitisnotlawfultoriseupagainsteitherthekinglyorthepriestlyoffice
III. Concerning the virtue of Moses, and the incredulity of the Jewish nation, and what
wonderfulworksGoddidamongthem
IV. That he maketh schism, not who separateth himself from the wicked, but who
departethfromthegodly
V. On what account Israel, falsely so named, is rejected, a demonstration from the
propheticpredictions
VI. That even among the Jews there arose the doctrine of several heresies, hateful to
God
VII. Whencetheheresiessprang,andwhowastheringleaderoftheirimpiety
VIII. WhowerethesuccessorsofSimon'simpiety,andwhatheresiestheysetup
IX. HowSimon,desiringtoflybysomemagicalarts,felldownheadlongfromonhigh,at
theprayersofPeter,andbrokehisfeet,andhands,andankle-bones
X. Howtheheresiesdifferfromeachother,andfromthetruth
XI. Anexpositionofapostolicalpreaching
XII. TothosethatconfessChrist,butaredesiroustojudaize
XIII. Thatwemustseparatefromheretics
XIV. Whowere the preachersofthe catholic doctrine, andwhichare the commandments
givenbythem
XV. Thatweoughtneithertorebaptize,nortoreceivethatbaptismwhichisgivenbythe
wicked;whichisnotbaptism,butapollution
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XVI. Concerningbookswithfalseinscriptions
XVII. Matrimonialpreceptsconcerningclergymen
XVIII. Anexhortationcommandingtoavoidthecommunionoftheimpiousheretics
XIX. TothosewhospeakeviloftheLaw
XX. Which is the law of nature, and which is that afterwards introduced, and why it was
introduced
XXI. That we who believe in Christ are under grace, and not under the servitude of that
additionallaw
XXII. Thatthelawforsacrificesisadditional;whichChrist,whenhecame,tookaway
XXIII. How Christ became a fulfiller of the law; and what parts of it he caused to cease, or
changed,ortransferred
XXIV. That it pleased the Lord, that the law of righteousness should be manifested also by
Romans
XXV. How God, on account of their impiety towards Christ, made the Jews captives, and
placedthemundertribute
XXVI. Thatweoughttoavoidtheheretics,asthecorruptersofsouls
XXVII. OfsomeJewishandGentileobservances
XXVIII. Oftheloveofboys,adultery,andfornication
XXIX. How wives ought to be subject to their own husbands; and husbands ought to love
theirownwives
XXX. That it is the custom of Jews and Gentiles to observe natural purgations, and to
abominatetheremainsofthedead;butthatallthisiscontrarytoChristianity
Book VII. Concerning Deportment, And The Eucharist, And
Initiation Into Christ
Chapters
I. That there are two ways; the one natural, of life, and the other introduced
afterwards, of death; and that the former is from God, and the latter of error, from
thesnaresoftheadversary
II. Moral exhortations of the Lord's Constitutions agreeing with the ancient
prohibitions ofthe divine laws. The prohibition ofanger, envy, corruption, adultery,
andeveryforbiddenaction
III. Prohibitionofconjuring,murderofinfants,perjury,andfalsewitness
IV. Prohibition of evil speaking, and wrath, of deceitful conduct, idle words, falsehood,
covetousness,andhypocrisy
V. Prohibition of malignity, acceptation of persons, prolonged anger, misanthropy, and
detraction
VI. Concerningauguryandenchantments
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VII. Prohibitionofmurmuring,arrogance,pride,andaudacity
VIII. Oflong-suffering,simplicity,meekness,andpatience
IX. That it is our duty to esteem our Christian teachers above our parents; the former
beingthemeansofourwell-being,theotheronlyofourbeing
X. Thatweoughtnottoseparateourselvesfromthesaints,buttomakepeacebetween
thosethatquarrel,tojudgerighteously,andnottoacceptpersons
XI. Concerninghimthatisdouble-minded,oroflittlefaith
XII. Ofdoinggood
XIII. Howmastersought tobehave themselvestotheirservants;andhow servantsought
tobesubject
XIV. Concerninghypocrisy,andobediencetothelaws,andconfessionofsins
XV. Concerningtheregardduetoparents
XVI. Concerningthesubjectionduetothekingandtorulers
XVII. Concerningthepureconscienceofthosethatpray
XVIII. Thatthewaywhichwasafterwardsintroducedbythesnaresoftheadversary,isfull
ofimpietyandwickedness
XIX. Thatwemustnotturnfromthewayofpiety,cithertotherighthandortotheleft,is
theexhortationofthelawgiver
XX. That we ought not to despise any of the sorts of food that are set before us, but
gratefullyandorderlytopartakeofthem
XXI. Thatweoughttoavoidtheeatingofthingsofferedtoidols
XXII. AConstitutionofourLord,howweoughttobaptize,andintowhosedeath
XXIII. Whichdaysoftheweekweoughttofast,andwhichnot,andforwhatreasons
XXIV. What sort of people they ought to be who'offer the prayer that was given by the
Lord
XXV. Amysticalthanksgiving
XXVI. Athanksgivingatthedivineparticipation
XXVII. Athanksgivinginrespecttothemysticalointment
XXVIII. Thatweoughtnottobeindifferentaboutfellowship
XXIX. AConstitutionconcerningoblations
XXX. How we ought to assemble together and celebrate the festival day of our Saviours
resurrection
XXXI. Whatqualificationstheyoughttohavewhoaretobeordained
XXXII. Apredictionconcerningeventswhicharetooccur
XXXIII. AprayerdeclarativeofGod'svariousProvidence
XXXIV. AprayerdeclarativeofGod'svariouscreation
XXXV. AprayerwiththanksgivingdeclarativeofGod'scareoverthebeingsHehathmade
XXXVI. Aprayercommemorative ofthe incarnation ofChrist;andhisvarious Providence to
thesaints
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XXXVII. A prayer containing a memorial of Providence, and an enumeration of the various
benefitsaffordedtothesaintsbytheProvidenceofGodthroughChrist
XXXVIII. Aprayerfortheassistanceoftherighteous
XXXIX. HowtheCatechumensaretobeinstructedintheelements
XL. A Constitution, how the Catechumens are to be blessed by the priests in initiation j
andwhatthingsaretobetaughtthem
XLI. Therenunciationoftheadversary,andthededicationtotheChristofGod
XLII. Athanksgivinginrespecttotheanointingwiththemysticaloil
XLIII. Athanksgivingconcerningthemysticalwater
XLIV. Athanksgivingconcerningthemysticalointment
XLV. Aprayerofthenewlyinitiated
XLVI. WhotheywerewhomtheHolyApostlessentandordained
XLVII. Amorningprayer
XLVIII. Aneveningprayer
XLIX. Aprayeratdinner
Book VIII. Concerning Gifts, And Ordinations, And Ecclesiastical
Canons
Chapters
I. Onwhoseaccountthemiraculouspowersareputforth
II. ConcerningunworthyBishopsandPresbyters
III. That to make Constitutions concerning those things which are to be performed in the
churches,isofgreatconsequence
IV. ConcerningOrdinations
V. FormofprayerfortheordinationofaBishop
VI. TheDivineliturgyinwhichisthebiddingprayerfortheCatechumens.
VII. PrayerfortheEnergumens
VIII. Prayerforthepersonsabouttobebaptized
IX. Theimpositionofhands,andprayerforthePenitents
X. Thebiddingprayerforthefaithful
XI. Formofprayerforthefaithful
XII. AConstitutionofJames,thebrotherofJohn,thesonofZebedee
XIII. Thebiddingprayerforthefaithful,aftertheDivineoblation
XIV. Thebiddingprayeraftertheparticipation
XV. Formofprayeraftertheparticipation
XVI. ConcerningtheordinationofPresbyters,aConstitutionofJohn,whowasbelovedbythe
Lord
XVII. ConcerningtheordinationofDeacons,aConstitutionofPhilip
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