1 Clem. 42

The Apostles received the Gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ was sent forth from God.

1Clem 42.1

So then Christ is from God, and the Apostles are from Christ. Both therefore came of the will of God in the appointed order.

1Clem 42.2

Having therefore received a charge, and having been fully assured through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and confirmed in the word of God with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth with the glad tidings that the kingdom of God should come.

1Clem 42.3

So preaching everywhere in country and town, they appointed their firstfruits, when they had proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons unto them that should believe.

1Clem 42.4

And this they did in no new fashion; for indeed it had been written concerning bishops and deacons from very ancient times; for thus saith the scripture in a certain place, I will appoint their bishops in righteousness and their deacons in faith.

1Clem 42.5