Chapter 49

1If a prostitute, a brothel keeper, a drunkard, a maker of idols, a painter, one engaged in shows, a charioteer, a wrestler, one who goes to contests, a combatant in the games, one who teaches wrestling, a public huntsman, a priest of idols, or a keeper of them is among those who come, let that person not be received. If any such person desires to become faithful, let that person cease from these things; and when truly faithful and baptized, let that person be received and partake. If that person does not cease, let that person be rejected.

2If anyone is a teacher of boys in worldly wisdom, it is good for him to cease. But if he has no other craft by which to live, let him be excused.

3If anyone is a soldier or in authority, let him be taught not to oppress, kill, rob, become angry, rage, or afflict anyone. Let the rations given to him be sufficient. But if such people wish to be baptized in the Lord, let them cease from military service or from their position of authority; if they do not, let them not be received.

4If a catechumen or a believer among the people desires to become a soldier, let him either abandon his intention or be rejected. For in his thought he has despised God, and, leaving the things of the Spirit, has perfected himself in the flesh and treated the faith with contempt.

5If a prostitute, a dissolute man, or a drunkard does not … and desires in faith to become a catechumen, that person may be admitted. If such people make progress, let them be baptized; but if not, let them be rejected.

6If a man's concubine is a servant and desires to be faithful, let her hear if she raises those born to her and separates from her master, or is joined to him alone in marriage. When baptized, let her partake in the Offering; but if not, let her be rejected.

7One who does things that may not be spoken of, a diviner, a magician, or a necromancer is defiled and does not come to judgment.

8Let a charmer, an astrologer, an interpreter of dreams, a sorcerer, one who gathers the people together, a stargazer, or a diviner by idols cease. When that person ceases, let that person be exorcised and baptized; otherwise, let that person be rejected.

9If a man has a concubine, let him divorce her, marry according to the law, and hear the word of instruction.