Statute 51

1Therefore, the king must not despise any of those beneath him, whether the magistrates or the officers who obey him. If there were no subjects, magistrates would be useless; and if there were no magistrates, the king would have no kingdom.

2The bishops must not exalt themselves above the deacons, nor the presbyters above the people beneath them, because the constitution of the assembly consists of these people. Nor should they say, “The bishops and presbyters are taken from among the people.” To be Christians comes from ourselves, but to be an apostle, bishop, or any other order does not come from ourselves, but from God, who gives grace.

3This much, then, we ourselves say concerning those to whom graces have been imparted. We also say what follows as we continue.