(Vers. 14, 15.)
(Verse 14, 15) Therefore, I desire that the young women marry, bear children, be homemakers, and give no occasion for the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some have already turned aside after Satan. Because the things she previously mentioned are contrary and unlawful, they lead to death. Therefore, she gives counsel and commands to do the things that are lawful. For it is better to take care of one's own household than to commit adultery in someone else's house, and it is much better to marry than to walk openly in evil under the pretext of being good. It is better to work with modesty to earn a living than to shamelessly rely on the possessions of others while being idle. For Satan finds opportunity in how he can overthrow unsuspecting souls, when those professing piety unjustly behave; for there is nothing so dangerous as when actions oppose profession. Satan does not conceal an obvious evil, for he delights in it; but he works to reveal that he is the son of himself, not of God, to those whom he sees to be deceived, which action does not displease God.
(Vers. 16.)
(Verse 16.) If anyone has widows who are believers, it is his obligation to care for them and not burden the church, so that it may care for those widows who are truly in need. Isn't it wonderful that the Apostolic authority could foresee the future? It is evident that what he said is true: the widows of believers currently burden the church, as well as those who appear to be wealthy in the world. This is because, due to old age, they have ceased their work in the textile industry, depriving themselves of both clothing and food, although not entirely but partially. This drives them to turn to the church out of their own poverty, in order to survive. It was necessary for them not only to provide for their own needy, but also to feed and clothe other needy individuals. What is greatly detrimental; for when it is given to these, it is either given less to others or not at all, to whom it should be given more, which are worthy to be ministered to at the Church's expense. Thus, it becomes burdensome when one is compelled to clothe many, when they should be clothing few: and the people, who could readily and frequently minister to a few, are compelled to dismiss more; so either they complain or they are slower to help. For when he commands that the wife of one man be chosen as a widow, now not only are there found among them the wives of two or three husbands, but also those who have lived more disgracefully: this sometimes happens through negligence, sometimes through the influence of someone insinuating themselves.
(Vers. 17.)
(Verse 17) Those presbyters who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Good stewards and faithful ones should not only be judged worthy of high honor, but also of earthly honor, so that they are not saddened by lack of resources but rather rejoice in their faith and teaching. For their diligence increases when they are not humiliated by poverty, and their authority grows when they see that they are also reaping the fruits of their labor in the present; not to be wealthy, but to not be lacking.
(Vers. 18.)
(Verse 18.) For the Scripture says: \"You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain\" (Deuteronomy 25:4); and: \"The laborer is worthy of his wages\" (Luke 10:7). Such a reward ought to be for the one proclaiming the kingdom of God, so that neither is saddened nor exalted.
(Vers. 19.)
(Verse 19.) Do not accept an accusation against a priest. For the honor of this order is sublime (for such are the vicars of Christ), therefore an accusation against this person should not be easily admitted. For it should be incredible that someone who is a bishop of God has acted criminally, just as it is believable that an actor is the most disgraceful.
(Vers. 20.)
(Verse 20) But those who are delinquent, rebuke them publicly before everyone, so that the others may be afraid. How easily, however, a crime against a priest should not be believed; if, however, it is proven or if it is clear that he has behaved irreverently, then it is commanded to publicly rebuke him, so that both the others may be frightened, not only the ordained, but also the laity; for when they see a deserving man being rebuked for the sake of an error, it is necessary for them to be cautious.
(Vers. 21, 22)
(Ver. 21, 22) I testify before God, and Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels; that you guard these things, doing nothing with prejudice, nor inclining towards one side or another. Do not lay hands quickly on anyone, nor share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. He deposits this testimony before God the Father, and Christ his son, and his chosen angels, whom the Lord calls holy in the Gospel (Mark 8:38). Therefore, these are chosen, because there are others who are reprobate, who are not angels of God, but of the devil, assenting to his apostasy. Therefore, under the test, it commands that those things which are necessary for the ordination of the Church be observed, so that nothing is done without prejudice; so that no one easily receives ecclesiastical dignity, unless first his life and morals have been discussed; so that, having been deemed worthy, he may be established as a minister or priest, so that later, if he appears reprehensible, the prince of the people may not perhaps regret not having clearly judged what he deserved, whom he ordained improbably; nor should he ordain someone whose sins give rise to suspicion, lest the ordainer be tainted by his vices and transgressions. So if there are completely hidden sins, the ruler will be immune; because his conscience is free. Suspicion indeed causes fear; for he sins if he does not prove, and thus he ordains. For he who is to be ordained should be proven better than the rest; for it is not enough that he is without crime; because his merits should precede good works, so that he may be considered worthy of ordination. The bishop, practicing these things, will show himself chaste to the religion: of which thing he will obtain the reward in the future.
(Vers. 23.)
(Verse 23) Do not yet drink water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. Now he gives special advice, that he may govern himself with wholesome doctrine; for God wants to be served wisely, not that by their excess they become weak and then require the support of doctors. For moderation must be observed, so that if possible, the begun obedience may be gradually advanced, rather than diminished by inconsiderateness. For intemperance disturbs the soul itself, so that when it is troubled about its weakness, it is not only not devoted to divine worship. For imprudence brings harm; the soul, placed in tranquility, raises the whole heart to God, praying with sound judgment for those things which are to be sought.
(Vers. 24, 25.)
(Vers. 24, 25.) Some people's sins are obvious, preceding them to judgment, while others follow after. Likewise, good works are also obvious, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. No excuse should be understood for those who adhere to these sins, which are public, so that they may be more honorable by avoiding them. Therefore, this means that the man of God is to be distinguished from them, especially the steward of Christ, who also has the authority to correct them; and if they promise to amend themselves, they should be retained. But the bad works of others are revealed; for when they are alive, they are considered good, but when they are dead, they are exposed as impostors. By the same reasoning, as evil deeds are evident, so are good deeds; for a good life and modest actions cannot be hidden, and when done with piety, they make one perfect. But just as some evils are hidden for now, so are good deeds; for no one can know everything about people. But from what one sees and hears, one can prove and judge. Let them thoroughly consider whether the things that are said are consistent with the person about whom they are said, whether they are good or bad. And whatever may be hidden from men will be made known openly on the day of judgment. Therefore these things have been said so that they may know that they have a more serious cause than others. For he who, though evil, presents himself as good is worse than he who is openly evil.
Caput VI.
(Vers. 1.)
(Verse 1.) Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed. Slaves are to serve their masters with obedience, giving thanks to God. For by faithfully serving their masters, they may also subject themselves to God's discipline.
(Vers. 2.)
(Ver. 2.) But those who have faithful masters, should not despise them; for they are brothers: but rather serve them; for they are faithful and beloved; those who receive benefits. If it is commanded to serve worldly masters with total diligence, how much more the faithful! For then it proves itself subject to the fear of God, if it has obeyed its faithful and temporal master with whole heart. May it not think it is to be despised, because it is called a brother for the sake of the common faith; for he will be more deserving of rebuke, who thinks that a faithful master is to be despised.
(Vers. 3.)
(Verse 3) Teach and exhort these things. He wants the Lord's teaching to be made manifest, so that the detractors may see that there is nothing to be criticized in it: considering at the same time what shameful things are hidden in their sacred rites, and they may be ashamed because they will be without excuse.