[2497] The larger part of verse 1, and a clause from verses 2, 3, respectively, are found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 31. Verses 1, 2, both in the use of terms and in the Church polity indicated, point to an early date: (1) There are evident marks of a transition from extraordinary to ordinary ministers. (2) The distinction between bishops and elders does not appear [1 Pet. v. 1. Vol. i. [265]p. 16, this series], and yet it is found in Ignatius. (3) The word cheirotoneo is here used in the sense of "elect" or "appoint" (by show of hands), and not in that of "ordain" (by laying on of hands). The former is the New Testament sense (Acts xiv. 23; 2 Cor. viii. 19), also in Ignatius; the latter sense is found in Apostolic Canons, i. (4) The choice by the people also indicates an early period.

[2498] Comp. 1 Tim. iii. 4.

[2499] Or, "ministry." This clause and the following verse indicate that the extraordinary ministers were as yet more highly regarded.

[2500] Comp. Matt. xviii. 15-17.

[2501] The word astocheo, occurring here, means "to miss the mark;" in New Testament, "to err" or, "swerve." See 1 Tim. i. 6, vi. 21; 2 Tim. ii. 18.

[2502] The reference here is probably to the Sermon on the Mount: Matt. v.-vii., especially to chap. vi.