Apostolic Constitutions

Apostolic Constitutions

Let all who follow the Anointed

walk in unity,

truth,

and peace.

Let none think himself above another —

for all are brothers and sisters,

and God alone is Master.

Let there be order in all things:

elders who teach,

servants who serve,

and all guided by the Set-Apart Breath.

Let the Scriptures be read aloud with reverence.

Let the voice of the prophets

and the words of the Anointed

be received with stillness and joy.

Let no one teach what is not written.

Let no one twist the sacred scrolls

for gain or control.

Let the elders teach with gentleness.

Let the students listen in humility.

Let the whole assembly grow in love,

not knowledge only.

A true shepherd lays down his life for the flock.

Let the overseer (bishop) be a person

blameless in conduct,

faithful in marriage,

gentle in speech,

slow to anger,

hospitable to strangers,

firm in truth,

and free from love of money.

Let the elders support him,

and the servants (deacons) assist in care —

feeding the poor,

visiting the sick,

watching over the body in love.

Let leadership be service,

not authority.

Let correction be firm,

but always aimed at restoration.

Let all gather on the first day of the week —

to break bread,

to lift songs,

to receive instruction,

and to give thanks.

Let the prayer of the righteous

rise like incense.

Let none enter the gathering in bitterness,

but first be reconciled.

Let each bring what they can to share

— food, wine, oil, and gifts for the poor.

Let the bread be pure,

and the wine unmixed with greed.

Let the peace of the Anointed be among you.

Let those who come to the water

be instructed in the Way.

Let them renounce all idols,

all injustice,

and all darkness.

Let them confess trust in the Father,

the Son,

and the Set-Apart Breath.

Let them be immersed in water and Spirit,

and rise as a new creation.

Let the assembly welcome them

as brothers and sisters.

Let the Spirit be their guide from that day forward.

Let the offering of bread and wine

be given with joy and reverence.

Let all who eat be baptized and reconciled.

Let the bishop or elder pray with thanksgiving, saying:

“We thank You, O Father,

for the vine of David Your servant,

and for the bread of life

revealed through Yeshua the Anointed.”

Let the people respond:

“Amen. Glory to You forever.”

Let the meal be a feast of remembrance —

of body broken,

of blood poured out,

of the love that heals the world.

Let all things be done with simplicity,

not for show.

Let there be no favoritism.

Let the rich sit with the poor.

Let the elder and the youth embrace in love.

Let no one interrupt the reading of Scripture.

Let no one speak without reverence.

If one speaks by the Spirit,

let the others discern.

If one brings a word of teaching,

let it be weighed by truth.

Let the peace of the Master guard your hearts.

Feed the hungry.

Shelter the stranger.

Visit the sick.

Free the prisoner.

Weep with the mourning.

Celebrate with the joyful.

Do not speak evil.

Do not hold grudges.

Forgive one another

as you have been forgiven.

Do not take part in shameful talk,

or dwell in greed or luxury.

Live as those who await a kingdom

not built by hands.

Watch and pray.

For the days will grow dark.

But the faithful will shine like stars.

False teachers will arise —

speaking smooth words,

desiring gold and glory.

Test all things.

Hold to what is good.

Cling to the name of the Anointed.

Do not fear death.

Do not fear persecution.

Do not fear the world.

Fear only the loss of love.

Fear only forgetting who you are.

Let grace be with you,

and the peace that surpasses knowledge.

Let the Set-Apart Breath fill your gatherings.

Let your homes be altars of joy.

Let the name of Yeshua be your light,

your crown,

and your breath.

Amen.