Those who have means and are willing, each according to his own choice, gives what he wills, and what is collected is deposited with the president. The president in the same manner sends up prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people sing out their assent, saying the “Amen.” A distribution and participation of the elements for which thanks have been given is made to each person, and to those who are not present they are sent by the deacons. When we cease from our prayer, bread is presented and wine and water. Next we all rise together and send up prayers. Then when the reader ceases, the president in a discourse admonishes and urges the imitation of these good things. The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits. On the day called Sunday there is a gathering together in the same place of all who live in a given city or rural district.
Everett Ferguson is professor of Bible at Abilene Christian University and editor of Encyclopedia of Early Christianity (Gardland, 1990). Translation and Commentary by EVERETT FERGUSON Dr.
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