Those Who Bend the Apostle’s Words to Their Own Desire

But for the most part those who covet preeminence seize on the words of the apostle to serve their own greedy desire, where he says, “If anyone desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.” But while praising the desire, he at once turns what he has praised into fear when he immediately adds, “But a bishop must be blameless.” And when he goes on to list the virtues required, he makes plain what this blamelessness consists of. So he approves them for their desire, but by his command he alarms them, as if saying plainly, “I praise what you seek; but first learn what it is you seek. Otherwise, while you neglect to measure yourselves, your blameworthiness may look all the fouler for its haste to be seen by everyone in the highest place of honor.” For the great master of the art of ruling urges on by approval and holds back by alarm, so that by describing the height of blamelessness he may restrain his hearers from pride, and by praising the office that is sought he may prepare them for the life it requires. [a]

Nevertheless, it should be noted that this was said at a time when whoever was set over the people was usually the first to be led to the torments of martyrdom. At that time, then, it was praiseworthy to seek the office of a bishop, since there was no doubt that through it a man would come in the end to heavier pains. That is why the office of a bishop itself is defined as a good work, when it is said, “If anyone desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.” So the one who seeks, not this ministry of a good work, but the glory of distinction, is himself a witness against himself that he does not desire the office of a bishop. For that man not only does not love the sacred office at all, but does not even know what it is, who, panting after the highest rule, feeds on the subjection of others in the hidden musings of his thought, rejoices in his own praises, lifts up his heart to honor, and delights in abundant wealth. So worldly gain is sought under cover of that very honor by which worldly gains should have been destroyed; and when the mind thinks to seize the highest post of humility for its own pride, it changes inwardly what it desires outwardly.