Introduction
The Apostolic Constitutions is also known as the Constitutions of the Holy Apostles. It is the largest collection of Christian ecclesiastical law and Church Orders containing eight books. It claims to be the direct work of the twelve apostles recorded by Clement of Rome. It ends with this statement, "The end of the Constitutions of the Holy Apostles by Clement, which are the Catholic doctrine". (8:85). However it is more likely to have been compiled and adapted from earlier texts in Antioch of Syria around AD 380.
Two sections are included on this page. The first provides an early list of the first bishops and leaders ordained across major cities during the lifetime of the apostles. The second is a list of venerable and holy books, one of the early canonical lists.
List of bishops
Several leaders named in the New Testament are included in the list. These include James the brother of Jesus in Jerusalem, as well as the Zacchaeus the tax-collector in Caesarea. Also included is Timothy, ordained by Paul as the first bishop of Ephesus, followed by a second John, ordained by the apostle John. Also included is Philemon in Colossae, and his former slave Onesimus, who was appointed as the first bishop of Beroea in Macedonia. Archippus, also named in the Book of Philemon became the first bishop of Laodicea. Titus became the bishop of Crete.
Section 4. Enumeration Ordained by Apostles
Who Were They that the Holy Apostles Sent and Ordained?
Now concerning those bishops which have been ordained in our lifetime, we let you know that they are these:
James the bishop of Jerusalem, the brother of our Lord;
upon whose death the second was Simeon the son of Cleopas;
after whom the third was Judas the son of James.
Of Caesarea of Palestine, the first was Zacchaeus, who was once a publican;
after whom was Cornelius,
and the third Theophilus.
Of Antioch, Euodius, ordained by me Peter;
and Ignatius by Paul.
Of Alexandria, Annianus was the first, ordained by Mark the evangelist;
the second Avilius by Luke, who was also an evangelist.
Of the church of Rome, Linus the son of Claudia was the first, ordained by Paul; (2 Timothy 4:21)
and Clemens, after Linus' death, the second, ordained by me Peter.
Of Ephesus, Timotheus, ordained by Paul;
and John, by me John.
Of Smyrna, Aristo the first;
after whom Strataeas the son of Lois; (2 Timothy 1:5)
and the third Aristo.
Of Pergamus, Gaius.
Of Philadelphia, Demetrius, by me.
Of Cenchrea, Lucius, by Paul.
Of Crete, Titus.
Of Athens, Dionysius.
Of Tripoli in Phoenicia, Marathones.
Of Laodicea in Phrygia, Archippus.
Of Colossae, Philemon.
Of Borea in Macedonia, Onesimus, once the servant of Philemon.
Of the churches of Galatia, Crescens.
Of the parishes of Asia, Aquila and Nicetas.
Of the church of Aeginae, Crispus.
These are the bishops who are entrusted by us with the parishes in the Lord; whose doctrine keep always in mind, and observe our words. And may the Lord be with you now, and to endless ages, as Himself said to us when He was about to be taken up to His own God and Father. For says He, Lo, I am with you all the days, until the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)
List of books accepted in the canon (8:85)
The final section of the Apostolic Constitutions contains 85 apostolic canons, which was circulated independently from the rest of the text. It lays down strict guidelines for church discipline, as well as including an early list of the accepted biblical books. This list includes all books of the OT except Lamentations, and all NT books apart from the Book of Revelation. It also includes several apocryphal books including Sirach, Judith and three books of Maccabees. Two books of Clement, and the eight books of the Apostolic Constitutions are also included.
The Ecclesiastical Canons of the Same Holy Apostles.
85. Let the following books be esteemed venerable and holy by you, both of the clergy and laity.
Of the Old Covenant:
the five books of Moses - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy;
one of Joshua the Son of Nun, one of the Judges, one of Ruth, four of the Kings, two of the Chronicles, two of Ezra, one of Esther,
one of Judith, three of the Maccabees,
one of Job, one hundred and fifty psalms; three books of Solomon - Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; sixteen prophets.
And besides these, take care that your young persons learn the Wisdom of the very learned Sirach.
But our sacred books, that is, those of the New Covenant, are these:
the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John;
the fourteen Epistles of Paul;
two Epistles of Peter, three of John, one of James, one of Jude;
two Epistles of Clement; and the Constitutions dedicated to you the bishops by me Clement, in eight books; which it is not fit to publish before all, because of the mysteries contained in them;
and the Acts of us the Apostles.