A note on a “typical Sunday morning” during the times of Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 A.D.). The translation in question calls the leader the "president." The original needs to be consulted. Probably is it episcopos or presbyter.
Also, Mr. Martyr is an opponent of the developing anti-Old Testament school of Mr. Marcion.
How much and how long did they read the canonical Scriptures? "...as long as time allows..."
Sounds like it's longer than is offered by the "Union Bosses" from the "Cherry Pickers Union" of modern worship services, that is, if lucky, 8-10 verses from the OT, Gospel and Epistle. 5 minutes total? But, let's not annoy the omnipotent "Union Bosses," often called Bishops, sometimes called Protestant Popes in other communions, force-feeding intense selectivity, omissions, and telling us, "Eat the cherries we pick for you." Ya' just gotta feed yourself these days. Whaddya gonna do?
Here's Mr. Martyr:
"On the so-called day of the Sun, there is a meeting of all of us…and the memoirs of the Apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time allows. Then…the president gives by word of mouth his admonition and exhortation to follow these excellent things. Afterwards we all rise at once and offer prayers; and…when we have ceased to pray, bread is brought and wine and water, the president likewise offers up prayers and thanksgiving to the best of his power and the people responds [sic] with its Amen. Then follows the distribution to each and the partaking of that for which thanks were given, and to them that are absent a portion is sent by the hand of deacons. Of those that are well to do and willing, everyone gives what he will according to his own purpose, and the collection is deposited with the president, and he it is that succours [sic] orphans and widows, and those that are in want through sickness or any other cause, and those that are in bonds and the strangers that are sojourning, and in short he has the care of the needy."
Justin, Apology 67.10-25 in Selections from Early Writers, Illustrative of Church History to the Time of Constantine, ed. Henry Melville Gwatkin (London: Macmillan, 1937), 55.
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