Deuteronomy 17:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, those who choose to disobey bear the blame of disrespect and pride, and the gravest consequence—death—awaits them as a punishment: “Let him die,” it is said, “who shall pay no heed to the priest who stands there in the service of the Lord thy God.” Truly, the presence and ministry of God are profound and wondrous; those who fail to honor God’s minister expose themselves to judgment and punishment, and those who scorn this Divine authority will face severe consequences for their disdain. Our Lord Jesus Christ exemplified this respect for the law; He proclaimed to the Jewish people, “The scribes and Pharisees have sat down in the seat of Moses; therefore whatever they command you to observe, observe and do” (Matthew 23:2-3). Therefore, let no one pass judgment on the priest, even if he seems unrefined or indifferent in his efforts to adhere to the law; rather, let him be supported as he explains the law. While the priest may struggle with personal faults, he still conveys the truths of God. Thus, the matters of God should not be disrespected due to the failings of man.

Those who wander from the flock are devoured by wild beasts and become prey for the lost. Thus, ‘it is not lawful to act independently of the bishop or to partake in the Supper of Love; rather, whatever he blesses is pleasing to God. He who respects the bishop is esteemed by God; he who acts in secrecy from the bishop serves the adversary.’ It is essential to submit to the presbytery as the apostles of Jesus Christ—our hope—seeking to please them in every aspect, for they are not merely distributors of nourishment but ministers of the Church of God. They, too, must guard against reproach as if it were fire. All of you should honor the deacons as you would Jesus Christ, the bishop as the Father, and the presbyters as the assembly of God and the retinue of the apostles. Without them, the Church cannot be rightly named. The Law also affirms, saying: ‘Let you keep to do all things which the hierarchs prescribe, ensuring you do not deviate from the word, neither to the right nor to the left. And a person who acts in pride and refuses to obey the offering shall perish.’"