E02848: A Coptic Discourse of Shenoute (abbot of the White Monastery near Sohag in Upper Egypt) referring to saints and martyrs as role models for Christian leaders; written in the 5th century.

In his discourse entitled I see your eagerness (discourses 5, work 1), Shenoute addresses religious personnel, i.e. presbyters and deacons, as well as monastic authorities and their congregations, arguing that though living among the sinless saints and speaking about martyrs, they still engage in acts of sinfulness, unable to keep away from it.

‘Lot lived with people who were more evil than anyone, and he became sinless. And yet we dwell with the saints among us and perform things that are abominable to God. For many among all the saints, including Daniel and his companions, were among godless people, and they kept themselves holy and did not sin. And yet we sin among those who love God. Indeed we gather with them, and we all proclaim the name of God and his angels, and we talk about the saints and their works, including those who were martyrs in every place for the name Jesus, and we speak and we hear – and we are the ones who are not worthy.’

Translation: Brakke and Crislip 2017, 92.

A critical edition of the Coptic text is still pending.