Category: Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of the Smyrnaeans, or rather, who has God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as his own bishop: I wish you abundant happiness.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of the Smyrnæans, or rather, who has, as his own bishop, God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: [wishes] abundance of happiness.

I have received convincing evidence that your mind is firmly established in God as if on an unshakable rock, and I enthusiastically praise His name that I have been considered worthy to see your blameless character, which I hope always to benefit from in God. I urge you, by the grace you have been given, to keep advancing in your spiritual journey and to encourage everyone so they may be saved. Guard your role carefully, both physically and spiritually. Make it your priority to preserve unity, since nothing is better than that. Put up with everyone, just as the Lord puts up with you. Sustain everyone in love, as you already do. Devote yourself to constant prayer. Ask for greater understanding beyond what you already possess. Stay alert, maintaining a vigilant spirit. Speak to each person individually, as God empowers you. Carry the weaknesses of everyone, as one who is a complete athlete in the Christian life: where the effort is greatest, the reward is even greater.

Having obtained good proof that your mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] your blameless face, which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat you, by the grace with which you are clothed, to press forward in your course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain your position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all, even as the Lord does with you. Support all in love, as also you do. Give yourself to prayer without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Implore additional understanding to what you already have. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables you. Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life]: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.

If you love the good disciples, you deserve no special credit for that. Instead, try through gentleness to win over the more difficult ones. Not every wound is healed with the same treatment. Calm violent outbreaks with gentle remedies. Be wise as a serpent in all things, and harmless as a dove. You are made of both flesh and spirit for this reason: so you can deal gently with the troubles that appear visibly before you. As for those things that are unseen, pray that God would reveal them to you, so that you may lack nothing but may overflow with every gift. The times demand you, as ship captains need the winds, and as someone tossed by a storm longs for the harbor, so that both you and those in your care may reach God. Be disciplined like an athlete of God: the prize waiting for you is immortality and eternal life, which you already believe in. In everything, may my soul be devoted to yours, and my chains too, which you have cherished.

If you love the good disciples, no thanks are due to you on that account; but rather seek by meekness to subdue the more troublesome. Every kind of wound is not healed with the same plaster. Mitigate violent attacks [of disease] by gentle applications. Be in all things wise as a serpent, and harmless as a dove. Matthew 10:16 For this purpose you are composed of both flesh and spirit, that you may deal tenderly with those [ evils] that present themselves visibly before you. And as respects those that are not seen, pray that [God] would reveal them unto you, in order that you may be wanting in nothing, but may abound in every gift. The times call for you, as pilots do for the winds, and as one tossed with tempest seeks for the haven, so that both you [and those under your care] may attain to God. Be sober as an athlete of God: the prize set before you is immortality and eternal life, of which you are also persuaded. In all things may my soul be for yours, and my bonds also, which you have loved.

Let not those who seem trustworthy but teach strange doctrines fill you with fear. Stand firm, like an anvil that is struck. It is the mark of a noble athlete to be wounded and yet still win. And above all, we ought to endure all things for God's sake, so that He also may bear with us. Keep becoming more zealous than you already are. Consider carefully the times. Look for Him who is above all time, eternal and invisible, yet who became visible for our sakes; impalpable and impassible, yet who became passible on our account; and who suffered for our sakes in every kind of way.

Let not those who seem worthy of credit, but teach strange doctrines, 1 Timothy 1:3, 1 Timothy 6:3 fill you with apprehension. Stand firm, as does an anvil which is beaten. It is the part of a noble athlete to be wounded, and yet to conquer. And especially, we ought to bear all things for the sake of God, that He also may bear with us. Be ever becoming more zealous than what you are. Weigh carefully the times. Look for Him who is above all time, eternal and invisible, yet who became visible for our sakes; impalpable and impassible, yet who became passible on our account; and who in every kind of way suffered for our sakes.

Don't neglect widows. After the Lord, be their protector and friend. Let nothing be done without your consent, and don't do anything without God's approval—which you already practice, since you are steadfast. Meet together frequently, and seek out everyone by name. Don't look down on slaves, whether male or female, but don't let them become arrogant either. Instead, they should serve even more faithfully for God's glory, so they may receive from God a better freedom. They should not seek to be freed from slavery at public expense, so they won't end up enslaved to their own desires.

Let not widows be neglected. Be, after the Lord, their protector and friend. Let nothing be done without your consent; neither do anything without the approval of God, which indeed you do not, inasmuch as you are steadfast. Let your assembling together be of frequent occurrence: seek after all by name. Do not despise either male or female slaves, yet neither let them be puffed up with conceit, but rather let them submit themselves the more, for the glory of God, that they may obtain from God a better liberty. Let them not long to be set free [from slavery] at the public expense, that they be not found slaves to their own desires.

Avoid evil practices, but speak about them even more in public. Tell my sisters that they should love the Lord and be content with their husbands in both body and spirit. Likewise, urge my brothers, in the name of Jesus Christ, to love their wives just as the Lord loves the Church. If anyone can remain in purity to honor Him who is Lord of the flesh, let him do so without boasting. If he begins to boast, he is lost; and if he considers himself greater than the bishop, he is destroyed. But it is fitting for both men and women who marry to form their union with the bishop's approval, so that their marriage may be according to God and not according to their own desire. Let everything be done for the honor of God.

Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. Ephesians 5:25 If any one can continue in a state of purity, to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh, let him so remain without boasting. If he begins to boast, he is undone; and if he reckon himself greater than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to God, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Pay attention to the bishop, so that God may also pay attention to you. I pledge my soul for those who submit to the bishop, to the presbyters, and to the deacons, and may I share their portion with them in God! Work together with one another; struggle together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and wake together, as God's stewards, partners, and servants. Please Him under whom you serve as soldiers, and from whom you receive your pay. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism remain as your weapons; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as your full armor. Let your works be the assignment given to you, so that you may receive a worthy reward. Therefore, be patient with one another in gentleness, just as God is toward you. May I have joy in you forever!

Give heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbyters, and to the deacons, and may my portion be along with them in God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, and servants of God. Please Him under whom you fight, and from whom you receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may receive a worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, as God is towards you. May I have joy of you for ever!

I've been informed that the church in Antioch, Syria, is now at peace because of your prayers. This news has encouraged me greatly, and I can rest calmly in God without worry, hoping that through suffering I may reach God, so that through your prayers I may be proven to be a true disciple of Christ. Polycarp, you are greatly blessed in God, and it's appropriate for you to call together a very important council and choose someone you deeply love and know to be an energetic person. This person should be appointed as God's messenger and given the honor of traveling to Syria to bring glory to your tireless love, for the praise of Christ. A Christian does not have authority over himself but must always be ready to serve God. This task belongs to both God and you, and when you complete it, it will be to His glory. I'm confident that by grace you are ready for every good work that belongs to God. Knowing how energetically you love the truth, I've urged you to do this through this short letter.

Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God, if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God; and to bestow on him this honour that he may go into Syria, and glorify your ever active love to the praise of Christ. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for the service of God. Now, this work is both God's and yours, when you shall have completed it to His glory. For I trust that, through grace, you are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing, therefore, your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.

Since I have not been able to write to all the churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the emperor's will requires, I ask that you, since you understand God's purpose, write to the nearby churches so that they also may do the same thing. Those churches that are able should send messengers, and the others should send letters through the people you send, so that you may be honored by a work that will be remembered forever, as you truly deserve to be. I greet everyone by name, and especially the wife of Epitropus, along with all her household and children. I greet Attalus, my beloved. I greet the one who will be considered worthy to go from you into Syria. Grace will be with him forever, and with Polycarp who sends him. I pray for your continual happiness in our God, Jesus Christ, through whom you should remain in unity and under God's protection. I greet Alce, my dearly beloved. Farewell in the Lord.

Inasmuch as I have not been able to write to all the Churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] you, as being acquainted with the purpose of God, will write to the adjacent Churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messengers, and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by you, that you may be glorified by a work which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed you are worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue in the unity and under the protection of God. I salute Alce, my dearly beloved. Fare well in the Lord.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has received every kind of gift through mercy, which is filled with faith and love and lacks no gift, most worthy of God and adorned with holiness: the Church at Smyrna in Asia wishes abundant happiness through the pure Spirit and word of God.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father, and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has through mercy obtained every kind of gift, which is filled with faith and love, and is deficient in no gift, most worthy of God, and adorned with holiness: the Church which is at Smyrna, in Asia, wishes abundance of happiness, through the immaculate Spirit and word of God.

I glorify God, even Jesus Christ, who has given you such wisdom. For I have observed that you are perfected in an immovable faith, as if you were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the flesh and in the spirit, and are established in love through the blood of Christ, being fully persuaded with respect to our Lord that He was truly of the seed of David according to the flesh, and the Son of God according to the will and power of God; that He was truly born of a virgin, was baptized by John so that all righteousness might be fulfilled by Him; and was truly, under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, nailed to the cross for us in His flesh. We are of this fruit by His divinely-blessed passion, that He might set up a standard for all ages through His resurrection to all His holy and faithful followers, whether among Jews or Gentiles, in the one body of His Church.

I Glorify God, even Jesus Christ, who has given you such wisdom. For I have observed that you are perfected in an immoveable faith, as if you were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the flesh and in the spirit, and are established in love through the blood of Christ, being fully persuaded with respect to our Lord, that He was truly of the seed of David according to the flesh, Romans 1:3 and the Son of God according to the will and power of God; that He was truly born of a virgin, was baptized by John, in order that all righteousness might be fulfilled Matthew 3:15 by Him; and was truly, under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, nailed [to the cross] for us in His flesh. Of this fruit we are by His divinely-blessed passion, that He might set up a standard Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 49:22 for all ages, through His resurrection, to all His holy and faithful [followers], whether among Jews or Gentiles, in the one body of His Church.

He suffered all these things for our sake so that we might be saved. And he truly suffered, just as he also truly raised himself up—not, as certain unbelievers claim, that he only appeared to suffer, just as they themselves only appear to be Christians. And as they believe, so it will happen to them when they are stripped of their bodies and become mere evil spirits.

Now, He suffered all these things for our sakes, that we might be saved. And He suffered truly, even as also He truly raised up Himself, not, as certain unbelievers maintain, that He only seemed to suffer, as they themselves only seem to be [ Christians]. And as they believe, so shall it happen unto them, when they shall be divested of their bodies, and be mere evil spirits.

I know that after His resurrection He still possessed flesh, and I believe He possesses it now. For example, when He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, "Take hold of Me, handle Me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit." And immediately they touched Him and believed, being convinced both by His flesh and spirit. For this reason they also despised death and proved to be its conquerors. And after His resurrection He ate and drank with them, as one who possessed flesh, although spiritually He was united to the Father.

For I know that after His resurrection also He was still possessed of flesh, and I believe that He is so now. When, for instance, He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, Lay hold, handle Me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit. And immediately they touched Him, and believed, being convinced both by His flesh and spirit. For this cause also they despised death, and were found its conquerors. And after his resurrection He ate and drank with them, as being possessed of flesh, although spiritually He was united to the Father.

I give you these instructions, beloved, confident that you also hold the same opinions as I do. But I warn you in advance about those beasts in human form, whom you must not only refuse to receive, but if possible, not even meet with. You must only pray to God for them, in case they might somehow be brought to repentance, which will be very difficult. Yet Jesus Christ, who is our true life, has the power to accomplish this. But if these things were done by our Lord only in appearance, then I am also bound only in appearance. And why have I surrendered myself to death, to fire, to the sword, to the wild beasts? But in fact, the one who is near to the sword is near to God; the one who is among the wild beasts is in company with God, provided only that he is so in the name of Jesus Christ. I undergo all these things so that I may suffer together with Him, He who became a perfect man inwardly strengthening me.

I give you these instructions, beloved, assured that you also hold the same opinions [as I do]. But I guard you beforehand from those beasts in the shape of men, whom you must not only not receive, but, if it be possible, not even meet with; only you must pray to God for them, if by any means they may be brought to repentance, which, however, will be very difficult. Yet Jesus Christ, who is our true life, has the power of [effecting] this. But if these things were done by our Lord only in appearance, then am I also only in appearance bound. And why have I also surrendered myself to death, to fire, to the sword, to the wild beasts? But, [in fact,] he who is near to the sword is near to God; he that is among the wild beasts is in company with God; provided only he be so in the name of Jesus Christ. I undergo all these things that I may suffer together with Him, Romans 8:17 He who became a perfect man inwardly strengthening me. Philippians 4:13

Some people ignorantly deny him, or rather have been denied by him, being advocates of death rather than of the truth. These people have not been persuaded by the prophets, nor by the law of Moses, nor by the Gospel even to this day, nor by the sufferings we have each endured. They think the same things about us as well. What does it profit me if someone praises me but blasphemes my Lord by not confessing that he truly possessed a body? Anyone who does not acknowledge this has in fact completely denied him, being wrapped up in death. However, I have not thought it good to write down the names of such people, since they are unbelievers. In fact, may it be far from me to make any mention of them until they repent and return to a true belief in Christ's passion, which is our resurrection.

Some ignorantly deny Him, or rather have been denied by Him, being the advocates of death rather than of the truth. These persons neither have the prophets persuaded, nor the law of Moses, nor the Gospel even to this day, nor the sufferings we have individually endured. For they think also the same thing regarding us. For what does any one profit me, if he commends me, but blasphemes my Lord, not confessing that He was [ truly] possessed of a body? But he who does not acknowledge this, has in fact altogether denied Him, being enveloped in death. I have not, however, thought good to write the names of such persons, inasmuch as they are unbelievers. Yea, far be it from me to make any mention of them, until they repent and return to [a true belief in] Christ's passion, which is our resurrection.

Let no one deceive himself. Both the things that are in heaven and the glorious angels and rulers, both visible and invisible—if they do not believe in the blood of Christ, they will consequently face condemnation. Let anyone who can accept this, accept it. Let high position not make anyone proud, for what is worth everything is faith and love, and nothing should be valued above these. But consider those who hold a different view concerning the grace of Christ that has come to us—see how they stand opposed to the will of God. They have no concern for love, no care for the widow or the orphan or the oppressed, for the enslaved or the free, for the hungry or the thirsty.

Let no man deceive himself. Both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels, and rulers, both visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, shall, in consequence, incur condemnation. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. Matthew 19:12 Let not [high] place puff any one up: for that which is worth all is faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred. But consider those who are of a different opinion with respect to the grace of Christ which has come unto us, how opposed they are to the will of God. They have no regard for love; no care for the widow, or the orphan, or the oppressed; of the bond, or of the free; of the hungry, or of the thirsty.

They stay away from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in His goodness, raised up again. Therefore, those who speak against this gift of God bring death upon themselves through their arguments. But it would be better for them to honor it, so that they too might rise again. It is right, therefore, that you should keep away from such people and not speak about them either privately or publicly, but instead pay attention to the prophets and especially to the Gospel, in which the passion of Christ has been revealed to us and the resurrection has been fully demonstrated. But avoid all divisions, as they are the beginning of evils.

They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again. Those, therefore, who speak against this gift of God, incur death in the midst of their disputes. But it were better for them to treat it with respect, that they also might rise again. It is fitting, therefore, that you should keep aloof from such persons, and not to speak of them either in private or in public, but to give heed to the prophets, and above all, to the Gospel, in which the passion [of Christ] has been revealed to us, and the resurrection has been fully proved. But avoid all divisions, as the beginning of evils.

Make sure you all follow the bishop, just as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and follow the presbytery as you would the apostles. Also show respect to the deacons, since they are established by God. No one should do anything related to the Church without the bishop. Consider a Eucharist to be proper only when it is administered either by the bishop or by someone he has authorized. Wherever the bishop is present, let the congregation also be there, just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not permitted to baptize or hold a love-feast without the bishop. Whatever he approves is also pleasing to God, so that everything done may be secure and valid.

See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.

Furthermore, it makes sense that we should return to self-controlled behavior, and while we still have the chance, practice repentance toward God. It is right to reverence both God and the bishop. Whoever honors the bishop has been honored by God; whoever does anything without the bishop's knowledge actually serves the devil. Therefore, let all things come to you abundantly through grace, for you are worthy. You have refreshed me in every way, and Jesus Christ will refresh you. You have loved me both when I was absent and when I was present. May God reward you, for whose sake, as you endure all things, you will reach Him.

Moreover, it is in accordance with reason that we should return to soberness [of conduct], and, while yet we have opportunity, exercise repentance towards God. It is well to reverence both God and the bishop. He who honours the bishop has been honoured by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop, does [in reality] serve the devil. Let all things, then, abound to you through grace, for you are worthy. You have refreshed me in all things, and Jesus Christ [shall refresh] you. You have loved me when absent as well as when present. May God recompense you, for whose sake, while you endure all things, you shall attain unto Him.

You have done well in receiving Philo and Rheus Agathopus as servants of Christ our God, who have accompanied me for God's sake, and who give thanks to the Lord on your behalf, because you have refreshed them in every way. None of these things will be lost to you. May my spirit be for you, along with my chains, which you have not despised or been ashamed of; nor will Jesus Christ, our perfect hope, be ashamed of you.

You have done well in receiving Philo and Rheus Agathopus as servants of Christ our God, who have followed me for the sake of God, and who give thanks to the Lord in your behalf, because you have in every way refreshed them. None of these things shall be lost to you. May my spirit be for you, and my bonds, which you have not despised or been ashamed of; nor shall Jesus Christ, our perfect hope, be ashamed of you.

Your prayer has reached the Church in Antioch of Syria. Coming from that place bound in chains, most pleasing to God, I greet everyone—though I am not worthy to be called one from there, since I am the least among them. Nevertheless, according to God's will, I have been considered worthy of this honor, not because I have any awareness of deserving it, but by God's grace, which I pray may be fully given to me so that through your prayers I may reach God. Therefore, so that your work may be complete both on earth and in heaven, it is appropriate that your Church should choose some worthy representative for the honor of God, so that he, traveling to Syria, may congratulate them that they are now at peace, have been restored to their proper size, and have had their proper structure re-established among them. It seems fitting to me, then, that you should send one of your members with a letter, so that he may rejoice with them over the peace they have obtained according to God's will, and because through your prayers they have now reached safe harbor. Since you are perfect people, you should also pursue perfect things. For when you want to do good, God is also ready to help you.

Your prayer has reached to the Church which is at Antioch in Syria. Coming from that place bound with chains, most acceptable to God, I salute all; I who am not worthy to be styled from thence, inasmuch as I am the least of them. Nevertheless, according to the will of God, I have been thought worthy [of this honour], not that I have any sense [of having deserved it], but by the grace of God, which I wish may be perfectly given to me, that through your prayers I may attain to God. In order, therefore, that your work may be complete both on earth and in heaven, it is fitting that, for the honour of God, your Church should elect some worthy delegate; so that he, journeying into Syria, may congratulate them that they are [now] at peace, and are restored to their proper greatness, and that their proper constitution has been re-established among them. It seems then to me a becoming thing, that you should send some one of your number with an epistle, so that, in company with them, he may rejoice over the tranquility which, according to the will of God, they have obtained, and because that, through your prayers, they have now reached the harbour. As persons who are perfect, you should also aim at those things which are perfect. For when you are desirous to do well, God is also ready to assist you.

The brothers and sisters in Christ at Troas send you their greetings. I am writing to you from there through Burrhus, whom you sent to accompany me along with the Ephesians, your fellow believers, and he has refreshed me in every way. I wish that everyone would follow his example, since he is a model of what a servant of God should be. God's grace will reward him in everything. I greet your most worthy bishop, your highly respected presbytery, and your deacons who serve alongside me, and I greet all of you both individually and collectively, in the name of Jesus Christ, in His flesh and blood, in His passion and resurrection—both bodily and spiritual—in union with God and with you. May grace, mercy, peace, and patience be with you forever!

The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, whom you sent with me, together with the Ephesians, your brethren, and who has in all things refreshed me. And I would that all may imitate him, as being a pattern of a minister of God. Grace will reward him in all things. I salute your most worthy bishop, and your very venerable presbytery, and your deacons, my fellow-servants, and all of you individually, as well as generally, in the name of Jesus Christ, and in His flesh and blood, in His passion and resurrection, both corporeal and spiritual, in union with God and you. Grace, mercy, peace, and patience, be with you for evermore!

I greet the households of my fellow believers, along with their wives and children, and the virgins who are called widows. I urge you to be strong in the power of the Holy Spirit. Philo, who is with me, sends you his greetings. I greet the household of Tavias, and I pray that it may be strengthened in faith and love, both physical and spiritual. I greet Alce, whom I deeply love, and the incomparable Daphnus, and Eutecnus, and everyone individually by name. Farewell in the grace of God.

I salute the families of my brethren, with their wives and children, and the virgins who are called widows. Be strong, I pray, in the power of the Holy Ghost. Philo, who is with me, greets you. I salute the house of Tavias, and pray that it may be confirmed in faith and love, both corporeal and spiritual. I salute Alce, my well-beloved, and the incomparable Daphnus, and Eutecnus, and all by name. Fare well in the grace of God.

Ignatius, also called Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ at Philadelphia in Asia, which has received mercy and is established in the harmony of God, and rejoices continually in the suffering of our Lord, and is filled with all mercy through his resurrection. I greet this church in the blood of Jesus Christ, who is our eternal and lasting joy, especially if people are in unity with the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons, who have been appointed according to the mind of Jesus Christ, whom he has established securely according to his own will and by his Holy Spirit.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, which is at Philadelphia, in Asia, which has obtained mercy, and is established in the harmony of God, and rejoices unceasingly in the passion of our Lord, and is filled with all mercy through his resurrection; which I salute in the blood of Jesus Christ, who is our eternal and enduring joy, especially if [men] are in unity with the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons, who have been appointed according to the mind of Jesus Christ, whom He has established in security, after His own will, and by His Holy Spirit.

I know this bishop received his ministry for the common good not by his own doing, neither by human appointment, nor through vainglory, but by the love of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am amazed at his gentleness, and he accomplishes more through his silence than those who talk without purpose. He is in harmony with God's commandments, just as a harp is in harmony with its strings. Therefore my soul declares that his disposition toward God is blessed, knowing it to be virtuous and complete, and that his steadiness and freedom from all anger follows the pattern of the infinite gentleness of the living God.

Which bishop, I know, obtained the ministry which pertains to the common [good], not of himself, neither by men, Galatians 1:1 nor through vainglory, but by the love of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ; at whose meekness I am struck with admiration, and who by his silence is able to accomplish more than those who vainly talk. For he is in harmony with the commandments [of God], even as the harp is with its strings. Wherefore my soul declares his mind towards God a happy one, knowing it to be virtuous and perfect, and that his stability as well as freedom from all anger is after the example of the infinite meekness of the living God.

Therefore, as children of light and truth, avoid division and false teachings. Instead, follow wherever the shepherd goes, just as sheep do. Many wolves seem trustworthy, but through harmful pleasure they capture those who are running toward God. However, when you maintain your unity, these wolves will find no opportunity among you.

Wherefore, as children of light and truth, flee from division and wicked doctrines; but where the shepherd is, there follow as sheep. For there are many wolves that appear worthy of credit, who, by means of a pernicious pleasure, carry captive 2 Timothy 3:6 those that are running towards God; but in your unity they shall have no place.

Stay away from those evil groups that Jesus Christ does not care for, because they are not planted by the Father. I don't say this because I have found any division among you, but rather an exceeding purity. For all who belong to God and to Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And all who, through repentance, return to the unity of the Church will also belong to God, so that they may live according to Jesus Christ. Do not be deceived, my brothers. If anyone follows a person who creates a schism in the Church, he will not inherit the kingdom of God. If anyone follows a strange teaching, he does not agree with the passion of Christ.

Keep yourselves from those evil plants which Jesus Christ does not tend, because they are not the planting of the Father. Not that I have found any division among you, but exceeding purity. For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as shall, in the exercise of repentance, return into the unity of the Church, these, too, shall belong to God, that they may live according to Jesus Christ. Do not err, my brethren. If any man follows him that makes a schism in the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If any one walks according to a strange opinion, he agrees not with the passion [of Christ.].

Make sure, then, to have only one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to show the unity of His blood; one altar; just as there is one bishop, together with the presbytery and deacons, my fellow-servants. In this way, whatever you do, you may do it according to God's will.

Take heed, then, to have but one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to [show forth] the unity of His blood; one altar; as there is one bishop, along with the presbytery and deacons, my fellow-servants: that so, whatsoever you do, you may do it according to [the will of] God.

My brothers and sisters, my love for you has grown tremendously, and as I rejoice greatly over you, I am working to ensure your safety. Yet it is not really I doing this, but Jesus Christ. Because I am imprisoned for his sake, I am even more fearful, since I am not yet perfect. But your prayer to God will make me perfect, so that I may reach the inheritance that has been mercifully given to me. Meanwhile, I turn to the Gospel as if it were the flesh of Jesus, and to the apostles as if they were the presbytery of the Church. Let us also love the prophets, because they too proclaimed the Gospel, placed their hope in him, and waited for him. By believing in him, they were saved through union with Jesus Christ. They were holy people, worthy of love and admiration, testified to by Jesus Christ himself, and counted together with us in the Gospel of our common hope.

My brethren, I am greatly enlarged in loving you; and rejoicing exceedingly [over you], I seek to secure your safety. Yet it is not I, but Jesus Christ, for whose sake being bound I fear the more, inasmuch as I am not yet perfect. But your prayer to God shall make me perfect, that I may attain to that portion which through mercy has been allotted me, while I flee to the Gospel as to the flesh of Jesus, and to the apostles as to the presbytery of the Church. And let us also love the prophets, because they too have proclaimed the Gospel, and placed their hope in Him, and waited for Him; in whom also believing, they were saved, through union to Jesus Christ, being holy men, worthy of love and admiration, having had witness borne to them by Jesus Christ, and being reckoned along with [us] in the Gospel of the common hope.

If anyone preaches the Jewish law to you, do not listen to him. It is better to hear Christian teaching from a man who has been circumcised than to hear Judaism from one who is uncircumcised. But if either of these people does not speak about Jesus Christ, I consider them nothing more than monuments and tombs of the dead, on which only the names of men are written. Therefore, flee from the evil schemes and traps of the prince of this world, so that you will not be defeated by his cunning tactics and grow weak in your love. Instead, all of you should be united together with an undivided heart. I thank my God that I have a good conscience regarding you, and that no one has the ability to claim, either privately or publicly, that I have been a burden to anyone in any matter, great or small. And I pray for all those to whom I have spoken, that they may not have this as a testimony against them.

But if any one preach the Jewish law unto you, listen not to him. For it is better to hearken to Christian doctrine from a man who has been circumcised, than to Judaism from one uncircumcised. But if either of such persons do not speak concerning Jesus Christ, they are in my judgment but as monuments and sepulchres of the dead, upon which are written only the names of men. Flee therefore the wicked devices and snares of the prince of this world, lest at any time being conquered by his artifices, grow weak in your love. But be all joined together with an undivided heart. And I thank my God that I have a good conscience in respect to you, and that no one has it in his power to boast, either privately or publicly, that I have burdened any one either in much or in little. And I wish for all among whom I have spoken, that they may not possess that for a testimony against them.

For though some would have tried to deceive me according to the flesh, the Spirit, being from God, is not deceived. For it knows both where it comes from and where it goes, and it uncovers the secrets of the heart. For when I was among you, I cried out, I spoke with a loud voice: Pay attention to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. Now, some suspected me of having spoken this way because I knew beforehand about the division caused by some among you. But He is my witness, for whose sake I am in chains, that I received no information from any human being. Rather, the Spirit proclaimed these words: Do nothing without the bishop; keep your bodies as the temples of God; love unity; avoid divisions; be followers of Jesus Christ, just as He is of His Father.

For though some would have deceived me according to the flesh, yet the Spirit, as being from God, is not deceived. For it knows both whence it comes and whither it goes, John 3:8 and detects the secrets [of the heart]. For, when I was among you, I cried, I spoke with a loud voice: Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. Now, some suspected me of having spoken thus, as knowing beforehand the division caused by some among you. But He is my witness, for whose sake I am in bonds, that I got no intelligence from any man. But the Spirit proclaimed these words: Do nothing without the bishop; keep your bodies as the temples of God; love unity; avoid divisions; be the followers of Jesus Christ, even as He is of His Father.

I therefore did what was my duty as someone devoted to unity. For where there is division and anger, God does not dwell. To all who repent, the Lord grants forgiveness, if they turn in repentance to the unity of God and to communion with the bishop. I trust in the grace of Jesus Christ concerning you, who will free you from every bond. And I urge you to do nothing out of conflict, but according to the teaching of Christ. When I heard some people saying, "If I do not find it in the ancient Scriptures, I will not believe the Gospel," and when I said to them, "It is written," they answered me, "That remains to be proved." But to me Jesus Christ stands in the place of all that is ancient: His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which comes through Him, are pure monuments of antiquity; by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified.

I therefore did what belonged to me, as a man devoted to unity. For where there is division and wrath, God does not dwell. To all them that repent, the Lord grants forgiveness, if they turn in penitence to the unity of God, and to communion with the bishop. I trust [as to you] in the grace of Jesus Christ, who shall free you from every bond. And I exhort you to do nothing out of strife, but according to the doctrine of Christ. When I heard some saying, If I do not find it in the ancient Scriptures, I will not believe the Gospel; on my saying to them, It is written, they answered me, That remains to be proved. But to me Jesus Christ is in the place of all that is ancient: His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which is by Him, are undefiled monuments of antiquity; by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified.

The priests are indeed good, but the High Priest is better. To him the holy of holies has been entrusted, and he alone has been trusted with the secrets of God. He is the door of the Father, through which Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the prophets, the apostles, and the Church all enter. All of these aim at attaining the unity of God. But the Gospel possesses something that transcends the former dispensation: namely, the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, his passion and resurrection. For the beloved prophets announced him, but the Gospel is the perfection of immortality. All these things together are good if you believe in love.

The priests indeed are good, but the High Priest is better; to whom the holy of holies has been committed, and who alone has been trusted with the secrets of God. He is the door of the Father, by which enter in Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the prophets, and the apostles, and the Church. All these have for their object the attaining to the unity of God. But the Gospel possesses something transcendent [above the former dispensation], viz., the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, His passion and resurrection. For the beloved prophets announced Him, but the Gospel is the perfection of immortality. All these things are good together, if you believe in love.

Since, according to your prayers and the compassion you feel in Christ Jesus, it has been reported to me that the Church at Antioch in Syria has peace, it is fitting for you, as a Church of God, to choose a deacon to serve as God's ambassador on your behalf to the believers there, so that he may rejoice with them when they gather together and glorify the name of God. Blessed is he in Jesus Christ who is considered worthy of such a ministry, and you too will be honored. And if you are willing, this is not beyond your ability to do for the sake of God, just as the nearby Churches have sent bishops in some cases, and in other cases presbyters and deacons.

Since, according to your prayers, and the compassion which you feel in Christ Jesus, it is reported to me that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria possesses peace, it will become you, as a Church of God, to elect a deacon to act as the ambassador of God [for you] to [the brethren there], that he may rejoice along with them when they are met together, and glorify the name [of God]. Blessed is he in Jesus Christ, who shall be deemed worthy of such a ministry; and you too shall be glorified. And if you are willing, it is not beyond your power to do this, for the sake of God; as also the nearest Churches have sent, in some cases bishops, and in others presbyters and deacons.

Now, concerning Philo the deacon from Cilicia, a man of good reputation who continues to serve me in the word of God, along with Rheus Agathopus, a chosen man who has followed me from Syria without regard for his own life—these testify on your behalf. And I myself give thanks to God for you because you have received them, just as the Lord receives you. But may those who dishonored them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brothers at Troas greets you. I am writing to you from there through Burrhus, who was sent with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnaeans as a sign of their respect. May the Lord Jesus Christ honor them, in whom they place their hope—in flesh, soul, faith, love, and concord! Farewell in Christ Jesus, our common hope.

Now, as to Philo the deacon, of Cilicia, a man of reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Rheus Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding his life — these bear witness in your behalf; and I myself give thanks to God for you, that you have received them, even as the Lord you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect. May the Lord Jesus Christ honour them, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and faith, and love, and concord! Fare well in Christ Jesus, our common hope.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church that has received mercy through the majesty of the Most High Father and Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son; the Church that is beloved and enlightened by the will of Him who wills all things that are according to the love of Jesus Christ our God, which also presides in the place of the region of the Romans, worthy of God, worthy of honor, worthy of the highest happiness, worthy of praise, worthy of obtaining her every desire, worthy of being deemed holy, and which presides over love, is named from Christ and from the Father—which I also greet in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father: to those who are united, both according to the flesh and spirit, to every one of His commandments, who are filled inseparably with the grace of God and are purified from every foreign stain, I wish abundant happiness blamelessly, in Jesus Christ our God.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church which has obtained mercy, through the majesty of the Most High Father, and Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son; the Church which is beloved and enlightened by the will of Him that wills all things which are according to the love of Jesus Christ our God, which also presides in the place of the region of the Romans, worthy of God, worthy of honour, worthy of the highest happiness, worthy of praise, worthy of obtaining her every desire, worthy of being deemed holy, and which presides over love, is named from Christ, and from the Father, which I also salute in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father: to those who are united, both according to the flesh and spirit, to every one of His commandments; who are filled inseparably with the grace of God, and are purified from every strange taint, [I wish] abundance of happiness unblameably, in Jesus Christ our God.

Through prayer to God, I have been given the privilege of seeing your faces, which are worthy of honor, and I have received even more than I asked for. As a prisoner in Christ Jesus, I hope to greet you—if it is God's will that I be counted worthy to reach the end. The beginning has gone well, and if I can receive grace to hold fast to my lot without obstacle until the end, I will be satisfied. But I am afraid of your love, because it might harm me. It is easy for you to do what you want, but it is hard for me to reach God if you show me mercy.

Through prayer to God I have obtained the privilege of seeing your most worthy faces, and have even been granted more than I requested; for I hope as a prisoner in Christ Jesus to salute you, if indeed it be the will of God that I be thought worthy of attaining unto the end. For the beginning has been well ordered, if I may obtain grace to cling to my lot without hindrance unto the end. For I am afraid of your love, lest it should do me an injury. For it is easy for you to accomplish what you please; but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if you spare me.

I don't want to act as someone who pleases people, but rather as one who pleases God—just as you also please Him. I will never have another opportunity like this to reach God, and if you remain silent now, you will never be credited with a better work. If you say nothing on my behalf, I will become God's; but if you show love for my flesh, I will have to run my race all over again. So please, don't try to do me any greater favor than letting me be sacrificed to God while the altar is still ready. Then, gathered together in love, you can sing praise to the Father through Christ Jesus, because God has considered me, the bishop of Syria, worthy to be summoned from the east to the west. It is good to depart from the world to God, so that I may rise again to Him.

For it is not my desire to act towards you as a man-pleaser, but as pleasing God, even as also you please Him. For neither shall I ever have such [another] opportunity of attaining to God; nor will you, if you shall now be silent, ever be entitled to the honour of a better work. For if you are silent concerning me, I shall become God's; but if you show your love to my flesh, I shall again have to run my race. Pray, then, do not seek to confer any greater favour upon me than that I be sacrificed to God while the altar is still prepared; that, being gathered together in love, you may sing praise to the Father, through Christ Jesus, that God has deemed me, the bishop of Syria, worthy to be sent for from the east unto the west. It is good to set from the world unto God, that I may rise again to Him.

You have never envied anyone; you have taught others. Now I desire that those things may be confirmed by your conduct, which in your instructions you command to others. Only request on my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but truly will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one. For if I am truly found to be a Christian, I may also be called one, and be considered faithful, when I no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with the Father, is all the more revealed in His glory. Christianity is not a thing of silence only, but also of manifest greatness.

You have never envied any one; you have taught others. Now I desire that those things may be confirmed [by your conduct], which in your instructions you enjoin [on others]. Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but [ truly] will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one. For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with the Father, is all the more revealed [in His glory]. Christianity is not a thing of silence only, but also of [manifest] greatness.

I write to the Churches and urge them all that I am willing to die for God, unless you prevent me. I beg you not to show me a kindness that is out of place. Allow me to become food for the wild beasts, through which I will be able to reach God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts so that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. Instead, encourage the wild beasts so that they may become my tomb and may leave nothing of my body, so that when I have died, I may not be a burden to anyone. Then I will truly be a disciple of Christ, when the world cannot even see my body. Pray to Christ for me, that through these means I may be found a sacrifice to God. I do not give you commands as Peter and Paul did. They were apostles; I am only a condemned man. They were free, while I am, even now, a slave. But when I suffer, I will be the freedman of Jesus and will rise again set free in Him. And now, being a prisoner, I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain.

I write to the Churches, and impress on them all, that I shall willingly die for God, unless you hinder me. I beseech of you not to show an unseasonable good-will towards me. Allow me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. Rather entice the wild beasts, that they may become my tomb, and may leave nothing of my body; so that when I have fallen asleep [in death], I may be no trouble to any one. Then shall I truly be a disciple of Christ, when the world shall not see so much as my body. Entreat Christ for me, that by these instruments I may be found a sacrifice [to God]. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you. They were apostles; I am but a condemned man: they were free, while I am, even until now, a servant. But when I suffer, I shall be the freed-man of Jesus, and shall rise again emancipated in Him. And now, being a prisoner, I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain.

From Syria all the way to Rome I fight with wild beasts, both by land and sea, both by night and day, being bound to ten leopards—I mean a group of soldiers who, even when they receive kind treatment, only become worse. But through their mistreatment I am learning more about being a disciple of Christ, though this does not make me righteous. May I have the joy of facing the wild beasts that are prepared for me, and I pray they will be eager to rush at me. I will even encourage them to devour me quickly and not treat me as they have treated some others whom they have not touched out of fear. But if they are unwilling to attack me, I will force them to do so. Forgive me for saying this—I know what is good for me. Now I am beginning to be a disciple. Let nothing, whether visible or invisible, prevent me from reaching Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross come; let crowds of wild beasts come; let my body be torn, broken, and my bones dislocated; let my limbs be cut off; let my whole body be shattered; and let all the terrible torments of the devil come upon me—only let me reach Jesus Christ.

From Syria even unto Rome I fight with beasts, both by land and sea, both by night and day, being bound to ten leopards, I mean a band of soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves all the worse. But I am the more instructed by their injuries [to act as a disciple of Christ]; yet am I not thereby justified. 1 Corinthians 4:4 May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray they may be found eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me speedily, and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not touched. But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so. Pardon me [in this]: I know what is for my benefit. Now I begin to be a disciple. And let no one, of things visible or invisible, envy me that I should attain to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.

All the pleasures of the world and all the kingdoms of this earth will profit me nothing. It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ than to reign over all the ends of the earth. For what will a man gain if he wins the whole world but loses his own soul? I seek Him who died for us; I desire Him who rose again for our sake. This is the gain that is laid up for me. Pardon me, brothers: do not hinder me from living; do not wish to keep me in a state of death. While I desire to belong to God, do not give me over to the world. Allow me to obtain pure light: when I have gone there, I shall indeed be a man of God. Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God. If anyone has Him within himself, let him consider what I desire, and let him have sympathy with me, knowing how I am constrained.

All the pleasures of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing. It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth. For what shall a man be profited, if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul? Him I seek, who died for us: Him I desire, who rose again for our sake. This is the gain which is laid up for me. Pardon me, brethren: do not hinder me from living, do not wish to keep me in a state of death; and while I desire to belong to God, do not give me over to the world. Allow me to obtain pure light: when I have gone there, I shall indeed be a man of God. Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God. If any one has Him within himself, let him consider what I desire, and let him have sympathy with me, as knowing how I am straitened.

The ruler of this world wants to take me away and corrupt my attitude toward God. Therefore, let none of you who are in Rome help him. Instead, be on my side, which is God's side. Do not talk about Jesus Christ while setting your hearts on the world. Do not let envy live among you. Even if I were there with you urging you toward envy, do not be persuaded to listen to me. Instead, believe what I am writing to you now. For although I am alive as I write to you, I am eager to die. My love has been crucified, and there is no fire in me that desires to be fed. But there is a living water within me that speaks, saying to me inwardly, "Come to the Father." I take no pleasure in perishable food or in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, the heavenly bread, the bread of life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who later came from the seed of David and Abraham. And I desire the drink of God, which is His blood—incorruptible love and eternal life.

The prince of this world would fain carry me away, and corrupt my disposition towards God. Let none of you, therefore, who are [in Rome] help him; rather be on my side, that is, on the side of God. Do not speak of Jesus Christ, and yet set your desires on the world. Let not envy find a dwelling-place among you; nor even should I, when present with you, exhort you to it, be persuaded to listen to me, but rather give credit to those things which I now write to you. For though I am alive while I write to you, yet I am eager to die. My love has been crucified, and there is no fire in me desiring to be fed; but there is within me a water that lives and speaks, saying to me inwardly, Come to the Father. I have no delight in corruptible food, nor in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, the heavenly bread, the bread of life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became afterwards of the seed of David and Abraham; and I desire the drink of God, namely His blood, which is incorruptible love and eternal life.

I no longer want to live in the way humans normally live, and my desire will be fulfilled if you agree. Be willing, then, so that you too may have your desires fulfilled. I am asking you in this short letter; believe me. Jesus Christ will reveal these things to you, so that you will know I am speaking the truth. He is the mouth completely free from falsehood, through which the Father has truly spoken. Pray for me, that I may reach what I desire. I have not written to you according to the flesh, but according to the will of God. If I suffer, you have wished well for me; but if I am rejected, you have hated me.

I no longer wish to live after the manner of men, and my desire shall be fulfilled if you consent. Be willing, then, that you also may have your desires fulfilled. I entreat you in this brief letter; give credit to me. Jesus Christ will reveal these things to you, [so that you shall know] that I speak truly. He is the mouth altogether free from falsehood, by which the Father has truly spoken. Pray for me, that I may attain [the object of my desire]. I have not written to you according to the flesh, but according to the will of God. If I shall suffer, you have wished [well] to me; but if I am rejected, you have hated me.

Remember in your prayers the Church in Syria, which now has God for its shepherd instead of me. Jesus Christ alone will oversee it, and your love will also regard it. But as for me, I am ashamed to be counted as one of them, for indeed I am not worthy, being the very last of them and one born out of due time. But I have obtained mercy to be somebody, if I shall attain to God. My spirit greets you, and so does the love of the Churches that have received me in the name of Jesus Christ, and not as a mere passer-by. For even those Churches which were not near to me on the way—I mean according to the flesh—have gone ahead of me, city by city, to meet me.

Remember in your prayers the Church in Syria, which now has God for its shepherd, instead of me. Jesus Christ alone will oversee it, and your love [will also regard it]. But as for me, I am ashamed to be counted one of them; for indeed I am not worthy, as being the very last of them, and one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:8-9 But I have obtained mercy to be somebody, if I shall attain to God. My spirit salutes you, and the love of the Churches that have received me in the name of Jesus Christ, and not as a mere passer-by. For even those Churches which were not near to me in the way, I mean according to the flesh, have gone before me, city by city, [to meet me.]

I am writing these things to you from Smyrna through the Ephesians, who are deservedly very happy. Besides many others, Crocus is also with me, a person I dearly love. As for those who have gone ahead of me from Syria to Rome for the glory of God, I believe you know about them. Please let them know that I am nearby. They are all worthy, both of God and of you, and it is fitting that you should support them in every way. I wrote these things to you on the day before the ninth of the Kalends of September (that is, on the twenty-third day of August). Farewell until the end, in the patience of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Now I write these things to you from Smyrna by the Ephesians, who are deservedly most happy. There is also with me, along with many others, Crocus, one dearly beloved by me. As to those who have gone before me from Syria to Rome for the glory of God, I believe that you are acquainted with them; to whom, [then,] make known that I am at hand. For they are all worthy, both of God and of you; and it is becoming that you should refresh them in all things. I have written these things unto you, on the day before the ninth of the Kalends of September (that is, on the twenty-third day of August). Fare well to the end, in the patience of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the holy Church at Tralles in Asia, loved by God the Father of Jesus Christ, chosen and worthy of God, possessing peace through the flesh, blood, and suffering of Jesus Christ, who is our hope through our resurrection to Him. I greet this church in its fullness and in its apostolic character, and I wish it abundant happiness.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the holy Church which is at Tralles, in Asia, beloved of God, the Father of Jesus Christ, elect, and worthy of God, possessing peace through the flesh, and blood, and passion of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, through our rising again to Him, which also I salute in its fullness, and in the apostolic character, and wish abundance of happiness.

I know that you possess a blameless and sincere mind in patience, and that this is true not only in your present practice but also according to your inherent nature, as Polybius your bishop has shown me. He came to Smyrna by the will of God and Jesus Christ, and so shared in the joy which I, who am bound in Christ Jesus, possess, that I saw your whole community in him. Therefore, having received through him the witness of your goodwill, according to God, I rejoiced to find you, as I already knew you were, followers of God.

I know that you possess an unblameable and sincere mind in patience, and that not only in present practice, but according to inherent nature, as Polybius your bishop has shown me, who has come to Smyrna by the will of God and Jesus Christ, and so sympathized in the joy which I, who am bound in Christ Jesus, possess, that I beheld your whole multitude in him. Having therefore received through him the testimony of your good-will, according to God, I gloried to find you, as I knew you were, the followers of God.

Since you are subject to the bishop as to Jesus Christ, you appear to me to live not according to human standards, but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that by believing in His death, you may escape from death. It is therefore necessary that, just as you are already doing, you should do nothing without the bishop, but should also be subject to the presbytery as to the apostle of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, in whom, if we live, we shall at last be found. It is also fitting that the deacons, as being the ministers of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to all. For they are not ministers of food and drink, but servants of the Church of God. They are bound, therefore, to avoid all grounds of accusation against them, as they would avoid fire.

For, since you are subject to the bishop as to Jesus Christ, you appear to me to live not after the manner of men, but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us, in order, by believing in His death, you may escape from death. It is therefore necessary that, as you indeed do, so without the bishop you should do nothing, but should also be subject to the presbytery, as to the apostle of Jesus Christ, who is our hope, in whom, if we live, we shall [at last] be found. It is fitting also that the deacons, as being [the ministers] of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to all. For they are not ministers of meat and drink, but servants of the Church of God. They are bound, therefore, to avoid all grounds of accusation [against them], as they would do fire.

In the same way, let everyone reverence the deacons as an appointment of Jesus Christ, and the bishop as Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the Father, and the presbyters as the sanhedrim of God and assembly of the apostles. Apart from these, there is no Church. Concerning all this, I am convinced that you share the same opinion. For I have received the evidence of your love, and still have it with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive, and whose meekness is itself a power; I imagine that even the ungodly must reverence him, seeing they are also pleased that I do not spare myself. But should I, when permitted to write on this point, reach such a level of self-importance that, though being a condemned man, I should issue commands to you as if I were an apostle?

In like manner, let all reverence the deacons as an appointment of Jesus Christ, and the bishop as Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the Father, and the presbyters as the sanhedrim of God, and assembly of the apostles. Apart from these, there is no Church. Concerning all this, I am persuaded that you are of the same opinion. For I have received the manifestation of your love, and still have it with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive, and his meekness of itself a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must reverence, seeing they are also pleased that I do not spare myself. But shall I, when permitted to write on this point, reach such a height of self-esteem, that though being a condemned man, I should issue commands to you as if I were an apostle?

I have great knowledge of God, but I hold myself back, so that I won't be destroyed by boasting. Right now I need to be even more cautious and not listen to those who flatter me. Those who speak to me in praise are actually whipping me. I truly do want to suffer, but I don't know if I'm worthy to do so. This desire, though hidden from many people, attacks me all the more fiercely. Therefore I need humility, through which the prince of this world is destroyed.

I have great knowledge in God, but I restrain myself, lest, I should perish through boasting. For now it is needful for me to be the more fearful; and not give heed to those that puff me up. For they that speak to me [in the way of commendation] scourge me. For I do indeed desire to suffer, but I know not if I be worthy to do so. For this longing, though it is not manifest to many, all the more vehemently assails me. I therefore have need of meekness, by which the prince of this world is brought to nought.

Can't I write to you about heavenly things? But I'm afraid to do so, in case I harm you who are only babies in Christ. Forgive me for this—I don't want you to choke on these teachings because you're not yet able to receive them. Even I, though I am in chains for Christ, am not yet able to understand heavenly things: the ranks of the angels, their assemblies under their various rulers, things visible and invisible. Setting aside such difficult subjects, I am still only a learner in other ways. Many things are still lacking in us, so that we do not fall short of God.

Am I not able to write to you of heavenly things? But I fear to do so, lest I should inflict injury on you who are but babes [in Christ]. Pardon me in this respect, lest, as not being able to receive [such doctrines], you should be strangled by them. For even I, though I am bound [for Christ], yet am not on that account able to understand heavenly things, and the places of the angels, and their gatherings under their respective princes, things visible and invisible. Without reference to such abstruse subjects, I am still but a learner [in other respects]; for many things are wanting to us, that we come not short of God.

I urge you—though it is not really I, but the love of Jesus Christ—to use only Christian nourishment and stay away from different kinds of food, by which I mean heresy. For those who practice heresy mix Jesus Christ together with their own poison, speaking things that are not worthy of belief, like people who give a deadly drug in sweet wine. The person who doesn't know what it contains eagerly drinks it, and the fatal pleasure leads to his own death.

I therefore, yet not I, but the love of Jesus Christ, entreat you that you use Christian nourishment only, and abstain from herbage of a different kind; I mean heresy. For those [that are given to this] mix up Jesus Christ with their own poison, speaking things which are unworthy of credit, like those who administer a deadly drug in sweet wine, which he who is ignorant of does greedily take, with a fatal pleasure leading to his own death.

Be on your guard, therefore, against such people. You will be able to do this if you are not puffed up, and if you continue in intimate union with Jesus Christ our God, and with the bishop, and the teachings of the apostles. The one who is within the altar is pure, but the one who is outside is not pure. That is, whoever does anything apart from the bishop, presbytery, and deacons—such a person is not pure in his conscience.

Be on your guard, therefore, against such persons. And this will be the case with you if you are not puffed up, and continue in intimate union with Jesus Christ our God, and the bishop, and the enactments of the apostles. He that is within the altar is pure, but he that is without is not pure; that is, he who does anything apart from the bishop, and presbytery, and deacons, such a man is not pure in his conscience.

It's not that I know of anything like this among you, but I'm warning you ahead of time because I love you deeply and can see the devil's traps coming. So clothe yourselves with gentleness and be made new in faith, which is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, which is the blood of Jesus Christ. Don't let any of you hold a grudge against your neighbor. Don't give the Gentiles any reason to criticize, so that because of a few foolish people, the entire community of believers in God won't be slandered. For, "Woe to the one whose foolishness causes my name to be blasphemed among anyone."

Not that I know there is anything of this kind among you; but I put you on your guard, inasmuch as I love you greatly, and foresee the snares of the devil. Wherefore, clothing yourselves with meekness, be renewed in faith, that is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, that is the blood of Jesus Christ. Let no one of you cherish any grudge against his neighbour. Give no occasion to the Gentiles, lest by means of a few foolish men the whole multitude [of those that believe] in God be evil spoken of. For, Woe to him by whose vanity my name is blasphemed among any. Isaiah 52:5

Close your ears whenever anyone speaks to you in a way that contradicts Jesus Christ, who was descended from David and was also of Mary. He was truly born and ate and drank. He was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate. He was truly crucified and truly died, in the sight of beings in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. He was also truly raised from the dead, His Father giving Him life, just as in the same way His Father will raise up us who believe in Him through Christ Jesus, apart from whom we do not possess true life.

Stop your ears, therefore, when any one speaks to you at variance with Jesus Christ, who was descended from David, and was also of Mary; who was truly born, and ate and drank. He was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate; He was truly crucified, and [ truly] died, in the sight of beings in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth. He was also truly raised from the dead, His Father quickening Him, even as after the same manner His Father will so raise up us who believe in Him by Christ Jesus, apart from whom we do not possess the true life.

But if, as some who are without God—that is, the unbelieving—say, that he only seemed to suffer (while they themselves only seem to exist), then why am I in chains? Why do I long to be thrown to the wild beasts? Do I then die for nothing? Am I not then guilty of lying about the Lord's cross?

But if, as some that are without God, that is, the unbelieving, say, that He only seemed to suffer (they themselves only seeming to exist), then why am I in bonds? Why do I long to be exposed to the wild beasts? Do I therefore die in vain? Am I not then guilty of falsehood against [the cross of] the Lord?

Flee, therefore, from those evil offshoots of Satan, which produce fruit that brings death—if anyone tastes it, he dies immediately. For these men are not planted by the Father. If they were, they would appear as branches of the cross, and their fruit would be incorruptible. Through the cross He calls you by His passion, since you are His members. The head cannot exist by itself without its members, for God, who is the Savior Himself, has promised their union.

Flee, therefore, those evil offshoots [of Satan], which produce death-bearing fruit, whereof if any one tastes, he instantly dies. For these men are not the planting of the Father. For if they were, they would appear as branches of the cross, and their fruit would be incorruptible. By it He calls you through His passion, as being His members. The head, therefore, cannot be born by itself, without its members; God, who is [the Saviour] Himself, having promised their union.

I greet you from Smyrna, together with the Churches of God that are with me, who have refreshed me in every way, both physically and spiritually. My chains, which I carry around for the sake of Jesus Christ (praying that I may reach God), urge you onward. Continue in harmony with one another and in prayer for each other, for it is fitting for each of you, especially the presbyters, to encourage the bishop, to the honor of the Father, of Jesus Christ, and of the apostles. I beg you in love to listen to me, so that by having written to you, I will not become a witness against you. Also pray for me, who needs your love along with God's mercy, so that I may be counted worthy of the calling I am appointed to and not be found unqualified.

I salute you from Smyrna, together with the Churches of God which are with me, who have refreshed me in all things, both in the flesh and in the spirit. My bonds, which I carry about with me for the sake of Jesus Christ ( praying that I may attain to God), exhort you. Continue in harmony among yourselves, and in prayer with one another; for it becomes every one of you, and especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honour of the Father, of Jesus Christ, and of the apostles. I entreat you in love to hear me, that I may not, by having written, be a testimony against you. And also pray for me, who have need of your love, along with the mercy of God, that I may be worthy of the lot for which I am destined, and that I may not be found reprobate.

The Smyrneans and Ephesians send you their love. Remember in your prayers the Church in Syria, from which I am not even worthy to take my title, being the least among them. Farewell in Jesus Christ, as long as you remain subject to the bishop as to God's command, and likewise to the presbytery. And let everyone love one another with an undivided heart. May my spirit be sanctified by yours, not only now but also when I reach God. For I am still in danger. But the Father is faithful in Jesus Christ to fulfill both my petitions and yours. May you be found blameless in him.

The love of the Smyrnæans and Ephesians salutes you. Remember in your prayers the Church which is in Syria, from which also I am not worthy to receive my appellation, being the last of them. Fare well in Jesus Christ, while you continue subject to the bishop, as to the command [of God], and in like manner to the presbytery. And, every man, love one another with an undivided heart. Let my spirit be sanctified by yours, not only now, but also when I shall attain to God. For I am as yet exposed to danger. But the Father is faithful in Jesus Christ to fulfil both mine and your petitions: in whom may you be found unblameable.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church blessed in the grace of God the Father, in Jesus Christ our Savior, in whom I greet the Church at Magnesia near the Maeander, and wish it abundant happiness in God the Father and in Jesus Christ.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the [ Church] blessed in the grace of God the Father, in Jesus Christ our Saviour, in whom I salute the Church which is at Magnesia, near the Mæander, and wish it abundance of happiness in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ.

Having been informed of your godly love, which is so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly and decided to communicate with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For as one who has been thought worthy of the most honorable of all names, in these bonds which I carry, I commend the Churches, in which I pray for a union of both the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, the constant source of our life, and of faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred, but especially of Jesus and the Father. In them, if we endure all the assaults of the prince of this world and escape them, we shall enjoy God.

Having been informed of your godly love, so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly, and determined to commune with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For as one who has been thought worthy of the most honourable of all names, in those bonds which I bear about, I commend the Churches, in which I pray for a union both of the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, the constant source of our life, and of faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred, but especially of Jesus and the Father, in whom, if we endure all the assaults of the prince of this world, and escape them, we shall enjoy God.

Since I have had the privilege of seeing you through Damas your most worthy bishop, and through your worthy presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friendship I hope always to enjoy because he submits to the bishop as to the grace of God and to the presbytery as to the law of Jesus Christ, I now write to you.

Since, then, I have had the privilege of seeing you, through Damas your most worthy bishop, and through your worthy presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friendship may I ever enjoy, inasmuch as he is subject to the bishop as to the grace of God, and to the presbytery as to the law of Jesus Christ, [I now write to you].

You should not treat your bishop too casually just because he is young. Instead, give him full respect, recognizing the power of God the Father. I have seen even holy presbyters do this—they do not make hasty judgments based on their bishop's obviously youthful appearance, but being wise in God, they submit to him. Or rather, they submit not to him but to the Father of Jesus Christ, the bishop of us all. Therefore, it is right for you to obey your bishop sincerely, without hypocrisy, honoring the One who has willed this. Anyone who fails to do this is not deceiving the visible bishop but trying to mock the invisible God. All such behavior concerns not man but God, who knows all secrets.

Now it becomes you also not to treat your bishop too familiarly on account of his youth, but to yield him all reverence, having respect to the power of God the Father, as I have known even holy presbyters do, not judging rashly, from the manifest youthful appearance [of their bishop], but as being themselves prudent in God, submitting to him, or rather not to him, but to the Father of Jesus Christ, the bishop of us all. It is therefore fitting that you should, after no hypocritical fashion, obey [your bishop], in honour of Him who has willed us [so to do], since he that does not so deceives not [by such conduct] the bishop that is visible, but seeks to mock Him that is invisible. And all such conduct has reference not to man, but to God, who knows all secrets.

It is appropriate, therefore, not only to be called Christians, but actually to be Christians in reality, just as some people give someone the title of bishop, but do everything without his involvement. Such people do not seem to me to have a good conscience, since they do not gather together steadfastly according to the commandment.

It is fitting, then, not only to be called Christians, but to be so in reality: as some indeed give one the title of bishop, but do all things without him. Now such persons seem to me to be not possessed of a good conscience, seeing they are not stedfastly gathered together according to the commandment.

Seeing, then, that all things have an end, these two things are set before us at the same time—death and life—and every person will go to his own place. For just as there are two kinds of coins, one belonging to God and the other to the world, and each has its own distinctive mark stamped upon it, so it is also here. The unbelieving belong to this world, but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father through Jesus Christ. If we are not ready to die into His passion, His life is not in us.

Seeing, then, all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us — death and life; and every one shall go unto his own place. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each of these has its special character stamped upon it, [so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not in readiness to die into His passion, His life is not in us.

Since I have seen your whole congregation represented in the people mentioned earlier, united in faith and love, I urge you to strive to do everything in divine harmony. Your bishop presides in the place of God, your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, and your deacons, who are very dear to me, are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time and was finally revealed. Therefore, all of you should imitate this same divine conduct and honor one another. Let no one view his neighbor according to the flesh, but continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that could divide you. Instead, be united with your bishop and those who lead you, as a sign and proof of your immortality.

Since therefore I have, in the persons before mentioned, beheld the whole multitude of you in faith and love, I exhort you to study to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. Do all then, imitating the same divine conduct, pay respect to one another, and let no one look upon his neighbour after the flesh, but continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be united with your bishop, and those that preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.

Just as the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united to Him—neither by Himself nor through the apostles—so you should do nothing without the bishop and presbyters. Do not try to make anything seem reasonable and proper to yourselves separately. Instead, when you come together in the same place, let there be one prayer, one supplication, one mind, one hope, in love and in pure joy. There is one Jesus Christ, than whom nothing is more excellent. Therefore, run together as into one temple of God, as to one altar, as to one Jesus Christ, who came forth from one Father, and is with and has gone to one.

As therefore the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united to Him, neither by Himself nor by the apostles, so neither do anything without the bishop and presbyters. Neither endeavour that anything appear reasonable and proper to yourselves apart; but being come together into the same place, let there be one prayer, one supplication, one mind, one hope, in love and in joy undefiled. There is one Jesus Christ, than whom nothing is more excellent. Therefore run together as into one temple of God, as to one altar, as to one Jesus Christ, who came forth from one Father, and is with and has gone to one.

Do not be deceived by strange doctrines or old fables, which are useless. For if we still live according to the Jewish law, we acknowledge that we have not received grace. For the most divine prophets lived according to Christ Jesus. For this reason they were also persecuted, being inspired by His grace to fully convince the unbelieving that there is one God, who has manifested Himself through Jesus Christ His Son, who is His eternal Word, not proceeding forth from silence, and who in all things pleased Him who sent Him.

Be not deceived with strange doctrines, nor with old fables, which are unprofitable. For if we still live according to the Jewish law, we acknowledge that we have not received grace. For the divinest prophets lived according to Christ Jesus. On this account also they were persecuted, being inspired by His grace to fully convince the unbelieving that there is one God, who has manifested Himself by Jesus Christ His Son, who is His eternal Word, not proceeding forth from silence, and who in all things pleased Him that sent Him.

If, therefore, those who were brought up in the ancient order of things have come to possess a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath but living in the observance of the Lord's Day—on which our life has also sprung up again through Him and through His death, which some deny—and through this mystery we have obtained faith and therefore endure so that we may be found disciples of Jesus Christ, our only Master—how shall we be able to live apart from Him, when even the prophets themselves in the Spirit waited for Him as their Teacher? And therefore, when He whom they rightly waited for came, He raised them from the dead.

If, therefore, those who were brought up in the ancient order of things have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath, but living in the observance of the Lord's Day, on which also our life has sprung up again by Him and by His death — whom some deny, by which mystery we have obtained faith, and therefore endure, that we may be found the disciples of Jesus Christ, our only Master — how shall we be able to live apart from Him, whose disciples the prophets themselves in the Spirit did wait for Him as their Teacher? And therefore He whom they rightly waited for, having come, raised them from the dead. Matthew 27:52

Let us not, therefore, be insensitive to His kindness. For if He were to repay us according to our works, we would cease to exist. Therefore, having become His disciples, let us learn to live according to the principles of Christianity. For whoever is called by any other name besides this does not belong to God. Put away, therefore, the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be transformed into the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be salted in Him, so that no one among you should be corrupted, since by your savor you will be proven. It is absurd to profess Christ Jesus and to Judaize. For Christianity did not embrace Judaism, but Judaism Christianity, so that every tongue which believes might be gathered together to God.

Let us not, therefore, be insensible to His kindness. For were He to reward us according to our works, we should cease to be. Therefore, having become His disciples, let us learn to live according to the principles of Christianity. For whosoever is called by any other name besides this, is not of God. Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be changed into the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be salted in Him, lest any one among you should be corrupted, since by your savour you shall be convicted. It is absurd to profess Christ Jesus, and to Judaize. For Christianity did not embrace Judaism, but Judaism Christianity, that so every tongue which believes might be gathered together to God.

I write these things to you, my beloved, not because I know any of you to be in such a condition, but as one who is less than any of you, I want to protect you in advance so that you do not get caught on the hooks of empty teaching. Instead, may you arrive at full confidence regarding the birth, passion, and resurrection that took place during the time when Pontius Pilate was governor—events that were truly and certainly accomplished by Jesus Christ, who is our hope, and from which may none of you ever be turned away.

These things [I address to you], my beloved, not that I know any of you to be in such a state; [addicted to the error of Judaizing] but, as less than any of you, I desire to guard you beforehand, that you fall not upon the hooks of vain doctrine, but that you attain to full assurance in regard to the birth, and passion, and resurrection which took place in the time of the government of Pontius Pilate, being truly and certainly accomplished by Jesus Christ, who is our hope, 1 Timothy 1:1 from which may no one of you ever be turned aside.

May I find joy in you in every way, if I am truly worthy! For even though I am in chains, I am not worthy to be compared to any of you who are free. I know that you are not filled with pride, for you have Jesus Christ within you. And even more so when I praise you, I know that you maintain humility of spirit; as it is written, The righteous man is his own accuser. Proverbs 18:17

May I enjoy you in all respects, if indeed I be worthy! For though I am bound, I am not worthy to be compared to any of you that are at liberty. I know that you are not puffed up, for you have Jesus Christ in yourselves. And all the more when I commend you, I know that you cherish modesty of spirit; as it is written, The righteous man is his own accuser. Proverbs 18:17

Make it your aim, then, to be firmly grounded in the teachings of the Lord and the apostles, so that everything you do may succeed both in body and spirit, in faith and love, in the Son and in the Father and in the Spirit, from beginning to end, together with your most excellent bishop and the beautifully unified spiritual crown of your presbyters and the deacons who serve according to God's will. Submit to the bishop and to one another, just as Jesus Christ submitted to the Father according to the flesh, and the apostles to Christ and to the Father and to the Spirit, so that there may be unity both fleshly and spiritual.

Study, therefore, to be established in the doctrines of the Lord and the apostles, that so all things, whatsoever you do, may prosper both in the flesh and spirit; in faith and love; in the Son, and in the Father, and in the Spirit; in the beginning and in the end; with your most admirable bishop, and the well-compacted spiritual crown of your presbytery, and the deacons who are according to God. Be subject to the bishop, and to one another, as Jesus Christ to the Father, according to the flesh, and the apostles to Christ, and to the Father, and to the Spirit; that so there may be a union both fleshly and spiritual.

Knowing that you are full of God, I have given you only a brief exhortation. Remember me in your prayers, that I may reach God, and remember the Church in Syria, from which I am not worthy to take my name. I need your united prayer in God and your love, so that the Church in Syria may be considered worthy of being refreshed by your Church.

Knowing as I do that you are full of God, I have but briefly exhorted you. Be mindful of me in your prayers, that I may attain to God; and of the Church which is in Syria, whence I am not worthy to derive my name: for I stand in need of your united prayer in God, and your love, that the Church which is in Syria may be deemed worthy of being refreshed by your Church.

The Ephesians from Smyrna (from where I am also writing to you), who are here for the glory of God just as you are, and who have refreshed me in every way, send you greetings, along with Polycarp, the bishop of the Smyrnaeans. The rest of the Churches also send you greetings in honor of Jesus Christ. Farewell in the harmony of God, you who have received the inseparable Spirit, who is Jesus Christ.

The Ephesians from Smyrna (whence I also write to you), who are here for the glory of God, as you also are, who have in all things refreshed me, salute you, along with Polycarp, the bishop of the Smyrnæans. The rest of the Churches, in honour of Jesus Christ, also salute you. Fare well in the harmony of God, you who have obtained the inseparable Spirit, who is Jesus Christ.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church at Ephesus in Asia, rightfully most blessed, favored in the greatness and fullness of God the Father, and chosen before the beginning of time to have eternal and unchanging glory, united and elected through the true suffering according to the will of the Father and of Jesus Christ our God: abundant joy through Jesus Christ and His pure grace.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church which is at Ephesus, in Asia, deservedly most happy, being blessed in the greatness and fullness of God the Father, and predestinated before the ages of time, that it should be always for an enduring and unchangeable glory, being united and elected through the true passion by the will of the Father, and Jesus Christ, our God: Abundant happiness through Jesus Christ, and His undefiled grace.

I have learned about your name, which is much beloved in God. You have gained this name through your practice of righteousness, according to the faith and love that are in Jesus Christ our Savior. As followers of God, and stirring yourselves up by the blood of God, you have perfectly completed the work that was fitting for you. When you heard that I was coming as a prisoner from Syria for the sake of our common name and hope, and trusting through your prayers that I would be allowed to fight with wild beasts at Rome so that through martyrdom I might truly become the disciple of Him who gave Himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God, you hurried to see me. Therefore, I received your entire community in the name of God, through Onesimus, a man of indescribable love and your bishop in the flesh. I urge you by Jesus Christ to love him, and that all of you would seek to be like him. And blessed be He who has granted to you, since you are worthy, to have such an excellent bishop.

I have become acquainted with your name, much-beloved in God, which you have acquired by the habit of righteousness, according to the faith and love in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Being the followers of God, and stirring up yourselves by the blood of God, you have perfectly accomplished the work which was beseeming to you. For, on hearing that I came bound from Syria for the common name and hope, trusting through your prayers to be permitted to fight with beasts at Rome, that so by martyrdom I may indeed become the disciple of Him who gave Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:2 [you hastened to see me]. I received, therefore, your whole multitude in the name of God, through Onesimus, a man of inexpressible love, and your bishop in the flesh, whom I pray you by Jesus Christ to love, and that you would all seek to be like him. And blessed be He who has granted unto you, being worthy, to obtain such an excellent bishop.

Concerning my fellow-servant Burrhus, your deacon in matters pertaining to God and blessed in all things, I ask that he may remain with you longer, both for your honor and that of your bishop. And Crocus also, worthy both of God and of you, whom I received as a demonstration of your love, has refreshed me in every way, just as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will also refresh him; together with Onesimus, and Burrhus, and Euplus, and Fronto, through whom I have seen all of you, so to speak, in love. May I always have joy in you, if indeed I am worthy of it. It is therefore fitting that you should in every way glorify Jesus Christ, who has glorified you, so that through unified obedience you may be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment, and may all speak the same thing about the same thing, and that, being subject to the bishop and the presbytery, you may be sanctified in all respects.

As to my fellow-servant Burrhus, your deacon in regard to God and blessed in all things, I beg that he may continue longer, both for your honour and that of your bishop. And Crocus also, worthy both of God and you, whom I have received as the manifestation of your love, has in all things refreshed 1 Corinthians 16:18, etc. me, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ shall also refresh 1 Corinthians 16:18, etc. him; together with Onesimus, and Burrhus, and Euplus, and Fronto, by means of whom, I have, as to love, beheld all of you. May I always have joy of you, if indeed I be worthy of it. It is therefore befitting that you should in every way glorify Jesus Christ, who has glorified you, that by a unanimous obedience you may be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment, and may all speak the same thing concerning the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10 and that, being subject to the bishop and the presbytery, you may in all respects be sanctified.

I'm not giving you orders as if I were someone important. Even though I am in chains for the name of Christ, I am not yet perfect in Jesus Christ. I'm only now beginning to be a disciple, and I speak to you as my fellow disciples. I needed to be encouraged by you in faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering. But since love won't let me stay silent about you, I have decided to urge you first that you would all run together according to God's will. For even Jesus Christ, our inseparable life, is the revealed will of the Father; and likewise bishops, established everywhere to the farthest boundaries of the earth, exist by the will of Jesus Christ.

I do not issue orders to you, as if I were some great person. For though I am bound for the name [of Christ], I am not yet perfect in Jesus Christ. For now I begin to be a disciple, and I speak to you as fellow-disciples with me. For it was needful for me to have been stirred up by you in faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering. But inasmuch as love suffers me not to be silent in regard to you, I have therefore taken upon me first to exhort you that you would all run together in accordance with the will of God. For even Jesus Christ, our inseparable life, is the [manifested] will of the Father; as also bishops, settled everywhere to the utmost bounds [of the earth], are so by the will of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, it is fitting that you should act together in accordance with your bishop's will, which you already do. Your justly renowned presbytery, worthy of God, fits the bishop as precisely as strings fit a harp. So in your unity and harmonious love, Jesus Christ is sung. And each one of you should become a choir, so that being harmonious in love and singing God's song in unison, you may with one voice sing to the Father through Jesus Christ. In this way He may both hear you and recognize by your works that you are truly members of His Son. It is beneficial, therefore, that you should live in blameless unity, so that you may always enjoy communion with God.

Wherefore it is fitting that you should run together in accordance with the will of your bishop, which thing also you do. For your justly renowned presbytery, worthy of God, is fitted as exactly to the bishop as the strings are to the harp. Therefore in your concord and harmonious love, Jesus Christ is sung. And man by man, become a choir, that being harmonious in love, and taking up the song of God in unison, you may with one voice sing to the Father through Jesus Christ, so that He may both hear you, and perceive by your works that you are indeed the members of His Son. It is profitable, therefore, that you should live in an unblameable unity, that thus you may always enjoy communion with God.

If I have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop in this brief time—fellowship that is not merely human but spiritual in nature—how much more blessed I consider you, who are joined to him as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father, so that all things may come together in unity! Let no one deceive himself: if anyone is not within the altar, he lacks the bread of God. For if the prayer of one or two has such power, how much more does the prayer of the bishop and the whole Church! Therefore, whoever does not gather with the Church has by this very act shown his pride and condemned himself. For it is written, "God resists the proud." Let us be careful, then, not to oppose the bishop, so that we may remain subject to God.

For if I in this brief space of time, have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop — I mean not of a mere human, but of a spiritual nature — how much more do I reckon you happy who are so joined to him as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father, that so all things may agree in unity! Let no man deceive himself: if any one be not within the altar, he is deprived of the bread of God. For if the prayer of one or two possesses Matthew 18:19 such power, how much more that of the bishop and the whole Church! He, therefore, that does not assemble with the Church, has even by this manifested his pride, and condemned himself. For it is written, God resists the proud. Let us be careful, then, not to set ourselves in opposition to the bishop, in order that we may be subject to God.

The more anyone sees the bishop keeping silence, the more he ought to reverence him. For we ought to receive everyone whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household as we would receive Him who sent him. It is clear, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop just as we would look upon the Lord Himself. And indeed Onesimus himself greatly praises your good order in God, that you all live according to the truth, and that no sect has any dwelling place among you. Nor do you listen to anyone more than to Jesus Christ speaking in truth.

Now the more any one sees the bishop keeping silence, the more ought he to revere him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, Matthew 24:45 as we would do Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself. And indeed Onesimus himself greatly commends your good order in God, that you all live according to the truth, and that no sect has any dwelling-place among you. Nor, indeed, do you hearken to any one rather than to Jesus Christ speaking in truth.

Some people make a habit of using the name of Jesus Christ while acting with evil deception, and they do things that are unworthy of God. You must run from them as you would from wild animals. They are like vicious dogs that bite in secret, and you need to guard yourself against them because they are people who can barely be healed. There is one Physician who possesses both flesh and spirit, both made and not made, God existing in flesh, true life in death, both of Mary and of God, first passible and then impassible—Jesus Christ our Lord.

For some are in the habit of carrying about the name [of Jesus Christ] in wicked guile, while yet they practise things unworthy of God, whom you must flee as you would wild beasts. For they are ravening dogs, who bite secretly, against whom you must be on your guard, inasmuch as they are men who can scarcely be cured. There is one Physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh; true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first passible and then impassible — even Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let no one deceive you, and indeed you are not deceived, since you are completely devoted to God. For since there is no conflict raging among you that could trouble you, you are certainly living according to God's will. I am far inferior to you and need to be sanctified by your Church of Ephesus, which is famous throughout the world. Those who are carnal cannot do spiritual things, nor can those who are spiritual do carnal things; just as faith cannot do the works of unbelief, nor can unbelief do the works of faith. But even the things you do according to the flesh are spiritual, for you do all things in Jesus Christ.

Let not then any one deceive you, as indeed you are not deceived, inasmuch as you are wholly devoted to God. For since there is no strife raging among you which might distress you, you are certainly living in accordance with God's will. I am far inferior to you, and require to be sanctified by your Church of Ephesus, so renowned throughout the world. They that are carnal cannot do those things which are spiritual, nor they that are spiritual the things which are carnal; even as faith cannot do the works of unbelief, nor unbelief the works of faith. But even those things which you do according to the flesh are spiritual; for you do all things in Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, I have heard that some people with false teaching have come to you, but you did not let them plant their ideas among you. Instead, you blocked your ears so you would not receive what they were trying to spread. You are like stones of the Father's temple, prepared for the building of God the Father and lifted up high by the instrument of Jesus Christ, which is the cross, using the Holy Spirit as a rope. Your faith was what enabled you to rise up, and your love was the path that led you to God. Therefore, both you and all your companions are God-bearers, temple-bearers, Christ-bearers, bearers of holiness, decorated in every way with the commandments of Jesus Christ. I rejoice in this, because through this letter I have been considered worthy to speak with you and share in your joy, since in your Christian life you love nothing except God alone.

Nevertheless, I have heard of some who have passed on from this to you, having false doctrine, whom you did not allow to sow among you, but stopped your ears, that you might not receive those things which were sown by them, as being stones 1 Peter 2:5 of the temple of the Father, prepared for the building of God the Father, and drawn up on high by the instrument of Jesus Christ, which is the cross, John 12:32 making use of the Holy Spirit as a rope, while your faith was the means by which you ascended, and your love the way which led up to God. You, therefore, as well as all your fellow-travellers, are God-bearers, temple-bearers, Christ-bearers, bearers of holiness, adorned in all respects with the commandments of Jesus Christ, in whom also I exult that I have been thought worthy, by means of this Epistle, to converse and rejoice with you, because with respect to your Christian life you love nothing but God only.

Pray continually for other people, because there is hope in them that they may repent and reach God. Make sure, then, that they learn from your actions, if not in any other way. Respond to their anger with gentleness, to their pride with humility. Answer their blasphemies with your prayers. In contrast to their error, remain steadfast in the faith. In response to their cruelty, show your kindness. While we are careful not to copy their behavior, let us show ourselves to be their brothers in all true kindness. Let us seek to be followers of the Lord—for who was ever more unjustly treated, more deprived, more condemned? In this way, no plant of the devil may be found in you, but you may remain in complete holiness and self-control in Jesus Christ, both in flesh and spirit.

And pray without ceasing on behalf of other men. For there is in them hope of repentance that they may attain to God. See, then, that they be instructed by your works, if in no other way. Be meek in response to their wrath, humble in opposition to their boasting: to their blasphemies return your prayers; in contrast to their error, be stedfast Colossians 1:23 in the faith; and for their cruelty, manifest your gentleness. While we take care not to imitate their conduct, let us be found their brethren in all true kindness; and let us seek to be followers of the Lord (who ever more unjustly treated, more destitute, more condemned?), that so no plant of the devil may be found in you, but you may remain in all holiness and sobriety in Jesus Christ, both with respect to the flesh and spirit.

The final times have come upon us. Let us therefore be reverent in spirit and fear the patience of God, so that it does not lead to our condemnation. For let us either fear the wrath that is coming, or value the grace that is now present—one of the two. Only let us be found in Christ Jesus for true life, in whatever way. Apart from Him, let nothing attract you—Him for whom I carry these chains, these spiritual jewels. Through them may I rise up through your prayers. I beg that I may always share in these prayers, so that I may be found in the company of the Christians of Ephesus, who have always agreed with the apostles through the power of Jesus Christ.

The last times have come upon us. Let us therefore be of a reverent spirit, and fear the long-suffering of God, that it tend not to our condemnation. For let us either stand in awe of the wrath to come, or show regard for the grace which is at present displayed — one of two things. Only [in one way or another] let us be found in Christ Jesus unto the true life. Apart from Him, let nothing attract you, for whom I bear about these bonds, these spiritual jewels, by which may I arise through your prayers, of which I entreat I may always be a partaker, that I may be found in the lot of the Christians of Ephesus, who have always been of the same mind with the apostles through the power of Jesus Christ.

I know who I am and to whom I am writing. I am a condemned man, while you have received mercy. I am subject to danger, but you are established in safety. You are the passage-way for those who are put to death for God's sake. You were initiated into the mysteries of the Gospel with Paul, the holy martyr, who is deservedly most blessed, at whose feet may I be found when I reach God—Paul who mentions you in Christ Jesus in all his letters.

I know both who I am, and to whom I write. I am a condemned man, you have been the objects of mercy; I am subject to danger, you are established in safety. You are the persons through whom those pass that are cut off for the sake of God. You are initiated into the mysteries of the Gospel with Paul, the holy, the martyred, the deservedly most happy, at whose feet may I be found, when I shall attain to God; who in all his Epistles makes mention of you in Christ Jesus.

Pay attention, then, to come together often to give thanks to God and to declare His praise. For when you gather frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction he intends is prevented by the unity of your faith. Nothing is more precious than peace, through which all war, both in heaven and on earth, is brought to an end.

Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when you assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith. Nothing is more precious than peace, by which all war, both in heaven and earth, is brought to an end.

None of these things is hidden from you, if you fully possess that faith and love toward Christ Jesus which are the beginning and the end of life. For the beginning is faith, and the end is love. Now these two, being inseparably connected together, are from God, while all other things that are necessary for a holy life follow after them. No one who truly professes faith sins, nor does anyone who possesses love hate anyone. The tree is revealed by its fruit, so those who profess themselves to be Christians will be recognized by their conduct. For what is needed now is not mere profession, but that a person be found continuing in the power of faith to the end.

None of these things is hid from you, if you perfectly possess that faith and love towards Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 1:14 which are the beginning and the end of life. For the beginning is faith, and the end is love. 1 Timothy 1:5 Now these two, being inseparably connected together, are of God, while all other things which are requisite for a holy life follow after them. No man [ truly] making a profession of faith sins; 1 John 3:7 nor does he that possesses love hate any one. The tree is made manifest by its fruit; Matthew 12:33 so those that profess themselves to be Christians shall be recognised by their conduct. For there is not now a demand for mere profession, but that a man be found continuing in the power of faith to the end.

It is better for someone to be silent and actually be a Christian than to talk about it and not be one. Teaching is good, provided the one who speaks also acts accordingly. There is one Teacher who spoke and it came to be; and even the things He did in silence are worthy of the Father. Whoever truly possesses the word of Jesus is able to hear even His silence, so that he may be perfect and may both act as he speaks and be recognized by his silence. Nothing is hidden from God; even our secrets are close to Him. Therefore, let us do everything as people who have Him dwelling within us, so that we may be His temples, and He may be in us as our God—which He truly is—and will reveal Himself before us. For this reason we rightly love Him.

It is better for a man to be silent and be [a Christian], than to talk and not to be one. It is good to teach, if he who speaks also acts. There is then one Teacher, who spoke and it was done; while even those things which He did in silence are worthy of the Father. He who possesses the word of Jesus, is truly able to hear even His very silence, that he may be perfect, and may both act as he speaks, and be recognised by his silence. There is nothing which is hid from God, but our very secrets are near to Him. Let us therefore do all things as those who have Him dwelling in us, that we may be His temples, 1 Corinthians 6:19 and He may be in us as our God, which indeed He is, and will manifest Himself before our faces. Wherefore we justly love Him.

Do not be deceived, my brothers and sisters. Those who corrupt families will not inherit the kingdom of God. If those who do this regarding physical matters have suffered death, how much more will this be true for anyone who corrupts the faith of God through evil teaching—the faith for which Jesus Christ was crucified! Such a person, becoming defiled in this way, will go into eternal fire, and so will everyone who listens to him.

Do not err, my brethren. James 1:16 Those that corrupt families shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 If, then, those who do this as respects the flesh have suffered death, how much more shall this be the case with any one who corrupts by wicked doctrine the faith of God, for which Jesus Christ was crucified! Such an one becoming defiled [in this way], shall go away into everlasting fire, and so shall every one that hearkens unto him.

For this purpose the Lord allowed the ointment to be poured upon His head, that He might breathe immortality into His Church. Do not be anointed with the foul odor of the doctrine of the prince of this world; do not let him lead you away captive from the life that is set before you. And why are we not all wise, since we have received the knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ? Why do we foolishly perish, not recognizing the gift which the Lord has truly sent to us?

For this end did the Lord allow the ointment to be poured upon His head, John 12:7 that He might breathe immortality into His Church. Be not anointed with the bad odour of the doctrine of the prince of this world; let him not lead you away captive from the life which is set before you. And why are we not all prudent, since we have received the knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ? Why do we foolishly perish, not recognising the gift which the Lord has of a truth sent to us?

Let my spirit be counted as nothing for the sake of the cross, which is a stumbling-block to those who do not believe, but to us salvation and eternal life. Where is the wise person? Where is the debater? Where is the boasting of those who are called prudent? For our God, Jesus Christ, was, according to God's plan, conceived in the womb by Mary, from the seed of David, but by the Holy Spirit. He was born and baptized, so that by His suffering He might purify the water.

Let my spirit be counted as nothing for the sake of the cross, which is a stumbling-block 1 Corinthians 1:18 to those that do not believe, but to us salvation and life eternal. Where is the wise man? Where the disputer? 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the boasting of those who are styled prudent? For our God, Jesus Christ, was, according to the appointment of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost. He was born and baptized, that by His passion He might purify the water.

Mary's virginity was hidden from the ruler of this world, and so were her child and the Lord's death—three famous mysteries that God accomplished in silence. How then was he revealed to the world? A star appeared in heaven brighter than all the other stars, with a light that cannot be described, and its strangeness amazed people. All the other stars, along with the sun and moon, formed a chorus around this star, and its light was far greater than all of theirs. People were disturbed, wondering where this new sight came from, so different from everything else in the heavens. As a result, every kind of magic was destroyed and every chain of evil vanished. Ignorance was removed and the old kingdom was overthrown, as God himself appeared in human form to bring the renewal of eternal life. What God had prepared now began. From that point on, everything was in turmoil because he planned to abolish death.

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence by God. How, then, was He manifested to the world? A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else [in the heavens]. Hence every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.

If Jesus Christ graciously permits me through your prayers, and if it is His will, I will in a second short work that I will write to you make clearer to you the nature of the dispensation I have begun to discuss, concerning the new man, Jesus Christ, in His faith and in His love, in His suffering and in His resurrection. I will especially do this if the Lord reveals to me that you gather together as individuals in common through grace, each one, in one faith, and in Jesus Christ, who was from the seed of David according to the flesh, being both the Son of man and the Son of God, so that you obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote that prevents us from dying, but causes us to live forever in Jesus Christ.

If Jesus Christ shall graciously permit me through your prayers, and if it be His will, I shall, in a second little work which I will write to you, make further manifest to you [the nature of] the dispensation of which I have begun [to treat], with respect to the new man, Jesus Christ, in His faith and in His love, in His suffering and in His resurrection. Especially [will I do this] if the Lord make known to me that you come together man by man in common through grace, individually, in one faith, and in Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David according to the flesh, being both the Son of man and the Son of God, so that you obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote to prevent us from dying, but [which causes] that we should live for ever in Jesus Christ.

My soul is offered for yours and for those whom you have sent to Smyrna to honor God; I am also writing to you from there, giving thanks to the Lord and loving Polycarp just as I love you. Remember me, just as Jesus Christ also remembered you. Pray for the Church in Syria, from which I am being led as a prisoner to Rome, being the least of the faithful there, though I have been counted worthy to be chosen to demonstrate the honor of God. Farewell in God the Father and in Jesus Christ, our common hope.

My soul be for yours and theirs whom, for the honour of God, you have sent to Smyrna; whence also I write to you, giving thanks unto the Lord, and loving Polycarp even as I do you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ also remembered you. Pray for the Church which is in Syria, whence I am led bound to Rome, being the last of the faithful who are there, even as I have been thought worthy to be chosen to show forth the honour of God. Farewell in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, our common hope.