Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the community of God, which is in Philadelphia in Asia, which has obtained mercy, and is established in the harmony of God, and rejoices without doubting in the steadfast endurance of the faithful, and is fully assured in all mercy of the resurrection; I greet her in the name of God, which is eternal and abiding joy, especially if men be at one with the overseer, and with the elders and deacons, who together with him have been appointed according to the mind of God's messenger Jesus, and whom God established in security according to His own will by His holy Spirit.

I

1 I know that your overseer obtained the ministry, which makes for the common good, neither from himself nor through men, nor for vain-glory, but in the love of God. And I was amazed at his gentleness, and at his ability to do more by silence than those who use vain words. 2. For he is attuned to the commandments as a harp to its strings. Therefore my soul blesses his godly mind, recognising its virtue and perfection, and the unmoveable and passionless temper by which he lives in all godly gentleness.

II

1 Therefore as children of the light of truth flee from division and wrong doctrine. And follow as sheep where the shepherd is. 2. For there are many specious wolves who lead captive with evil pleasures the runners in God's race, but they will find no place if you are in unity.

III

1 Abstain from evil growths, which God does not tend, because they are not the planting of God. Not that I have found division among you but a purging. 2. For as many as belong to God, these are with the overseer. And as many as repent and come to the unity of the community, these also shall be of God, to be living according to the way of Jesus, God's messenger. 3. "Be not deceived," my brethren, if any one follow a maker of schism, "he does not inherit the kingdom of God;" if any man walk in strange doctrine he has no part in the steadfastness of the faithful.

IV

1 Be careful therefore to hold one gathering of thanksgiving (for there is one community of believers, one place of worship, as there is one overseer with the elders and the deacons my fellow servants), in order that whatever you do you may do it according unto God.

V

1 Brethren, I am overflowing with love to you, and exceedingly joyful in watching over your safety. Yet not I, but God's grace, in whose cause I bear these bonds, but am the more fearful in that I am not yet perfected; but your prayer will make me perfect for God, that I may attain the lot wherein I found mercy, making the Gospel my refuge, and the Apostles as the elders of the community. 2. And the prophets also do we love, because they also have announced the good tidings, and hoped in God and waited for Him, by faith in whom they also obtained salvation, being holy men worthy of love and admiration, testified to by God and numbered in the good tidings of the common hope.

... they are worthy of love and saints worthy of admiration, approved by Jesus the Messiah, son of Mary, and numbered together in the Gospel of the common hope.

Ignatius to the Philadelphians

VI

1 But if anyone interprets Judaism to you, do not listen to him; for it is better to hear Judaism from the circumcised than to hear it from the uncircumcised. But both of them, unless they speak of Jesus the Messiah, God's messenger, are to me tombstones and sepulchres of the dead, on which only the names of men are written. 2. Flee then from the wicked arts and snares of the prince of this world, Satan, lest you be afflicted by his device, and grow weak in love; but come all together with undivided heart. 3. But I thank my God that I have a good conscience towards you, and that no one can boast, either secretly or openly, that I was a burden to anyone in small or in great matters. And I pray for all among whom I spoke, that they may not turn it into a testimony against themselves.

VII

1 For even if some desired to deceive me according to the flesh, the spirit is not deceived, for it is from God. For it "knows whence it comes and whither it goes" and tests secret things. I cried out while I was with you, I spoke with a great voice, with God's own voice: Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. 2. But some suspected me of saying this because I had previous knowledge of the division of some persons; but He in whose cause I am bound is my witness that I had no knowledge of this from any human being, but the Spirit was preaching, and saying this: "Do nothing without the bishop, keep your flesh as the temple of God, love unity, flee from divisions, be imitators of Jesus the Messiah, as he was also an imitator of his Lord."

VIII

1 I then did my best as a man who was set on unity. But where there is division and anger God does not dwell. God forgives all who repent, if their repentance leads to the unity of God's servants and the council of the bishop. I have faith in the grace of God, who shall loose every bond from you. 2. But I beseech you to do nothing in factiousness, but after the teaching of the Messiah. For I heard some men saying, "If I do not find it in the charters, I do not believe the Gospel," and when I said to them that it is in the Scripture, they answered me, "That is exactly the question." But to me the charters are the teaching of Jesus the Messiah, and the inviolable charter is the faith, and the truth that God raised him up; in these I desire to be justified by your prayers.

IX

1 The priests likewise are noble, but the High Priest who has been entrusted with the Holy of Holies is greater, and only to him have the secret things of God been entrusted. Through the door of God's guidance enter Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and the Prophets and the Apostles and the Church. All these things are joined in the unity of God. 2. But the Gospel has somewhat of pre-eminence, the coming of the Messiah, our teacher, Jesus, son of Mary, and the raising of him by God. For the beloved prophets had a message pointing to him, but the Gospel is the perfection of incorruption. All things together are good if you hold the faith in love.

X

1 Since it was reported to me that the Church which is in Antioch in Syria is in peace, in accordance with your prayers, and the compassion which you have, it is proper for you, as a Church of God, to appoint a deacon to go as an ambassador of God to it, to congratulate those who are gathered together, and to glorify the Name of God. 2. Blessed is he who shall be found worthy of such a ministry, and you yourselves shall be glorified. And if you have the will it is not impossible for you to do this for the sake of the Name of God, even as the neighbouring Churches have sent bishops, and others presbyters and deacons.

XI

1 But concerning Philo, the deacon from Cilicia, a man of good report, who is at present serving me in the word of God, with Rheus Agathopous, an elect man who is following me from Syria, and has renounced this life; these bear you witness (and I also thank God on your behalf) that you received them, even as God has received you; but may those who treated them with disrespect be redeemed by the mercy of God. 2. The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; and I am writing thence to you by the hand of Burrhus, who was sent with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnaeans as a mark of honour. God shall reward them, they who hope in Him in flesh and soul and spirit, in faith, in love and in harmony. Farewell in God, our common hope.

Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of God, which has obtained mercy in every gift, and is filled with faith and love, and comes behind in no gift, most worthy of God, and gifted with holiness, the Church which is in Smyrna in Asia: abundant greeting in a blameless spirit and in the Word of God.

I

1 I give glory to God, who has thus given you wisdom; for I have observed that you are established in immoveable faith, as if nailed to the cross, both in flesh and spirit, and confirmed in love, fully persuaded as touching our master, that Jesus is in truth of the family of David according to the flesh, a servant of God by the will and power of God, truly born of a virgin, baptised by John that "all righteousness might be fulfilled by him," 2. and that he was truly persecuted for our sakes under Pontius Pilate and Herod the Tetrarch, that "he might set up an ensign" for all ages through God's raising of him, for his saints and believers, whether among the Jews, or among the nations, in one body of his Church.

II

1 For he endured all these things for us, that we might attain salvation, and God truly raised him up, not as some unbelievers say, that his trial was merely in semblance; it is they who are merely in semblance, and even according to their opinions it shall happen to them, and they shall be without bodies and phantasmal.

III

1 For I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the raising. 2. And when he came to those with Peter he said to them: "Take, handle me and see that I am not a phantom without a body." And they immediately touched him and believed. Therefore they despised even death, and were proved to be above death. 3. And after his being raised he ate and drank with them as a being of flesh, by the leave of God.

IV

1 Now I warn you of these things, beloved, knowing that you also are so minded. But I guard you in advance against beasts in the form of men, whom you must not only not receive, but if it is possible not even meet, but only pray for them, if perchance they may repent, difficult though that be; but God, who is our true life, has the power over this. 2. For if it is merely in semblance that these things were done to our master, I am also a prisoner in semblance. And why have I given myself up to death, to fire, to the sword, to wild beasts? Because near the sword is near to God; with the wild beasts is with God; in the name of God alone am I enduring all things, and God gives me strength.

V

1 There are some who ignorantly deny the truth, but rather were denied by it, being advocates of death rather than of the truth. These are they whom neither the prophecies nor the law of Moses persuaded, nor the Gospel even until now, nor our own individual sufferings. 2. For they have the same opinion concerning us. For what does anyone profit me if he praise me but blaspheme against my Lord, and do not confess that his messenger was a man clothed in flesh? But he who says this has denied him absolutely and is clothed with a corpse. 3. Now I have not thought right to put into writing their unbelieving names; but would that I might not even remember them, until they repent.

VI

1 Let no one be deceived; even things in heaven and the glory of the angels, and the rulers visible and invisible, even for them there is a judgment if they do not believe. "He that receives, let him receive." Let not office exalt anyone, for faith and love is everything, and nothing has been preferred to them. 2. But mark those who have strange opinions concerning the grace of God which has come to us, and see how contrary they are to the mind of God. For love they have no care, none for the widow, none for the orphan, none for the distressed, none for the afflicted, none for the prisoner, or for him released from prison, none for the hungry or thirsty.

VII

1 They abstain from thanksgiving and prayer, because they do not confess the truth that God raised up His messenger who was persecuted. They then who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes; but it were better for them to have love, that they also may attain to the Resurrection. 2. It is right to refrain from such men and not even to speak about them in private or in public, but to give heed to the prophets and especially to the Gospel, in which the trial has been revealed to us and the raising up has been accomplished. But flee from divisions as the beginning of evils.

VIII

1 See that you all follow the bishop, and the presbytery as if they were the elders among the Apostles. And reverence the deacons as the command of God. Let no one do any of the things appertaining to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid thanksgiving which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. 2. Wherever the bishop appears let the congregation be present; just as wherever the messenger of God is gathered with his followers, there is the community of believers. It is not lawful either to baptise or to hold an "agape" without the bishop; but whatever he approves, this is also pleasing to God, that everything which you do may be secure and valid.

IX

1 Moreover it is reasonable for us to return to soberness, while we still have time to repent towards God. It is good to know God and the bishop. He who honours the bishop has been honoured by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop is serving the devil. 2. Let all things then abound to you in grace, for you are worthy. In all respects you have refreshed me, and may God give refreshment to you. You have loved me in my absence, and in my presence. God is your reward, and if for His sake you endure all things, you shall attain to Him.

X

1 You did well to receive as deacons of God Philo and Rheus Agathopous, who followed me in the cause of God; and they also give thanks to God for your sake that you refreshed them in every way. Assuredly shall nothing be lost for you. 2. May my spirit be for your life, and my bonds, which you treated neither with haughtiness nor shame. And God, who is the perfect hope, shall not be ashamed of you.

XI

1 Your prayer reached the Church which is in Antioch in Syria, and I greet all men as one who comes thence in bonds which are most seemly in God's sight, though I am not worthy to be from thence, for I am the least of them; but by the will of God I have been thought worthy, not that I am conscious of deserts, but by the grace of God, and I pray that this may be given to me to the end, and that by your prayers I may attain to God. 2. In order then that your work may be perfect both on earth and in heaven, your Church ought to appoint for the honour of God a delegate of God to go to Syria, and congratulate them that they have gained peace, and have recovered their proper greatness, and that their proper constitution has been restored. 3. It appeared to me therefore a deed worthy of God for you to send one of your number with a letter to join in extolling the tranquillity which they have obtained from God, and that through your prayers they were now gaining a haven. As you are perfect, so also may your counsel be perfect. For if you desire to do well God is ready to help you.

XII

1 The love of the brethren who are at Troas salutes you, whence I am writing to you by Burrhus, whom you together with the Ephesians your brothers sent with me, and he has in every way refreshed me. Would that all imitated him, for he is a pattern of the ministry of God. In all things grace shall reward him. 2. I salute the godly bishop, and the revered presbytery, and the deacons my fellow-servants, and you all, individually and together, in the name of God, and in the faith of His messenger, in union with God and with you. Grace be to you, mercy, peace and endurance for ever.

XIII

1 I salute the families of my brethren with their wives and children, and the maidens who are called widows. Farewell in the power of God. Philo who is with me greets you. 2. I salute the house of Tavia, and pray that she be confirmed in faith and love, both of the flesh and spirit. I salute Alce, a name most dear to me, and the incomparable Daphnus, and Eutecnus, and all others by their several names. Farewell in the grace of God.

Ignatius to Polycarp

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Polycarp, who is bishop of the Church of the Smyrnaeans, or rather has for his guardian God, the Lord of all: abundant greeting.

I

1 Welcoming your godly mind which is fixed as if on immovable rock, I glory exceedingly that it was granted me to see your blameless face, wherein I would fain have pleasure in God. 2. I exhort you to press forward on your course, in the grace wherewith you are endued, and to exhort all men to gain salvation. Vindicate your office with all diligence, both of the flesh and spirit. Care for unity, for there is nothing better. Help all men, as God also helps you; suffer all men in love, as you indeed do. 3. Be diligent with unceasing prayer. Entreat for wisdom greater than you have, be watchful and keep the spirit from slumbering. Speak to each individually after the manner of God. "Bear the sicknesses" of all as a perfect athlete. Where the toil is greatest, is the gain great.

II

1 If you love good disciples, it is no credit to you; rather bring to subjection by your gentleness the more troublesome. Not all wounds are healed by the same plaster. Relieve convulsions by fomentations. 2. "Be prudent as the serpent" in all things "and pure as the dove" for ever. For this reason you consist of flesh and spirit, that you may deal tenderly with the things which appear visibly; but pray that the invisible things may be revealed to you, that you may lack nothing and abound in every gift. 3. The time calls on you to attain unto God, just as pilots require wind, and the storm-tossed sailor seeks a harbour. Be sober as God's athlete. The prize is immortality and eternal life, of which you have been persuaded. In all things I am devoted to you, and my bonds, which you loved.

III

1 Let not those that appear to be plausible, but teach strange doctrine, overthrow you. Stand firm as an anvil which is smitten. The task of great athletes is to suffer punishment and yet conquer. But especially must we endure all things for the sake of God, that He also may bear with us. 2. Be more diligent than you are. Mark the seasons. Wait for Him who is above seasons, timeless, invisible, whom no eye sees, who cannot be touched, who cannot suffer, who in every way is the Helper of those who endure for His sake.

IV

1 Let not the widows be neglected. Be yourself their protector after God. Let nothing be done without your approval, and do nothing yourself without God, as indeed you do nothing; stand fast. 2. Let the meetings be more numerous. Seek all by their name. 3. Do not be haughty to slaves, either men or women; yet do not let them be puffed up, but let them rather endure their service to the glory of God, that they may obtain a better freedom from God. Let them not desire to be set free at the Church's expense, that they be not found the slaves of lust.

V

1 Flee from evil arts, but rather preach against them. Speak to my sisters that they love their Lord, and be content with their husbands in flesh and in spirit. In the same way enjoin on my brothers in the name of God to love their wives. 2. If any man can remain in continence to the honour of God, let him do so without boasting. If he boasts he is lost, and if it be made known except to the bishop, he is polluted. But it is right for men and women who marry to be united with the consent of the bishop, that the marriage be according to the Lord's command and not according to lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God.

VI

1 Give heed to the bishop, that God may also give heed to you. I am devoted to those who are subject to the bishop, presbyters, and deacons; and may it be mine to have my lot with them in God. Labour with one another, struggle together, run together, suffer together, rest together, rise up together as God's stewards and assessors and servants. 2. Be pleasing to Him in whose ranks you serve, from whom you receive your pay; let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism remain as your arms, your faith as a helmet, your love as a spear, your endurance as your panoply, let your works be your deposits that you may receive the back-pay due to you. Be therefore long-suffering with one another in gentleness, as God is with you. May I have joy in you always.

VII

1 Since the Church which is in Antioch has peace through your prayers, as it has been reported to me, I was myself the more encouraged in the freedom from care given by God, if I may but attain to God through my sufferings, that I may be found your companion at the resurrection. 2. You ought, O Polycarp, most blessed of God, to summon a godly council, and elect someone who is very dear to you and is zealous, who can be called God's courier; appoint him to go to Syria to glorify your zealous love to the glory of God. 3. A believer has no power over himself, but is devoted to God. This is the work of God and yours, when you have completed it. For I trust in His grace that you are ready for a good work that befits God. Knowing your earnestness for the truth, I have exhorted you with these few words.

VIII

1 Since I could not write to all the Churches because of my sudden sailing from Troas to Neapolis, as the will of God enjoins, you shall write, as one possessing the mind of God, to the Churches on the road in front of me, that they also shall treat me in the same way (let those who can send messengers, and the others send letters through those whom you send, that you may be glorified by a memorable deed), as is worthy of you. 2. I greet all by name, and the wife of the Procurator with the whole house of herself and her children. I greet my beloved Attalus. I greet him who shall be appointed to go to Syria. Grace will be with him through all, and with Polycarp, who sends him. 3. I bid you farewell always in our God; may you remain in Him in the unity and care of God. I greet Alce, a name very dear to me. Farewell in the Lord.

The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

Polycarp and the Elders with him to the Church of God sojourning in Philippi: mercy and peace from God Almighty be multiplied to you.

I

1 I rejoice greatly with you in God that you have followed the pattern of true love, and have helped on their way, as opportunity was given you, those who were bound in chains, which become the saints, and are the diadems of those who have been truly chosen by God. 2. I rejoice also that your firmly rooted faith, which was famous in past years, still flourishes and bears fruit unto God, in obedience to the messenger Jesus, son of Mary, who endured even to the suffering of death, whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death. 3. In him, though you did not see him, you believed, with unspeakable and glorified joy, into which joy many desire to come, knowing that "by grace you are saved, not by works but by the will of God."

II

1 Wherefore, girding up your loins, serve God in fear and truth, putting aside empty vanity and vulgar error, believing in Him who raised up Jesus from the dead and gave him honour, to whom belong all things in heaven and earth, whom all breath serves, who is coming as the Judge of the living and of the dead, and who will require the blood of the righteous from those who disobey Him. 2. Now He who raised him from the dead will also raise us up if we do His will, and walk in His commandments and love the things which He loved, refraining from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness, "rendering not evil for evil, or railing for railing," or blow for blow, or curse for curse, 3. but remembering what the messenger taught when he said, "Judge not, that you be not judged; forgive and it shall be forgiven to you; be merciful that you may obtain mercy; with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you again," and, "Blessed are the poor, and they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of God."

III