Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus [mindful of GOD], to the Church of GOD [our Lord, and of His servant] Jesus Christ, which is in Philadelphia in Asia, which has obtained mercy, and is established in the harmony of GOD, and rejoices in the passion of our [master] without doubting, and is fully assured in all mercy in his resurrection; I greet her in [the faith of] Jesus Christ, which is eternal and abiding joy, especially if men be at one with the bishop, and with the presbyters and deacons, who together with him have been appointed according to the mind of Jesus Christ, and [GOD] established them in security according to His own will by His Holy Spirit [Gabriel].

I

1 I know that your bishop 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 [our Lord] and of the [master] Jesus Christ. 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 Jesus Christ does not tend, because they are not the planting of [GOD]. Not that I have found division among you but “filtering.” 2. For as many as belong to GOD [and follow] Jesus Christ,—these are with the bishop. And as many as repent and come to the unity of the Church,—these also shall be of GOD, to be living according to Jesus Christ. 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 passion.

IV

1 Be careful therefore to use one Eucharist (for there is one [teaching] of our [master] Jesus Christ, and one cup for union [of the believers], one altar, as there is one bishop with the presbytery 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 Jesus Christ, whose bonds I bear, 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 as [the word] of Jesus, and the Apostles as the presbytery of the Church. 2. And the prophets also do we love, because they also have announced the Gospel, and are hoping in [GOD] and waiting for [His messenger], by faith in Whom they also obtain salvation, being united [in submission] with Jesus Christ.

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

Vi

1 But if anyone interpret Judaism to you do not listen to him; for it is better to hear Christianity from the circumcised than Judaism from the uncircumcised. But both of them, unless they speak of Jesus Christ, are to me tombstones and sepulchres of the dead, on whom 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 to a testimony against themselves.

Vii

1 For even if some desired to deceive me after the flesh, the spirit is not deceived, for it is from GOD. For it “knoweth 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 [GOD], in whom 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 Christ, as was he also 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. The Lord then forgives all who repent, if their repentance lead to the unity of GOD and the council of the bishop. I have faith in the grace of [GOD], and He shall loose every bond from you. 2. But I beseech you to do nothing in factiousness, but after the teaching of Christ. For I heard some men saying, “if I find it not in the charters in the Gospel I do not believe,” 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 message of] Jesus Christ, the inviolable charter is [his being raised by GOD], and the faith which is through him;—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. He is the door of [GOD], through which 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 [messenger], our [master] Jesus Christ, [and his being raised 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 in Christ Jesus, it is proper for you, as a Church of GOD, to appoint a deacon to go as the ambassador of GOD to it, to congratulate those who are gathered together, and to glorify the Name. 2. Blessed in Jesus Christ 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 the Lord received you; but may those who treated them with disrespect be redeemed by the grace 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, on whom they hope in flesh and soul and spirit, in faith, in love and in harmony. Farewell in [the Lord], our common hope.

VI.—IGNATIUS TO THE SMYRNAEANS

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of GOD [and the followers of] the Beloved Jesus Christ, 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 cause] of the [master] Jesus Christ, both in flesh and spirit, and confirmed in love [by the message] of Christ, being fully persuaded as touching our [master], that he is in truth of the family of David according to the flesh, [GOD’s messenger] by the will and power of GOD, truly born of a Virgin, baptised by John that “all righteousness might be fulfilled by him,” 2. truly [sought by men] under Pontius Pilate and Herod the Tetrarch, [and raised by GOD,] that “he might set up an ensign” for all ages through his Resurrection, for his saints and believers, whether among the Jews, or among the heathen, in one body of his Church.

Iii

1 For I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the Resurrection. 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, being mingled both with his flesh and spirit. Therefore they despised even death, and were proved to be above death. 3. And after his Resurrection he ate and drank with them as a being of flesh, although he was united in spirit to [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. 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 Jesus Christ alone am I enduring all things, that I may suffer with him, and [GOD] gives me strength.

V

1 There are some who ignorantly deny him, but rather were denied by him, 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 my [master], and do not confess that he was 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 concerning [the resurrection].

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 [in GOD]. “He that receiveth 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 through] Jesus Christ 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 Eucharist and prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is [in remembrance of] our [master] Jesus Christ, [whom GOD] raised up by His goodness. 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 truth] has been revealed to us and the Resurrection has been accomplished. But flee from divisions as the beginning of evils.

Viii

1 See that you all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ follows [GOD], and the presbytery as if it were 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 Eucharist 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 Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful either to baptise or to hold an “agapé” without the bishop; but whatever he approve, 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 the Lord 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 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 Jesus Christ, [and in the resurrection of flesh and spirit,] 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.

VII.—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 bishop GOD and the [master] Jesus Christ, 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 the Lord 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,—I 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 endure us. 2. Be more diligent than you are. Mark the seasons. Wait for Him [GOD] who is above seasons, timeless, invisible, who for our sakes [sent forth a visible messenger], who cannot be touched, who cannot suffer.

Iv

1 Let not the widows be neglected. Be yourself their protector after the Lord. 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 slavery 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 evil arts, but rather preach against them. Speak to my sisters that they love the Lord, and be content with their husbands in flesh and in spirit. In the same way enjoin on my brothers in the name of Jesus Christ “to love their wives as the Lord loved the Church.” 2. If any man can remain in continence to the honour of [the Lord] let him do so without boasting. If he boast 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 and not according to lust. Let all things be done to the honour of GOD.

Vi