Ignatius of Antioch, Theophorus: EPISTLE TO POLYCARP Complete

Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (Shorter and Longer Versions)

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Page 5

Chapter V. — The duties of husbands and wives.

Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. [1091] 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. [1092] If any one can continue in a state of purity, [1093] to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh, [1094] 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. [1095]

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. If any one can continue in a state of purity, [1096] to the honour of the flesh of the Lord, let him so remain without boasting. If he shall boast, he is undone; and if he seeks to be more prominent [1097] 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 the Lord, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. [1098]


[1091] Some insert me, and render, "rather do not even speak of them."

[1092] Eph. v. 25.

[1093] i.e., in celibacy.

[1094] Some render, "to the honour of the flesh of the Lord," as in the longer recension.

[1095] Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31.

[1096] i.e., in celibacy.

[1097] Literally, "if he be known beyond the bishop."

[1098] Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31.

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