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Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (Shorter and Longer Versions)
Ignatius Resources OnLine and in Print
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8 Pages
Page 6
Chapter VI. — The duties of the Christian flock.
Give ye [1099] heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs [1100] 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, [1101] and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye 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 [1102] assigned to you, that ye 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! [1103]
Give ye [1104] heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs [1105] that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbytery, and to the deacons: may I have my portion with them from God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, [1106] and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye shall 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 obtain for them a most worthy [1107] recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, and God shall be so with you. May I have joy of you for ever! [1108]
[1099] As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.
[1100] Comp. chap. ii. etc.
[1101] Or, "assessors."
[1102] A military reference, simply implying the idea of faithful effort leading to future reward.
[1103] Comp. Ignatius' Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.
[1104] As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.
[1105] Comp. chap. ii. etc.
[1106] Or, "assessors."
[1107] Literally, "worthy of God."
[1108] Comp. Ignatius' Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.
Reference address : https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/fathers/ignatius/epistle-polycarp.asp?pg=6
