Ignatius of Antioch, Theophorus: EPISTLE TO POLYCARP Complete

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

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Page 7

Chapter VII. — Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch.

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, [1109] if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. [1110] It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn [1111] 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; [1112] 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 [1113] the service of God. Now, this work is both God's and yours, when ye shall have completed it to His glory. [1114] For I trust that, through grace, ye 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.

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, [1115] 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 [1116] 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; [1117] and to bestow on him the honour of going into Syria, so that, going into Syria, he may glorify your ever active love to the praise of God. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for [1118] the service of God. Now, this work is both God's and yours, when ye shall have completed it. For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.


[1109] Literally, "in freedom from care of God."

[1110] Some read, "in the resurrection."

[1111] Literally, "most befitting God."

[1112] Literally, "God-runner."

[1113] Literally, "at leisure for."

[1114] Literally, "to Him."

[1115] Literally, "in freedom from care of God."

[1116] Literally, "most befitting God."

[1117] Literally, "God-runner."

[1118] Literally, "at leisure for."

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