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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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13 Pages
Page 5
Chapter V. — I will not teach you profound doctrines.
Am I not able to write to you of heavenly things? But I fear to do so, lest I should inflict injury on you who are but babes [in Christ]. Pardon me in this respect, lest, as not being able to receive [such doctrines], ye should be strangled by them. For even I, though I am bound [for Christ], yet am not on that account able to understand heavenly things, and the places [750] of the angels, and their gatherings under their respective princes, things visible and invisible. Without reference to such abstruse subjects, I am still but a learner [in other respects [751] ]; for many things are wanting to us, that we come not short of God.
For might [752] not I write to you things more full of mystery? But I fear to do so, lest I should inflict injury on you who are but babes [in Christ]. Pardon me in this respect, lest, as not being able to receive their weighty import, [753] ye should be strangled by them. For even I, though I am bound [for Christ], and am able to understand heavenly things, the angelic orders, and the different sorts [754] of angels and hosts, the distinctions between powers and dominions, and the diversities between thrones and authorities, the mightiness of the AEons, and the pre-eminence of the cherubim and seraphim, the sublimity of the spirit, the kingdom of the Lord, and above all, the incomparable majesty of Almighty God — though I am acquainted with these things, yet am I not therefore by any means perfect; nor am I such a disciple as Paul or Peter. For many things are yet wanting to me, that I may not fall short of God.
[750] Or, "stations."
[751] Literally, "passing by this;" but both text and meaning are very doubtful.
[752] eboulomen apparently by mistake for edunamen.
[753] Literally, "their force."
[754] Or, "varieties of."
Reference address : https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/fathers/ignatius/epistle-trallians.asp?pg=5
