Apostolic Fathers · c. AD 107

SHORTER.

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown,⁸⁷¹ which were wrought in silence by⁸⁷² God. How, then, was He manifested to the world?⁸⁷³ A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else [in the heavens]. Hence every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.

LONGER.

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown,⁸⁷⁴ which were wrought in silence, but have been revealed to us. A star shone forth in heaven above all that were before it, and its light was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star. It far exceeded them all in brightness, and agitation was felt as to whence this new spectacle [proceeded]. Hence worldly wisdom became folly; conjuration was seen to be mere trifling; and magic became utterly ridiculous. Every law⁸⁷⁵ of wickedness vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man displaying power as God. But neither was the former a mere imagination,⁸⁷⁶ nor did the second imply a bare humanity;⁸⁷⁷ but the one was absolutely true,⁸⁷⁸ and the other an economical arrangement.⁸⁷⁹ Now that received a beginning which was perfected by God.⁸⁸⁰ Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.

CHAP. XX.—_Promise of another letter._—SHORTER.

SHORTER. If Jesus Christ shall graciously permit me through your prayers, and if it be His will, I shall, in a second little work which I will write to you, make further manifest to you [the nature of] the dispensation of which I have begun [to treat], with respect to the new man, Jesus Christ, in His faith and in His love, in His suffering and in His resurrection. Especially [will I do this⁸⁸¹] if the Lord make known to me that ye come together man by man in common through grace, individually,⁸⁸² in one faith, and in Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David according to the flesh, being both the Son of man and the Son of God, so that ye obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote to prevent us from dying, but [which causes] that we should live for ever in Jesus Christ.

CHAP. XX.—_Exhortations to stedfastness and unity._—LONGER.

LONGER.

Stand fast, brethren, in the faith of Jesus Christ, and in His love, in His passion, and in His resurrection. Do ye all come together in common, and individually,⁸⁸³ through grace, in one faith of God the Father, and of Jesus Christ His only-begotten Son, and “the firstborn of every creature,”⁸⁸⁴ but of the seed of David according to the flesh, being under the guidance of the Comforter, in obedience to the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote which prevents us from dying, but a cleansing remedy driving away evil, [which causes] that we should live in God through Jesus Christ.

CHAP. XXI.—_Conclusion._

SHORTER.

My soul be for yours and theirs⁸⁸⁵ whom, for the honour of God, ye have sent to Smyrna; whence also I write to you, giving thanks unto the Lord, and loving Polycarp even as I do you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ also remembered you. Pray ye for the church which is in Syria, whence I am led bound to Rome, being the last of the faithful who are there, even as I have been thought worthy to be chosen⁸⁸⁶ to show forth the honour of God. Farewell in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, our common hope.

LONGER.

My soul be for yours and theirs⁸⁸⁷ whom, for the honour of God, ye have sent to Smyrna; whence also I write to you, giving thanks to the Lord, and loving Polycarp even as I do you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ also remembers you, who is blessed for evermore. Pray ye for the church of Antioch which is in Syria, whence I am led bound to Rome, being the last of the faithful that are there, who⁸⁸⁸ yet have been thought worthy to carry these chains to the honour of God. Fare ye well in God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, and in the Holy Ghost. Fare ye well. Amen. Grace [be with you].⁸⁸⁹

Footnote 743:

Literally, “before the ages.”

Footnote 744:

These words may agree with “glory,” but are better applied to the “church.”

Footnote 745:

Literally, “before the ages.”

Footnote 746:

These words may agree with “glory,” but are better applied to the “church.”

Footnote 747:

Some read, as in the shorter recension, “grace.”

Footnote 748:

Literally, “imitators;” comp. Eph. v. 1.

Footnote 749:

Comp. in the Greek, 2 Tim. i. 6.

Footnote 750:

Eph. v. 2.

Footnote 751:

This is wanting in the Greek.

Footnote 752:

Literally, “since therefore,” without any apodosis.

Footnote 753:

Or, “unspeakably beloved.”

Footnote 754:

Literally, “imitators;” comp. Eph. v. 1.

Footnote 755:

Comp. in the Greek, 2 Tim. i. 6.

Footnote 756:

Eph. v. 2.

Footnote 757:

This is wanting in the Greek.

Footnote 758:

Or, “unspeakably beloved.”

Footnote 759:

Or, “your most blessed deacon in all things pertaining to God.”

Footnote 760:

Literally, “pattern.”

Footnote 761:

Comp. 1 Cor. xvi. 18, etc.

Footnote 762:

1 Cor. i. 10.

Footnote 763:

Literally, “pattern.”

Footnote 764:

Comp. 1 Cor. xvi. 18, etc.

Footnote 765:

Comp. 2 Tim. i. 16.

Footnote 766:

1 Cor. i. 10.

Footnote 767:

1 Cor. i. 10.

Footnote 768:

Comp. Philem. 8, 9.

Footnote 769:

John viii. 29.

Footnote 770:

1 Cor. xi. 1.

Footnote 771:

Literally, “according to God.”

Footnote 772:

Literally, “receiving a union to God in oneness.”

Footnote 773:

John xvii. 11, 12.

Footnote 774:

Matt. xviii. 19.

Footnote 775:

Or, “already.”

Footnote 776:

Prov. iii. 34; James iv. 6; 1 Pet. v. 5.

Footnote 777:

Some read, “mixed up with.”

Footnote 778:

Matt. xviii. 19.

Footnote 779:

Literally, “in the assembly of sacrifices.”

Footnote 780:

Matt. vii. 15.

Footnote 781:

Or, “believeth not” (John iii. 36).

Footnote 782:

Prov. iii. 34; James iv. 6; 1 Pet. v. 5.

Footnote 783:

That is, “showing forbearance.”

Footnote 784:

Comp. Matt. xxiv. 25.

Footnote 785:

Or, “heresy.”

Footnote 786:

Comp. Matt. xxiv. 25.

Footnote 787:

Prov. xxii. 29, after LXX.

Footnote 788:

Or, “heresy.”

Footnote 789:

Eph. iv. 4.

Footnote 790:

Eph. iv. 5, 6.

Footnote 791:

This clause is wanting in the Greek, and has been supplied from the ancient Latin version.

Footnote 792:

Prov. x. 25, xi. 3.

Footnote 793:

Isa. lvi. 10.

Footnote 794:

Or, “before the ages.”

Footnote 795:

John i. 14.

Footnote 796:

It is difficult to translate περίψημα in this and similar passages; comp. 1 Cor. iv. 13.

Footnote 797:

Literally, “and the.”

Footnote 798:

1 Tim. iv. 10.

Footnote 799:

Comp. 1 Pet. ii. 5.

Footnote 800:

Comp. John xii. 32.

Footnote 801:

Literally, “according to the other life.”

Footnote 802:

John xiv. 24.

Footnote 803:

John xvi. 13.

Footnote 804:

John xvii. 4, 6.

Footnote 805:

John xvi. 14.

Footnote 806:

Ps. cxix. 1.

Footnote 807:

John xiv. 6.

Footnote 808:

John xiv. 6.

Footnote 809:

1 Pet. ii. 9.

Footnote 810:

Eph. i. 1.

Footnote 811:

Literally, “permit.”

Footnote 812:

The verb is here omitted in the original.

Footnote 813:

Comp. Col. i. 23.

Footnote 814:

Jer. viii. 4.

Footnote 815:

Jer. xv. 19.

Footnote 816:

Matt. v. 4.

Footnote 817:

Num. xii. 3.

Footnote 818:

Ps. cxxxi. 2.

Footnote 819:

2 Tim. ii. 24, 25.

Footnote 820:

Ps. vii. 4.

Footnote 821:

1 Pet. ii. 23.

Footnote 822:

1 Pet. ii. 23.

Footnote 823:

Luke xxiii. 34.

Footnote 824:

1 Pet. iv. 7.

Footnote 825:

Literally, “let nothing become you.”

Footnote 826:

Rom. ii. 4.

Footnote 827:

Phil. iii. 10.

Footnote 828:

Literally, “ye are the passage of.”

Footnote 829:

Literally, “footsteps.”

Footnote 830:

Some render, “in every epistle.”

Footnote 831:

Literally, “am like to.”

Footnote 832:

Matt. xxiii. 35.

Footnote 833:

Acts ix. 15.

Footnote 834:

Literally, “his destruction.”

Footnote 835:

Literally, “of heavenly and earthly things.”

Footnote 836:

Eph. vi. 16.

Footnote 837:

Eph. vi. 12.

Footnote 838:

1 Tim. i. 14.

Footnote 839:

1 Tim. i. 5.

Footnote 840:

Literally, “being in unity.”

Footnote 841:

Comp. 1 John iii. 7.

Footnote 842:

Matt. xii. 33.

Footnote 843:

Literally, “there is not now the work of profession.”

Footnote 844:

1 Tim. i. 14.

Footnote 845:

Luke x. 27.

Footnote 846:

Luke x. 27.

Footnote 847:

Matt. xii. 33.

Footnote 848:

1 Cor. vi. 19.

Footnote 849:

1 Cor. iv. 20.

Footnote 850:

Rom. x. 10.

Footnote 851:

Matt. v. 19.

Footnote 852:

2 Cor. viii. 18.

Footnote 853:

1 Cor. vi. 19.

Footnote 854:

Comp. James i. 16.

Footnote 855:

1 Cor. vi. 9, 10.

Footnote 856:

Comp. James i. 16.

Footnote 857:

1 Cor. vi. 9, 10.

Footnote 858:

Deut. xxxii. 15.

Footnote 859:

2 Cor. vi. 14-16.

Footnote 860:

Comp. John xii. 7.

Footnote 861:

Comp. John xii. 7.

Footnote 862:

Song of Sol. i. 3, 4.

Footnote 863:

Literally, “before the ages.”

Footnote 864:

Again περίψημα, translated “offscouring,” 1 Cor. iv. 13.

Footnote 865:

Comp. 1 Cor. i. 18.

Footnote 866:

1 Cor. i. 20.

Footnote 867:

Or “economy,” or “dispensation.” Comp. Col. i. 25; 1 Tim. i. 4.

Footnote 868:

1 Cor. i. 20.

Footnote 869:

Literally, “before the ages.”

Footnote 870:

Isa. vii. 14; Matt. i. 23.

Footnote 871:

Literally, “of noise.”

Footnote 872:

Or, “in the silence of God”—divine silence.

Footnote 873:

Literally, “to the ages.”

Footnote 874:

Literally, “of noise.”

Footnote 875:

Some read, “bond.”

Footnote 876:

Literally, “opinion.”

Footnote 877:

Literally, “bareness.”

Footnote 878:

Literally, “truth.”

Footnote 879:

Literally, “an economy.”

Footnote 880:

Or, “that which was perfect received a beginning from God.”

Footnote 881:

The punctuation and Meaning are here doubtful.

Footnote 882:

Literally, “by name.”

Footnote 883:

Literally, “by name.”

Footnote 884:

Col. i. 15.

Footnote 885:

Some render, “May I, in my turn, be the means of refreshing you and those,” etc.

Footnote 886:

Literally, “to be found for.”

Footnote 887:

Some render, “May I, in my turn, be the means of refreshing you and those,” etc.

Footnote 888:

Some read, “even as.”

Footnote 889:

Some omit, “Grace [be with you].”

THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE MAGNESIANS.

SHORTER.

_Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the [church] blessed in the grace of God the Father, in Jesus Christ our Saviour, in whom I salute the church which is at Magnesia, near the Mæander, and wish it abundance of happiness in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ._

LONGER.

Footnote 890:

Literally, “according to God.”

Footnote 891:

Literally, “of the most God-becoming name,” referring either to the appellation “Theophorus,” or to that of “martyr” or “confessor.”

Footnote 892:

Literally, “according to God.”

Footnote 893:

1 Tim. iv. 10.

Footnote 894:

Comp. Gal. iv. 9.

Footnote 895:

1 Cor. x. 13.

Footnote 896:

The apodosis is here wanting in the original, but must evidently be supplied in some such way as above.

Footnote 897:

Literally, “worthy of God.”

Footnote 898:

Literally, “worthy of God.”

Footnote 899:

Literally, “whom may I enjoy.”

Footnote 900:

The apodosis is here wanting in the original, but must evidently be supplied in some such way as above.

Footnote 901:

Literally, “to use the age of your bishop.”

Footnote 902:

Literally, “according to.”

Footnote 903:

Literally, “youthful condition.”

Footnote 904:

Literally, “to flesh.”

Footnote 905:

Job xxxii. 8, 9.

Footnote 906:

Dan. xiii. (Apoc.).

Footnote 907:

1 Sam. iii. 1.

Footnote 908:

Jer. i. 7.

Footnote 909:

1 Kings iii. 16.

Footnote 910:

2 Kings xxii. xxiii.

Footnote 911:

Dan. xiii. 52 (Apoc.).

Footnote 912:

1 Tim. iv. 12.

Footnote 913:

1 Sam. viii. 7.

Footnote 914:

Ex. xvi. 8.

Footnote 915:

Num. xvi. 1.

Footnote 916:

Num. xvi. 31.

Footnote 917:

2 Sam. xviii. 14.

Footnote 918:

Sheba is referred to under this name: see 2 Sam. xx. 22.

Footnote 919:

2 Chron. xxvi. 20.

Footnote 920:

1 Sam. xiii. 11.

Footnote 921:

Luke vi. 46.

Footnote 922:

The apodosis is wanting in the original, and some prefer finding it in the following sentence.

Footnote 923:

Or, “after the likeness of His passion.”

Footnote 924:

Or, “after the likeness of His passion.”

Footnote 925:

Literally, “in harmony of God.”

Footnote 926:

Literally, “before the ages.”

Footnote 927:

Literally, “receiving the like manners of God.”

Footnote 928:

The meaning is here doubtful.

Footnote 929:

Literally, “in harmony of God.”

Footnote 930:

Literally, “before the ages.”

Footnote 931:

Dan. ii. 44, vii. 14, 27.

Footnote 932:

John v. 30.

Footnote 933:

Or, “contrary to his judgment.”

Footnote 934:

Some have argued that the Gnostic Σιγή, _silence_, is here referred to, and have consequently inferred that this epistle could not have been written by Ignatius.

Footnote 935:

1 Tim. i. 4.

Footnote 936:

2 Cor. v. 17.

Footnote 937:

Some read ὑποστήσαντι, “that gave Him His _hypostasis_, or substance.”

Footnote 938:

Literally, “in old things.”

Footnote 939:

Or, “newness of.”

Footnote 940:

Or, “according to.”

Footnote 941:

Literally, “we have received to believe.”

Footnote 942:

Comp. Matt. xxvii. 52.

Footnote 943:

John v. 46.

Footnote 944:

John viii. 56, 58.

Footnote 945:

Isa. xxxv. 4.

Footnote 946:

2 Thess. iii. 10.

Footnote 947:

Gen. iii. 19.

Footnote 948:

Reference is here made to well-known Jewish opinions and practices with respect to the Sabbath. The Talmud fixes 2000 cubits as the space lawful to be traversed. Philo (_De Therap._) refers to the dancing, etc.

Footnote 949:

Ps. vi. xii. (inscrip.).

Footnote 950:

Phil. iii. 18, 19.

Footnote 951:

Tim. iii. 4.

Footnote 952:

Literally, “whirlpools of wealth.”

Footnote 953:

Literally, “according to Christianity.”

Footnote 954:

Some read, “to name.”

Footnote 955:

Literally, “believe into,” merge into.

Footnote 956:

Ps. cxxx. 3.

Footnote 957:

Isa. lxii. 2, 12.

Footnote 958:

Acts xi. 26.

Footnote 959:

1 Cor. v. 7.

Footnote 960:

Or, “enemy.”

Footnote 961:

Matt. iii. 9; Isa. xli. 8; James ii. 23. Some read, “children of God, friends of Abraham.”

Footnote 962:

Gen. xxviii. 14.

Footnote 963:

Acts xiii. 48.

Footnote 964:

_i.e._ addicted to the error of Judaizing.

Footnote 965:

1 Tim. i. 1.

Footnote 966:

_i.e._ addicted to the error of Judaizing.

Footnote 967:

2 Tim. iv. 1; Rom. ii. 6.

Footnote 968:

Some read, “of you.”

Footnote 969:

Literally, “are reverent.”

Footnote 970:

Prov. xviii. 17 (LXX.).

Footnote 971:

Literally, “are reverent.”

Footnote 972:

Prov. xviii. 17 (LXX.).

Footnote 973:

Isa. xliii. 26.

Footnote 974:

Luke xvii. 10.

Footnote 975:

Luke xvi. 15.

Footnote 976:

Luke xviii. 13.

Footnote 977:

Some read, “Jacob.”

Footnote 978:

Gen. xviii. 27; Job xxx. 19.

Footnote 979:

1 Chron. xvii. 16.

Footnote 980:

Num. xii. 3.

Footnote 981:

Ex. iv. 10.

Footnote 982:

Luke xiv. 11.

Footnote 983:

Literally, “well-woven.”

Footnote 984:

The love of the Smyrnæans and Ephesians salutes you. Remember in your prayers the church which is in Syria, from which also I am not worthy to receive my appellation, being the last¹⁰⁷³ of them. Fare ye well in Jesus Christ, while ye continue subject to the bishop, as to the command [of God], and in like manner to the presbytery. And do ye, every man, love one another with an undivided heart. Let my spirit be sanctified¹⁰⁷⁴ by yours, not only now, but also when I shall attain to God. For I am as yet exposed to danger. But the Father is faithful in Jesus Christ to fulfil both mine and your petitions: in whom may ye be found unblameable.

LONGER.

The love of the Smyrnæans and Ephesians salutes you. Remember our church which is in Syria, from which I am not worthy to receive my appellation, being the last¹⁰⁷⁵ of those of that place. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, while ye continue subject to the bishop, and in like manner to the presbyters and to the deacons. And do ye, every man, love one another with an undivided heart. My spirit salutes you,¹⁰⁷⁶ not only now, but also when I shall have attained to God; for I am as yet exposed to danger. But the Father of Jesus Christ is faithful to fulfil both mine and your petitions: in whom may we be found without spot. May I have joy of you in the Lord.

Footnote 986:

Some render, “in the resurrection which is by Him.”

Footnote 987:

Either, “the whole members of the church,” or, “in the fulness of blessing.”

Footnote 988:

Either, “as an apostle,” or, “in the apostolic form.”

Footnote 989:

Either, “the whole members of the church,” or, “in the fulness of blessing.”

Footnote 990:

Either, “as an apostle,” or, “in the apostolic form.”

Footnote 991:

Literally, “not according to use, but according to nature.”

Footnote 992:

Literally, “not for use, but for a possession.”

Footnote 993:

It is doubtful whether this exhortation is addressed to the deacons or people; whether the former are urged in all respects to please the latter, or the latter in all points to be pleased with the former.

Footnote 994:

Heb. xiii. 17.

Footnote 995:

Literally, “commandment.” The text, which is faulty in the MS., has been amended as above by Smith.

Footnote 996:

Literally, “no church is called.”

Footnote 997:

Or, “pattern.”

Footnote 998:

Literally, “great instruction.”

Footnote 999:

Some here follow a text similar to that of the longer recension.

Footnote 1000:

Both the text and meaning are here very doubtful; some follow the reading of the longer recension.

Footnote 1001:

Or, “conjunction.”

Footnote 1002:

Or, “pattern.”

Footnote 1003:

Literally, “I know many things in God.”

Footnote 1004:

A different turn altogether is given to this passage in the longer recension.

Footnote 1005:

1 Cor. i. 31.

Footnote 1006:

Or, “confirmed.”

Footnote 1007:

Omitted in the MS.

Footnote 1008:

Or, “stations.”

Footnote 1009:

Literally, “passing by this;” but both the text and meaning are very doubtful.

Footnote 1010:

ἐβουλόμην apparently by mistake for ἐδυνάμην.

Footnote 1011:

Literally, “their force.”

Footnote 1012:

Or, “varieties of.”

Footnote 1013:

The ellipsis in the original is here very variously supplied.

Footnote 1014:

Literally, “interweave.”

Footnote 1015:

Or, “sweetly.”

Footnote 1016:

The construction is here difficult and doubtful.

Footnote 1017:

1 Cor. i. 10.

Footnote 1018:

Tit. i. 10.

Footnote 1019:

Literally, “Christ-sellers.”

Footnote 1020:

2 Cor. ii. 17.

Footnote 1021:

Literally, “sweet address.”

Footnote 1022:

_Apost. Constitutions_, vi. 13.

Footnote 1023:

Supplied from the old Latin version.

Footnote 1024:

Literally, “unseparated from.”

Footnote 1025:

This clause is inserted from the ancient Latin version.

Footnote 1026:

The text has “deacon.”

Footnote 1027:

Hos. v. 1.

Footnote 1028:

Prov. xviii. 9 (LXX.).

Footnote 1029:

Ps. lxxxv. 9.

Footnote 1030:

Isa. lxvi. 2.

Footnote 1031:

Some render, “being a resemblance according to the power of Christ.”

Footnote 1032:

Some read, “imitators of Christ, ministering to the bishop, as Christ to the Father.”

Footnote 1033:

Literally, “taking up.”

Footnote 1034:

Or, “renew yourselves.”

Footnote 1035:

Isa. lii. 5.

Footnote 1036:

Rom. viii. 32.

Footnote 1037:

Literally, “making you drink beforehand what will preserve you.”

Footnote 1038:

Or, “from which disease.”

Footnote 1039:

Literally, “taking up.”

Footnote 1040:

Comp. Eph. ii. 4.

Footnote 1041:

Comp. 1 Tim. ii. 6.

Footnote 1042:

Matt. vi. 14.

Footnote 1043:

1 Tim. vi. 1; Tit. ii 5.

Footnote 1044:

Isa. lii. 5.

Footnote 1045:

Literally, “apart from.”

Footnote 1046:

Literally, “apart from.”

Footnote 1047:

John i. 14.

Footnote 1048:

John viii. 46.

Footnote 1049:

Matt. xxvii. 52.

Footnote 1050:

Literally, “hedge” or “fence.”

Footnote 1051:

Heb. x. 12, 13.

Footnote 1052:

Some read, “He was taken down from the cross, and laid in a new tomb.”

Footnote 1053:

Matt. xii. 40.

Footnote 1054:

Literally, “to fight with.”

Footnote 1055:

Some read this and the following clause affirmatively, instead of interrogatively.

Footnote 1056:

The meaning is, that if they spoke the truth concerning the phantasmal character of Christ’s death, then Ignatius was guilty of a practical falsehood in suffering for what was false.

Footnote 1057:

Literally, “to fight with.”

Footnote 1058:

The meaning is, that if they spoke the truth concerning the phantasmal character of Christ’s death, then Ignatius was guilty of a practical falsehood in suffering for what was false.

Footnote 1059:

Zech. xii. 10.

Footnote 1060:

Ps. xli. 10.

Footnote 1061:

Comp. John xi. 42.

Footnote 1062:

Ps. lxxxii. 8.

Footnote 1063:

John xi. 25, 26.

Footnote 1064:

_i.e._ the cross.

Footnote 1065:

Both text and meaning are here doubtful.

Footnote 1066:

_i.e._ Satan’s.

Footnote 1067:

Literally, “loud, confused noise.”

Footnote 1068:

The Ebionites, who denied the divine nature of our Lord, are here referred to.

Footnote 1069:

It seems to be here denied that Nicolas was the founder of this school of heretics.

Footnote 1070:

Matt. xv. 13.

Footnote 1071:

Phil. iii. 18.

Footnote 1072:

1 Cor. ii. 8.

Footnote 1073:

_i.e._ the least.

Footnote 1074:

The shorter recension reads ἁγνίζετε, and the longer also hesitates between this and ἀσπάζεται. With the former reading the meaning is very obscure: it has been corrected as above to ἁγνίζηται.

Now I write these things to you from Smyrna by the Ephesians, who are deservedly most happy. There is also with me, along with many others, Crocus, one dearly beloved by me.¹¹³⁶ As to those who have gone before me from Syria to Rome for the glory of God, I believe that you are acquainted with them; to whom, [then,] do ye make known that I am at hand. For they are all worthy, both of God and of you; and it is becoming that you should refresh them in all things. I have written these things unto you, on the day before the ninth of the Kalends of September (that¹¹³⁷ is, on the twenty-third day of August). Fare ye well the end, in the patience of Jesus Christ. Amen.

LONGER.

Now I write these things to you from Smyrna by the Ephesians, who are deservedly most happy. There is also with me, along with many others, Crocus, one dearly beloved by me.¹¹³⁸ As to those who have gone before me from Syria to Rome for the glory of God, I believe that you are acquainted with them; to whom, [then,] do ye make known that I am at hand. For they are all worthy, both of God and of you; and it is becoming that you should refresh them in all things. I have written these things unto you on the day before the ninth of the Kalends of September. Fare ye well to the end, in the patience of Jesus Christ.

Footnote 1077:

Or, “most holy.”

Footnote 1078:

Or as in the shorter recension.

Footnote 1079:

Or, “most holy.”

Footnote 1080:

Some read, “since I have,” leaving out the following “for,” and finding the apodosis in “I hope to salute you.”

Footnote 1081:

Literally, “worthy of God.”

Footnote 1082:

Some read, “which I much desired to do.”

Footnote 1083:

Literally, “to receive.”

Footnote 1084:

He probably refers here, and in what follows, to the influence which their earnest prayers in his behalf might have with God.

Footnote 1085:

Literally, “worthy of God.”

Footnote 1086:

Literally, “to receive.”

Footnote 1087:

He probably refers here, and in what follows, to the influence which their earnest prayers in his behalf might have with God.

Footnote 1088:

Some read γε instead of μὴ, and translate as in shorter recension.

Footnote 1089:

Some translate as in longer recension, but there is in the one case ὑμῖν, and in the other ὑμᾶς.

Footnote 1090:

Literally, “have to be inscribed to.”

Footnote 1091:

Literally, “to be found and sent for.”

Footnote 1092:

Literally, “have to be inscribed to.”

Footnote 1093:

Literally, “to be found and sent for.”

Footnote 1094:

The text is here in great confusion.

Footnote 1095:

Literally, “beautiful.” Some read, “it is good to,” etc.

Footnote 1096:

Some read, “good.”

Footnote 1097:

2 Cor. iv. 18. This quotation is not found in the old Latin version of the shorter recension.

Footnote 1098:

Or, “in.”

Footnote 1099:

Literally, “work.”

Footnote 1100:

2 Cor. iv. 18. This quotation is not found in the old Latin version of the shorter recension.

Footnote 1101:

Literally, “work.”

Footnote 1102:

The meaning is here doubtful.

Footnote 1103:

John xv. 19.

Footnote 1104:

_i.e._ by the teeth of the wild beasts.

Footnote 1105:

“Free,” probably from human infirmity.

Footnote 1106:

_i.e._ by the teeth of the wild beasts.

Footnote 1107:

“Free,” probably from human infirmity.

Footnote 1108:

Comp. 1 Cor. xv. 32, where the word is also used figuratively.

Footnote 1109:

Probably the soldiers received gifts from the Christians, to treat Ignatius with kindness.

Footnote 1110:

1 Cor. iv. 4.

Footnote 1111:

In the shorter recension there is ζηλώσῃ, and in the longer ζηλῶσαι; hence the variety of rendering, but the translation is by no means certain.

Footnote 1112:

Some deem this and the following word spurious.

Footnote 1113:

Literally, “evil.”

Footnote 1114:

Comp. 1 Cor. xv. 32, where the word is also used figuratively.

Footnote 1115:

Probably the soldiers received gifts from the Christians, to treat Ignatius with kindness.

Footnote 1116:

1 Cor. iv. 4.

Footnote 1117:

In the shorter recension there is ζηλώσῃ, and in the longer ζηλῶσαι; hence the variety of rendering, but the translation is by no means certain.

Footnote 1118:

Literally, “this age.”

Footnote 1119:

Literally, “into.”

Footnote 1120:

Matt. xvi. 26. Some omit this quotation.

Footnote 1121:

Literally, “to die.”

Footnote 1122:

Literally, “this age.”

Footnote 1123:

Literally, “to die.”

Footnote 1124:

Some understand by _love_ in this passage, _Christ Himself_; others regard it as referring to _the natural desires of the heart_.

Footnote 1125:

Literally, “desiring material.”

Footnote 1126:

The text and meaning are here doubtful. We have followed Hefele, who understands by the water _the Holy Spirit_, and refers to John vii. 38.

Footnote 1127:

Some understand by _love_ in this passage, _Christ Himself_; others regard it as referring to _the natural desires of the heart_.

Footnote 1128:

Comp. John iv. 14.

Footnote 1129:

Some refer this to Ignatius himself.

Footnote 1130:

Gal. ii. 20.

Footnote 1131:

Ps. cxvi. 12.

Footnote 1132:

Comp. 1 Cor. xv. 8, 9.

Footnote 1133:

Some refer this to the jurisdiction of Ignatius.

Footnote 1134:

_i.e._ the outward road he had to travel.

Footnote 1135:

Or, “have sent me forward;” comp. Tit. iii. 13.

Footnote 1136:

Literally, “the name desired to me.”

Footnote 1137:

Now, as to Philo the deacon, of Cilicia, a man of reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Rheus Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding¹²²⁴ his life,—these bear witness in your behalf; and I myself give thanks to God for you, that ye have received them, even as the Lord you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect.¹²²⁵ May the Lord Jesus Christ honour them, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and faith, and love, and concord! Fare ye well in Christ Jesus, our common hope.

LONGER.

Now, as to Philo the deacon, a man of Cilicia, of high reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Gaius and Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding¹²²⁶ his life,—these also bear testimony in your behalf. And I myself give thanks to God for you, because ye have received them: and the Lord will also receive you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ, “who wisheth not the death of the sinner, but his repentance.”¹²²⁷ The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus,¹²²⁸ who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect:¹²²⁹ whom the Lord Jesus Christ will requite, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and spirit, and faith, and love, and concord. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, in the Holy Ghost.

Footnote 1139:

Or, “inseparably.”

Footnote 1140:

Or, “inseparably.”

Footnote 1141:

Comp. Matt. vii. 25.

Footnote 1142:

The bishop previously referred to.

Footnote 1143:

Comp. Gal. i. 1.

Footnote 1144:

Literally, “all.”

Footnote 1145:

Comp. Gal. i. 1.

Footnote 1146:

Luke i. 6.

Footnote 1147:

Comp. 2 Tim. iii. 6.

Footnote 1148:

Jer. xxiii. 15.

Footnote 1149:

Comp. Matt. vii. 15.

Footnote 1150:

Comp. 2 Tim. iii. 6.

Footnote 1151:

_i.e._ heretical.

Footnote 1152:

2 Tim. ii. 26.

Footnote 1153:

_i.e._ heretical.

Footnote 1154:

Comp. Song of Sol. ii. 15.

Footnote 1155:

Comp. 1 Cor. v. 11.

Footnote 1156:

Deut. xiii. 6, 8.

Footnote 1157:

Ps. cxix. 21.

Footnote 1158:

1 Thess. iv. 5.

Footnote 1159:

1 Tim. ii. 4.

Footnote 1160:

Matt. v. 45.

Footnote 1161:

Matt. v. 48.

Footnote 1162:

Literally, “into.”

Footnote 1163:

Eph. iv. 5.

Footnote 1164:

Tit. ii. 14; 1 Pet. ii. 9.

Footnote 1165:

Eph. v. 22.

Footnote 1166:

1 Cor. vii. 22.

Footnote 1167:

There was a prevalent opinion among the ancient Christian writers, that all these holy men lived a life of celibacy.

Footnote 1168:

Or, “it is not because, etc., that I have mentioned these.”

Footnote 1169:

Eph. vi. 4.

Footnote 1170:

Prov. xxiii. 24.

Footnote 1171:

Job xxxi. 13, 15.

Footnote 1172:

Gal. iii. 28.

Footnote 1173:

1 Sam. xviii. 18; 2 Sam. vii. 18.

Footnote 1174:

Phil. ii. 25.

Footnote 1175:

Literally, “have proclaimed in reference to the gospel.”

Footnote 1176:

In Christ.

Footnote 1177:

Literally, “people-deceiving.”

Footnote 1178:

Comp. Ps. li. 12 (LXX.).

Footnote 1179:

Literally, “teaching.”

Footnote 1180:

Or, “wrought.”

Footnote 1181:

Literally, “Judaism.”

Footnote 1182:

Literally, “oppressed.”

Footnote 1183:

Or, “will.”

Footnote 1184:

Some render, “come together into the same place.”

Footnote 1185:

Apparently by attempting to impose the yoke of Judaism.

Footnote 1186:

Comp. John viii. 44.

Footnote 1187:

Literally, “beneath.”

Footnote 1188:

Comp. the reading sanctioned by the ancient authorities, John i. 18.

Footnote 1189:

From a Hebrew word meaning “poor.”

Footnote 1190:

Or, “these things.”

Footnote 1191:

Literally, “the end of happiness.”

Footnote 1192:

Comp. Eph. ii. 2.

Footnote 1193:

Literally, “oppressed.”

Footnote 1194:

Some render, “come together into the same place.”

Footnote 1195:

Phil. ii. 2.

Footnote 1196:

John iii. 8.

Footnote 1197:

Some translate, “as foreseeing the division to arise among you.”

Footnote 1198:

Literally, “did not know from human flesh.”

Footnote 1199:

Literally, “your flesh.”

Footnote 1200:

Comp. 1 Cor. iii. 16, vi. 19.

Footnote 1201:

Literally, “your flesh.”

Footnote 1202:

Literally, “prepared for.”

Footnote 1203:

Literally, “to the assembly of the bishop.”

Footnote 1204:

The meaning here is very doubtful. Some read ἐν τοῖς ἀρχαίοις, as translated above; others prefer ἐν τοῖς ἀρχείοις, as in the longer recension.

Footnote 1205:

_i.e._ the system of Christian doctrine.

Footnote 1206:

Literally, “to the assembly of the bishop.”

Footnote 1207:

Comp. Isa. lviii. 6.

Footnote 1208:

Phil. ii. 3.

Footnote 1209:

Or, “the archives of the Spirit are not exposed to all.”

Footnote 1210:

Acts xxvi. 14.

Footnote 1211:

_i.e._ the Jewish priests.

Footnote 1212:

Literally, “proclaimed as to Him.”

Footnote 1213:

The meaning is doubtful. Comp. 2 Tim. i. 10.

Footnote 1214:

_i.e._ the Jewish priests.

Footnote 1215:

John xiv. 6.

Footnote 1216:

1 Cor. x. 4.

Footnote 1217:

Literally, “the hedge.”

Footnote 1218:

John x. 11.

Footnote 1219:

John x. 9.

Footnote 1220:

Gen. xlix. 10.

Footnote 1221:

Matt. xxviii. 19.

Footnote 1222:

Literally, “for the name of.”

Footnote 1223:

Literally, “for the name of.”

Footnote 1224:

Literally, “bidding farewell to.”

Footnote 1225:

Or, “for the sake of honour.”

Footnote 1226:

Literally, “bidding farewell to.”

Footnote 1227:

Comp. Ezek. xviii. 23, 32, xxxiii. 11; 2 Pet. iii. 9.

Footnote 1228:

The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, whom ye sent with me, together with the Ephesians, your brethren, and who has in all things refreshed me. And I would that all may imitate him, as being a pattern of a minister¹³¹² of God. Grace will reward him in all things. I salute your most worthy¹³¹³ bishop, and your very venerable¹³¹⁴ presbytery, and your deacons, my fellow-servants, and all of you individually, as well as generally, in the name of Jesus Christ, and in His flesh and blood, in His passion and resurrection, both corporeal and spiritual, in union with God and you.¹³¹⁵ Grace, mercy, peace, and patience, be with you for evermore!

LONGER.

The love of your brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burgus, whom ye sent with me, together with the Ephesians, your brethren, and who has in all things refreshed me. And I would that all may imitate him, as being a pattern of a minister of God. The grace of the Lord will reward him in all things. I salute your most worthy bishop Polycarp, and your venerable presbytery, and your Christ-bearing deacons, my fellow-servants, and all of you individually, as well as generally, in the name of Christ Jesus, and in His flesh and blood, in His passion and resurrection, both corporeal and spiritual, in union with God and you. Grace, mercy, peace, and patience, be with you in Christ for evermore!

_Conclusion._

SHORTER.

I salute the families of my brethren, with their wives and children, and the virgins who are called widows.¹³¹⁶ Be ye strong, I pray, in the power of the Holy Ghost. Philo, who is with me, greets you. I salute the house of Tavias, and pray that it may be confirmed in faith and love, both corporeal and spiritual. I salute Alce, my well-beloved,¹³¹⁷ and the incomparable Daphnus, and Eutecnus, and all by name. Fare ye well in the grace of God.

LONGER.

I salute the families of my brethren, with their wives and children, and those that are ever virgins, and the widows. Be ye strong, I pray, in the power of the Holy Ghost. Philo, my fellow-servant, who is with me, greets you. I salute the house of Tavias, and pray that it may be confirmed in faith and love, both corporeal and spiritual. I salute Alce, my well-beloved, and the incomparable Daphnus, and Eutecnus, and all by name. Fare ye well in the grace of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and divine and sacred wisdom.

Footnote 1230:

Literally, “holy-bearing.”

Footnote 1231:

Rom. i. 3.

Footnote 1232:

Theodoret, in quoting this passage, reads, “the Godhead and power.”

Footnote 1233:

Matt. iii. 15.

Footnote 1234:

_i.e._ the cross, “fruit” being put for _Christ on the tree_.

Footnote 1235:

Isa. v. 26, xlix. 22.

Footnote 1236:

Col. i. 15.

Footnote 1237:

Rom. i. 3.

Footnote 1238:

Matt. iii. 15.

Footnote 1239:

Literally, “we are.”

Footnote 1240:

Or, “seeing that they are phantasmal and diabolical,” as some render; but the above is preferable.

Footnote 1241:

John i. 14.

Footnote 1242:

John ii. 19.

Footnote 1243:

John xii. 32.

Footnote 1244:

Prov. ix. 1.

Footnote 1245:

Num. xxi. 9; John iii. 14.

Footnote 1246:

Literally, “in the flesh.”

Footnote 1247:

Literally, “demon.” According to Jerome, this quotation is from the Gospel of the Nazarenes. Comp. Luke xxiv. 39.

Footnote 1248:

Literally, “above death.”

Footnote 1249:

Literally, “demon.” According to Jerome, this quotation is from the Gospel of the Nazarenes. Comp. Luke xxiv. 39.

Footnote 1250:

Luke xxiv. 39.

Footnote 1251:

John xx. 27.

Footnote 1252:

John xx. 28.

Footnote 1253:

Acts i. 11.

Footnote 1254:

Rev. i. 7.

Footnote 1255:

Zech. xii. 10.

Footnote 1256:

Or, “mark.”

Footnote 1257:

Comp. Rom. viii. 17.

Footnote 1258:

Comp. Phil. iv. 13.

Footnote 1259:

Or, “foolishly.”

Footnote 1260:

_i.e._ As they imagine Christ to have suffered only in appearance, so they believe that we suffer in vain.

Footnote 1261:

Literally, “a flesh-bearer.”

Footnote 1262:

Literally, “a death-bearer.”

Footnote 1263:

Literally, “a flesh-bearer.”

Footnote 1264:

Literally, “the glory of the angels.”

Footnote 1265:

Literally, “judgment is to them.”

Footnote 1266:

Matt. xix. 12.

Footnote 1267:

Literally, “the whole is.”

Footnote 1268:

Matt. xix. 12.

Footnote 1269:

Deut. vi. 5.

Footnote 1270:

John xvii. 31.

Footnote 1271:

John xiii. 34; Matt. xxii. 40.

Footnote 1272:

Theodoret, in quoting this passage, reads προσφορὰς, “offering.”

Footnote 1273:

Literally, “die disputing.”

Footnote 1274:

Literally, “to love.” Some think there is a reference to the _agapæ_, or _love-feasts_.

Footnote 1275:

The reading is περὶ in the one case, and μετά in the other, though the latter meaning seems preferable. Most of the MSS. of the longer recension read περί, as in the shorter.

Footnote 1276:

Literally, “perfected.”

Footnote 1277:

Literally, “drove Adam out of.”

Footnote 1278:

Zech. iii. 1.

Footnote 1279:

Luke xxii. 31.

Footnote 1280:

Eph. ii. 2.

Footnote 1281:

Luke xxii. 32.

Footnote 1282:

The reading is περὶ in the one case, and μετά in the other, though the latter meaning seems preferable. Most of the MSS. of the longer recension read περί, as in the shorter.

Footnote 1283:

Or, “command.”

Footnote 1284:

Or, “firm.”

Footnote 1285:

Or, “firm.”

Footnote 1286:

Or, “firm.”

Footnote 1287:

Some refer the words to the Lord’s Supper.

Footnote 1288:

Or, “finally.”

Footnote 1289:

Literally, “to know.”

Footnote 1290:

Ps. vi. 5.

Footnote 1291:

Isa. lxii. 11.

Footnote 1292:

Prov. xxiv. 21.

Footnote 1293:

Comp. Heb. x. 29.

Footnote 1294:

Or, “great.”

Footnote 1295:

Matt. x. 41.

Footnote 1296:

Or, “deacons.”

Footnote 1297:

Comp. Epistle of Ignatius to Ephesians, chap. xxi.; to Polycarp, chap. ii. vi.

Footnote 1298:

Or, “deacons.”

Footnote 1299:

2 Tim. i. 18.

Footnote 1300:

Comp. Epistle of Ignatius to Ephesians, chap. xxi.; to Polycarp, chap. ii. vi.

Footnote 1301:

Literally, “most becoming of God.”

Footnote 1302:

Or, “from any conscience.”

Footnote 1303:

Literally, “God-ambassador.”

Footnote 1304:

Or, “have received.”

Footnote 1305:

Literally, “body.”

Footnote 1306:

Literally, “may glorify with them.”

Footnote 1307:

Or, “think of.”

Footnote 1308:

Or, “from any conscience.”

Footnote 1309:

Literally, “God-ambassador.”

Footnote 1310:

Literally, “body.”

Footnote 1311:

Or, “think of.”

Footnote 1312:

Or, “the ministry.”

Footnote 1313:

Literally, “worthy of God.”

Footnote 1314:

Literally, “most becoming of God.”

Footnote 1315:

Literally, “in the union of God and of you.”

Footnote 1316:

Inasmuch as I have not been able to write to all the churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will¹³⁷³ [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] thou, as being acquainted with the purpose¹³⁷⁴ of God, wilt write to the adjacent churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messengers,¹³⁷⁵ and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by thee, that thou¹³⁷⁶ mayest be glorified by a work¹³⁷⁷ which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed thou art worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue ye in the unity and under the protection of God.¹³⁷⁸ I salute Alce, my dearly beloved.¹³⁷⁹ Fare ye well in the Lord.

LONGER.

Inasmuch, therefore, as I have not been able to write to all churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will¹³⁸⁰ [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] thou, as being acquainted with the purpose¹³⁸¹ of God, wilt write to the adjacent churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messengers, and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by thee, that thou mayest be glorified by a work¹³⁸² which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed thou art worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue ye in the unity and under the protection of God. I salute Alce, my dearly beloved¹³⁸³ Amen. Grace [be with you]. Fare ye well in the Lord.

Footnote 1318:

_i.e._ to make personal acquaintance with one esteemed so highly.

Footnote 1319:

Or, “tolerate.”

Footnote 1320:

Comp. 1 Thess. v. 17.

Footnote 1321:

Some read, “according to thy practice.”

Footnote 1322:

_i.e._ to make personal acquaintance with one esteemed so highly.

Footnote 1323:

Or, “tolerate.”

Footnote 1324:

Comp. 1 Thess. v. 17.

Footnote 1325:

Some read, “according to thy practice.”

Footnote 1326:

Matt. viii. 17.

Footnote 1327:

Literally, “paroxysms by embrocations.”

Footnote 1328:

Matt. x. 16.

Footnote 1329:

Literally, “flatter.”

Footnote 1330:

Some refer this to the mysteries of God, and others to things yet future.

Footnote 1331:

Comp. Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, chap. xxi. etc.

Footnote 1332:

Literally, “paroxysms by embrocations.”

Footnote 1333:

Matt. x. 16.

Footnote 1334:

Comp. Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, chap. xxi. etc.

Footnote 1335:

Comp. 1 Tim. i. 3, vi. 3.

Footnote 1336:

Literally, “great.”

Footnote 1337:

Comp. 1 Tim. i. 3, vi. 3.

Footnote 1338:

Literally, “great.”

Footnote 1339:

The word in the original (φροντιστὴς) denotes one who _thinks_ or _cares_ for another.

Footnote 1340:

Some refer the words to more _frequent_ meetings, and others to these meetings being more numerous; no comparison is necessarily implied.

Footnote 1341:

_i.e._ so as to bring them out to the public assembly.

Footnote 1342:

Or, “act the part of slaves.”

Footnote 1343:

Some refer the words to more _frequent_ meetings, and others to these meetings being more numerous; no comparison is necessarily implied.

Footnote 1344:

_i.e._ so as to bring them out to the public assembly.

Footnote 1345:

Or, “act the part of slaves.”

Footnote 1346:

Some insert μὴ, and render, “rather do not even speak of them.”

Footnote 1347:

Eph. v. 25.

Footnote 1348:

_i.e._ in celibacy.

Footnote 1349:

Some render, “to the honour of the flesh of the Lord,” as in the longer recension.

Footnote 1350:

Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31.

Footnote 1351:

_i.e._ in celibacy.

Footnote 1352:

Literally, “if he be known beyond the bishop.”

Footnote 1353:

Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31.

Footnote 1354:

As this epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.

Footnote 1355:

Comp. chap. ii. etc.

Footnote 1356:

Or, “assessors.”

Footnote 1357:

A military reference, simply implying the idea of faithful effort leading to future reward.

Footnote 1358:

Comp. Ignatius’ Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.

Footnote 1359:

As this epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.

Footnote 1360:

Comp. chap. ii. etc.

Footnote 1361:

Or, “assessors.”

Footnote 1362:

Literally, “worthy of God.”

Footnote 1363:

Literally, “in freedom from care of God.”

Footnote 1364:

Some read, “in the resurrection.”

Footnote 1365:

Literally, “most befitting God.”

Footnote 1366:

Literally, “God-runner.”

Footnote 1367:

Literally, “at leisure for.”

Footnote 1368:

Literally, “to Him.”

Footnote 1369:

Literally, “in freedom from care of God.”

Footnote 1370:

Literally, “most befitting God.”

Footnote 1371:

Literally, “God-runner.”

Footnote 1372:

Literally, “at leisure for.”

Footnote 1373:

Some suppose the reference to be to the soldiers, or perhaps to God Himself.

Footnote 1374:

Or, “as possessed of the judgment.”

Footnote 1375:

Literally, “men on foot.”

Footnote 1376:

Some have the plural “ye” here.

Footnote 1377:

Literally, “an eternal work.”

Footnote 1378:

Some propose to read, “and of the bishop.”

Footnote 1379:

Literally, “name desired by me.”

Footnote 1380:

Some suppose the reference to be to the soldiers, or perhaps to God Himself.

Footnote 1381:

Or, “as possessed of the judgment.”

Footnote 1382:

Literally, “an eternal work.”

Footnote 1383:

Literally, “name desired by me.”

THE EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS AFTER THE SYRIAC VERSION.

INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

Some account of the discovery of the Syriac version of the Ignatian Epistles has been already given (p. 141). We have simply to add here a brief description of the MSS. from which the Syriac text has been printed. That which is named α by Cureton, contains only the Epistle to Polycarp, and exhibits the text of that epistle which, after him, we have followed. He fixes its age somewhere in the first half of the sixth century, or before the year 550. The second MS., which Cureton refers to as β, is assigned by him to the seventh or eighth century. It contains the three Epistles of Ignatius, and furnishes the text here followed in the Epistles to the Ephesians and Romans. The third MS., which Cureton quotes as γ, has no date, but, as he tells us, “belonged to the collection acquired by Moses of Nisibis in A.D. 931, and was written apparently about three or four centuries earlier.” It contains the three epistles to Polycarp, the Ephesians, and the Romans. The text of all these MSS. is in several passages manifestly corrupt, and the translators appear at times to have mistaken the meaning of the Greek original.

THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO POLYCARP.¹³⁸⁴

_Ignatius, who is [also called] Theophorus, to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, or rather, who has as his own bishop God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ: [wishes] abundance of happiness._

CHAP. I.

Because thy mind is acceptable to me, inasmuch as it is established in God, as on a rock which is immoveable, I glorify God the more exceedingly that I have been counted worthy of [seeing] thy face, which I longed after in God. Now I beseech thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to add [speed] to thy course, and that thou ever pray for all men that they may be saved, and that thou demand¹³⁸⁵ things which are befitting, with all assiduity both of the flesh and spirit. Be studious of unity, than which nothing is more precious. Bear with all men, even as our Lord beareth with thee. Show patience¹³⁸⁶ with all men in love, as [indeed] thou doest. Be stedfast in prayer. Ask for more understanding than that which thou [already] hast. Be watchful, as possessing a spirit which sleepeth not. Speak with every man according to the will of God. Bear the infirmities of all men as a perfect athlete; for where the labour is great, the gain is also great.

CHAP. II.

If thou lovest the good disciples only, thou hast no grace; [but] rather subdue those that are evil by gentleness. All [sorts of] wounds are not healed by the same medicine. Mitigate [the pain of] cutting¹³⁸⁷ by tenderness. Be wise as the serpent in everything, and innocent, with respect to those things which are requisite, even as the dove. For this reason thou art [composed] of both flesh and spirit, that thou mayest entice¹³⁸⁸ those things which are visible before thy face, and mayest ask, as to those which are concealed from thee, that they [too] may be revealed to thee, in order that thou be deficient in nothing, and mayest abound in all gifts. The time demands, even as a pilot does a ship, and as one who stands exposed to the tempest does a haven, that thou shouldst be worthy of God. Be thou watchful as an athlete of God. That which is promised to us is life eternal, which cannot be corrupted, of which things thou art also persuaded. In everything I will be instead¹³⁸⁹ of thy soul, and my bonds which thou hast loved.

CHAP. III.

Let not those who seem to be somewhat, and teach strange doctrines, strike thee with apprehension; but stand thou in the truth, as an athlete¹³⁹⁰ who is smitten, for it is [the part] of a great athlete to be smitten, and [yet] conquer. More especially is it fitting that we should bear everything for the sake of God, that He also may bear us. Be [still] more diligent than thou yet art. Be discerning of the times. Look for Him that is above the times, Him who has no times, Him who is invisible, Him who for our sakes became visible, Him who is impalpable, Him who is impassible, Him who for our sakes suffered, Him who endured everything in every form for our sakes.

CHAP. IV.

Let not the widows be overlooked; on account of¹³⁹¹ our Lord be thou their guardian, and let nothing be done without thy will; also do thou nothing without the will of God, as indeed thou doest not. Stand rightly. Let there be frequent¹³⁹² assemblies: ask every man [to them] by his name. Despise not slaves, either male or female; but neither let them be contemptuous, but let them labour the more as for the glory of God, that they may be counted worthy of a more precious freedom, which is of God. Let them not desire to be set free out of the common [fund], lest they be found the slaves of lusts.

CHAP. V.

Flee wicked arts; but all the more discourse regarding them. Speak to my sisters, that they love in our Lord, and that their husbands be sufficient for them in the flesh and spirit. Then, again, charge my brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, as our Lord His church. If any man is able in power to continue in purity,¹³⁹³ to the honour of the flesh of our Lord, let him continue so without boasting; if he boasts, he is undone; if he become known apart from the bishop, he has destroyed himself.¹³⁹⁴ It is becoming, therefore, to men and women who marry, that they marry with the counsel of the bishop, that the marriage may be in our Lord, and not in lust. Let everything, therefore, be [done] for the honour of God.

CHAP. VI.

Look ye to the bishop, that God also may look upon you. I will be instead of the souls of those who are subject to the bishop, and the presbyters, and the deacons; with them may I have a portion in the presence of God! Labour together with one another, act as athletes¹³⁹⁵ together, run together, suffer together, sleep together, rise together. As stewards of God, and of His household,¹³⁹⁶ and His servants, please Him and serve Him, that ye may receive from Him the wages [promised]. Let none of you be rebellious. Let your baptism be to you as armour, and faith as a spear, and love as a helmet, and patience as a panoply. Let your treasures be your good works, that ye may receive the gift of God, as is just. Let your spirit be long-suffering towards each other with meekness, even as God [is] towards you. As for me, I rejoice in you at all times.

CHAP. VII.

The Christian has not power over himself, but is [ever] ready to be subject to God.¹³⁹⁷

CHAP. VIII.

I salute him who is reckoned worthy to go to Antioch in my stead, as I commanded thee.

Footnote 1384:

The inscription varies in each of the three Syriac MSS., being in the first, “The Epistle of my lord Ignatius the bishop;” in the second, “The Epistle of Ignatius;” and in the third, “The Epistle of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch.”

Footnote 1385:

For “vindicate thy place” in the Greek.

Footnote 1386:

Literally, “draw out thy spirit.”

Footnote 1387:

Cureton observes, as one alternative here, that “the Syrian translator seems to have read παράξυσμα for παροξυσμοὺς.”

Footnote 1388:

Or, “flatter,” probably meaning to “deal gently with.”

Footnote 1389:

Thus the Syriac renders ἀντίψυχον in the Greek.

Footnote 1390:

The Greek has ἄκμων, “an anvil.”

Footnote 1391:

The Greek has μετά, “after.”

Footnote 1392:

Or, “constant,” “regular.”

Footnote 1393:

_i.e._ “in celibacy.”

Footnote 1394:

Or, “corrupted himself.”

Footnote 1395:

Literally, “make the contest.”

Footnote 1396:

Literally, “sons of His house.”

Footnote 1397:

These are the only parts of chaps. vii. and viii. in the Greek that are represented in the Syriac.

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS: TO THE EPHESIANS.¹³⁹⁸

_Ignatius, who is [also called] Theophorus, to the church which is blessed in the greatness of God the Father, and perfected; to her who was selected¹³⁹⁹ from eternity, that she might be at all times for glory, which abideth, and is unchangeable, and is perfected and chosen in the purpose of truth by the will of the Father of Jesus Christ our God; to her who is worthy of happiness; to her who is at Ephesus, in Jesus Christ, in joy which is unblameable: [wishes] abundance of happiness_.

CHAP. I.

Inasmuch as your name, which is greatly beloved, is acceptable to me in God, [your name] which ye have acquired by nature, through a right and just will, and also by the faith and love of Jesus Christ our Saviour, and ye are imitators of God, and are fervent in the blood of God, and have speedily completed a work congenial to you; [for] when ye heard that I was bound,¹⁴⁰⁰ so as to be able to do nothing for the sake of the common name and hope (and I hope, through your prayers, that I may be devoured by beasts at Rome, so that by means of this of which I have been accounted worthy, I may be endowed with strength to be a disciple of God), ye were diligent to come and see me. Seeing, then, that we have become acquainted with your multitude¹⁴⁰¹ in the name of God, by Onesimus, who is your bishop, in love which is unutterable, whom I pray that ye love in Jesus Christ our Lord, and that all of you imitate his example;¹⁴⁰² for blessed is He who has given you such a bishop, even as ye deserve [to have].¹⁴⁰³

CHAP. III.¹⁴⁰⁴

But inasmuch as love does not permit me to be silent in regard to you, on this account I have been forward to entreat of you that ye would be diligent in the will of God.

CHAP. VIII.¹⁴⁰⁵

For, so long as there is not implanted in you any one lust which is able to torment you, behold, ye live in God. I rejoice in you, and offer supplication¹⁴⁰⁶ on account of you, Ephesians, a church which is renowned in all ages. For those who are carnal are not able to do spiritual things, nor those that are spiritual carnal things; in like manner as neither can faith [do] those things which are foreign to faith, nor want of faith [do] what belongs to faith. For those things which ye have done in the flesh, even these are spiritual, because ye have done everything in Jesus Christ.

CHAP. IX.

And ye are prepared for the building of God the Father, and ye are raised up on high by the instrument of Jesus Christ, which is the cross; and ye are drawn by the rope, which is the Holy Spirit; and your pulley is your faith, and your love is the way which leadeth up on high to God.

CHAP. X.

Pray for all men; for there is hope of repentance for them, that they may be counted worthy of God. By your works especially let them be instructed. Against their harsh words be ye conciliatory, by meekness of mind and gentleness. Against their blasphemies do ye give yourselves to prayer; and against their error be ye armed with faith. Against their fierceness be ye peaceful and quiet, and be ye not astounded by them. Let us, then, be imitators of our Lord in meekness, and strive who shall more especially be injured, and oppressed, and defrauded.

CHAP. XIV.¹⁴⁰⁷

The work is not of promise,¹⁴⁰⁸ unless a man be found in the power of faith, even to the end.

CHAP. XV.

It is better that a man should be silent while he is something, than that he should be talking when he is not; that by those things which he speaks he should act, and by those things of which he is silent he should be known.

CHAP. XVIII.¹⁴⁰⁹

My spirit bows in adoration to the cross, which is a stumbling-block to those who do not believe, but is to you for salvation and eternal life.

CHAP. XIX.

There was concealed from the ruler of this world the virginity of Mary and the birth of our Lord, and the three renowned mysteries¹⁴¹⁰ which were done in the tranquillity of God from the star. And here, at the manifestation of the Son, magic began to be destroyed, and all bonds were loosed; and the ancient kingdom and the error of evil was destroyed. Henceforward all things were moved together, and the destruction of death was devised, and there was the commencement of that which was perfected in God.

¹⁴¹¹

Footnote 1398:

Another inscription is, “Epistle the second, which is to the Ephesians.”

Footnote 1399:

Literally, “separated.”

Footnote 1400:

Literally, “bound from actions.”

Footnote 1401:

Cureton renders, “have received your abundance,” probably referring the words to gifts sent by the Ephesians to Ignatius.

Footnote 1402:

Literally, “be in his image.”

Footnote 1403:

There is no apodosis, unless it be found in what follows.

Footnote 1404:

The following clause is the whole of chap. iii. in the Greek, which is represented in the Syriac.

Footnote 1405:

Chaps. iv. v. vi. vii. of the Greek are totally omitted in the Syriac.

Footnote 1406:

Thus Cureton renders the words, referring in confirmation to the Peshito version of Phil. i. 4, but the meaning is doubtful.

Footnote 1407:

Chaps. xi. xii. xiii. of the Greek are totally wanting in the Syriac, and only these few words of chaps. xiv. and xv. are represented.

Footnote 1408:

The meaning seems to be that mere profession, without continuous practice, is nothing.

Footnote 1409:

Chaps. xvi. and xvii. of the Greek are totally wanting in the Syriac.

Footnote 1410:

Literally, “the mysteries of the shout.” The meaning is here confused and obscure. See the Greek.

Footnote 1411:

Chaps. xx. and xxi. of the Greek are altogether wanting in the Syriac.

THE THIRD EPISTLE OF THE SAME ST IGNATIUS.¹⁴¹²

_Ignatius, who is [also called] Theophorus, to the church which has received grace through the greatness of the Father Most High; to her who presideth in the place of the region of the Romans, who is worthy of God, and worthy of life, and happiness, and praise, and remembrance, and is worthy of prosperity, and presideth in love, and is perfected in the law of Christ unblameable: [wishes] abundance of peace_.

CHAP. I.

From of old have I prayed to God, that I might be counted worthy to behold your faces which are worthy of God: now, therefore, being bound in Jesus Christ, I hope to meet you and salute you, if it be the will [of God] that I should be accounted worthy to the end. For the beginning is well arranged, if I be counted worthy to attain to the end, that I may receive my portion, without hindrance, through suffering. For I am in fear of your love, lest it should injure me. As to you, indeed, it is easy for you to do whatsoever ye wish; but as to me, it is difficult for me to be accounted worthy of God, if indeed ye spare me not.

CHAP. II.

For there is no other time such as this, that I should be accounted worthy of God; neither will ye, if ye be silent, [ever] be found in a better work than this. If ye let me alone, I shall be the word of God; but if ye love my flesh, again am I [only] to myself a voice. Ye cannot give me anything more precious than this, that I should be sacrificed to God, while the altar is ready; that ye may be in one concord in love, and may praise God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, because He has deemed a bishop worthy to be God’s, having called him from the east to the west. It is good that I should set from the world in God, that I may rise in Him to life.¹⁴¹³

CHAP. III.

Ye have never envied any man. Ye have taught others. Only pray ye for strength to be given to me from within and from without, that I may not only speak, but also may be willing, and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but also may be found to be [one]; for if I am found to be [so], I may then also be called [so]. Then [indeed] shall I be faithful, when I am no longer seen in the world. For there is nothing visible that is good. The work is not [a matter¹⁴¹⁴] of persuasion; but Christianity is great when the world hateth it.

CHAP. IV.

I write to all the churches, and declare to all men, that I willingly die for the sake of God, if so be that ye hinder me not. I entreat of you not to be [affected] towards me with a love which is unseasonable. Leave me to become [the prey of] the beasts, that by their means I may be accounted worthy: of God. I am the wheat of God, and by the teeth of the beasts I shall be ground,¹⁴¹⁵ that I may be found the pure bread of God. Provoke ye greatly¹⁴¹⁶ the wild beasts, that they may be for me a grave, and may leave nothing of my body, in order that, when I have fallen asleep, I may not be a burden upon any one. Then shall I be in truth a disciple of Jesus Christ, when the world seeth not even my body. Entreat of our Lord in my behalf, that through these instruments I may be found a sacrifice to God. I do not, like Peter and Paul, issue orders unto you. They are¹⁴¹⁷ apostles, but I am one condemned; they indeed are free, but I am a slave, even until now. But if I suffer, I shall be the freed-man of Jesus Christ, and I shall rise in Him from the dead, free. And now being in bonds, I learn to desire nothing.

CHAP. V.

From Syria, and even unto Rome, I am cast among wild beasts, by sea and by land, by night and by day, being bound between ten leopards, which are the band of soldiers, who, even when I do good to them, all the more do evil unto me. I, however, am the rather instructed by their injurious treatment;¹⁴¹⁸ but not on this account am I justified to myself. I rejoice in the beasts which are prepared for me, and I pray that they may in haste be found for me; and I will provoke them speedily to devour me, and not be as those which are afraid of some other men,¹⁴¹⁹ and will not approach them: even should they not be willing to approach me, I will go with violence against them. Know me from myself what is expedient for me.¹⁴²⁰ Let no one¹⁴²¹ envy me of those things which are seen and which are not seen, that I should be accounted worthy of Jesus Christ. Fire, and the cross, and the beasts that are prepared, cutting off of the limbs, and scattering of the bones, and crushing of the whole body, harsh torments of the devil—let these come upon me, but¹⁴²² only let me be accounted worthy of Jesus Christ.

CHAP. VI.

The pains of the birth stand over against me.¹⁴²³

CHAP. VII.

And my love is crucified, and there is no fire in me for another love. I do not desire the food of corruption, neither the lusts of this world. I seek the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ; and I seek His blood, a drink which is love incorruptible.

CHAP. IX.¹⁴²⁴

My spirit saluteth you, and the love of the churches which received me as the name of Jesus Christ; for those also who were near to [my] way in the flesh, preceded me in every city.

¹⁴²⁵[Now therefore, being about to arrive shortly in Rome, I know many things in God; but I keep myself within measure, that I may not perish through boasting: for now it is needful for me to fear the more, and not pay regard to those who puff me up. For they who say such things to me scourge me; for I desire to suffer, but I do not know if I am worthy. For zeal is not visible to many, but with me it has war. I have need, therefore, of meekness, by which the prince of this world is destroyed. I am able to write to you of heavenly things, but I fear lest I should do you an injury. Know me from myself. For I am cautious lest ye should not be able to receive [such knowledge], and should be perplexed. For even I, not because I am in bonds, and am able to know heavenly things, and the places of angels, and the stations of the powers that are seen and that are not seen, am on this account a disciple; for I am far short of the perfection which is worthy of God.] Be ye perfectly strong¹⁴²⁶ in the patience of Jesus Christ our God.

* * * * *

Here end the three epistles of Ignatius, bishop and martyr.

Footnote 1412:

Another inscription is, “The Third Epistle.”

Footnote 1413:

Literally, “in life.”

Footnote 1414:

The meaning is probably similar to that expressed in chap. xiv. of the Epistle to the Ephesians.

Footnote 1415:

Literally, “I am ground.”

Footnote 1416:

Literally, “with provoking, provoke.”

Footnote 1417:

Literally, “they are who are.”

Footnote 1418:

Literally, “by their injury.”

Footnote 1419:

Literally, “and not as that which is afraid of some other men.” So Cureton translates, but remarks that the passage is evidently corrupt. The reference plainly is to the fact that the beasts sometimes refused to attack their intended victims. See the case of Blandina, as reported by Eusebius (_Hist. Eccl._ v. 1).

Footnote 1420:

Cureton renders interrogatively, “What is expedient for me?” and remarks that “the meaning of the Syriac appears to be, ‘I crave your indulgence to leave the knowledge of what is expedient for me to my own conscience.’”

Footnote 1421:

Literally, “nothing.”

Footnote 1422:

Literally, “and.”

Footnote 1423:

The Latin version translates the Greek here, “He adds gain to me.”

Footnote 1424:

Chap. viii. of the Greek is entirely omitted in the Syriac.

Footnote 1425:

The following passage is not found in this epistle in the Greek recensions, but forms, in substance, chaps. iv. and v. of the Epistle to the Trallians. Diverse views are held by critics as to its proper place, according to the degree of authority they ascribe to the Syriac version. Cureton maintains that this passage has been transferred by the forger of the Epistle to the Trallians, “to give a fair colour to the fabrication by introducing a part of the genuine writing of Ignatius;” while Hefele asserts that it is bound by the “closest connection” to the preceding chapter in the Epistle to the Trallians.

Footnote 1426:

Or, as in the Greek, “Fare ye well, to the end.”