Letters Of Ignatius c. 100 AD

The Epistle of Ignatius to the The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians. Shorter Recension Lightfoot Ephesians. Shorter Recension Lightfoot Ephesians. Shorter Recension Lightfoot Version. This is a LibriVox recording. Version. This is a LibriVox recording. Version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information and public domain. For more information and public domain. For more information and to find out how you can volunteer, to find out how you can volunteer, to find out how you can volunteer, please visit please visit please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus. unto her which hath been Theopherus. unto her which hath been Theopherus. unto her which hath been blessed in greatness through the blessed in greatness through the blessed in greatness through the plentitude of God the Father, which hath plentitude of God the Father, which hath plentitude of God the Father, which hath been for ordained before the ages, to be been for ordained before the ages, to be been for ordained before the ages, to be forever unto abiding and unchangeable forever unto abiding and unchangeable forever unto abiding and unchangeable glory, united and elect, in a true glory, united and elect, in a true glory, united and elect, in a true passion, by the will of the Father, and passion, by the will of the Father, and passion, by the will of the Father, and of Jesus Christ our God, even unto the of Jesus Christ our God, even unto the of Jesus Christ our God, even unto the church which is in Ephesus of Asia, church which is in Ephesus of Asia, church which is in Ephesus of Asia, worthy of all felicitation, abundant worthy of all felicitation, abundant worthy of all felicitation, abundant greeting in Christ Jesus, and in greeting in Christ Jesus, and in greeting in Christ Jesus, and in blameless joy. End of chapter zero. blameless joy. End of chapter zero. blameless joy. End of chapter zero. Chapter Chapter Chapter 1. While I welcomed in God your 1. While I welcomed in God your 1. While I welcomed in God your well-beloved name, which ye bear by well-beloved name, which ye bear by well-beloved name, which ye bear by natural right, in an upright and natural right, in an upright and natural right, in an upright and virtuous mind, by faith and love in virtuous mind, by faith and love in virtuous mind, by faith and love in Christ Jesus our Savior, being imitators Christ Jesus our Savior, being imitators Christ Jesus our Savior, being imitators of God, and having your hearts kindled of God, and having your hearts kindled of God, and having your hearts kindled in the blood of God, ye have perfectly in the blood of God, ye have perfectly in the blood of God, ye have perfectly fulfilled your congenial work. For when fulfilled your congenial work. For when fulfilled your congenial work. For when ye heard that I was on my way from Syria ye heard that I was on my way from Syria ye heard that I was on my way from Syria in bonds for the sake of the common name in bonds for the sake of the common name in bonds for the sake of the common name and hope, and was hoping through your and hope, and was hoping through your and hope, and was hoping through your prayers to succeed in fighting with wild prayers to succeed in fighting with wild prayers to succeed in fighting with wild beasts in Rome, that by so succeeding I beasts in Rome, that by so succeeding I beasts in Rome, that by so succeeding I might have power to be a disciple. Ye might have power to be a disciple. Ye might have power to be a disciple. Ye were eager to visit me, seeing then that

were eager to visit me, seeing then that were eager to visit me, seeing then that in God's name I have received your whole in God's name I have received your whole in God's name I have received your whole multitude in the person of Onesimus, multitude in the person of Onesimus, multitude in the person of Onesimus, whose love passeth utterance, and who is whose love passeth utterance, and who is whose love passeth utterance, and who is moreover your bishop in the flesh. And I moreover your bishop in the flesh. And I moreover your bishop in the flesh. And I pray that ye may love him according to pray that ye may love him according to pray that ye may love him according to Jesus Christ, and that ye all may be Jesus Christ, and that ye all may be Jesus Christ, and that ye all may be like him. For blessed is he that granted like him. For blessed is he that granted like him. For blessed is he that granted unto you according to your deserving to unto you according to your deserving to unto you according to your deserving to have such a bishop. End of chapter 1. have such a bishop. End of chapter 1. have such a bishop. End of chapter 1. Chapter 2. But as touching my fellow Chapter 2. But as touching my fellow Chapter 2. But as touching my fellow servant Burus, who by the will of God is servant Burus, who by the will of God is servant Burus, who by the will of God is your deacon, blessed in all things, I your deacon, blessed in all things, I your deacon, blessed in all things, I pray that he may remain with me to the pray that he may remain with me to the pray that he may remain with me to the honor of yourselves and of your bishop. honor of yourselves and of your bishop. honor of yourselves and of your bishop. Yay. and crocus also who is worthy of Yay. and crocus also who is worthy of Yay. and crocus also who is worthy of God and of you whom I received as an God and of you whom I received as an God and of you whom I received as an example of the love which ye bear me example of the love which ye bear me example of the love which ye bear me hath relieved me in all ways. Even so hath relieved me in all ways. Even so hath relieved me in all ways. Even so may the father of Jesus Christ refresh may the father of Jesus Christ refresh may the father of Jesus Christ refresh him together with Onesimus and Burus and him together with Onesimus and Burus and him together with Onesimus and Burus and UPSlas and frronto in whom I saw you all UPSlas and frronto in whom I saw you all UPSlas and frronto in whom I saw you all with the eyes of love. May I have joy of with the eyes of love. May I have joy of with the eyes of love. May I have joy of you always if so be I am worthy of it.

you always if so be I am worthy of it. you always if so be I am worthy of it. It is therefore meat for you in every It is therefore meat for you in every It is therefore meat for you in every way to glorify Jesus Christ who way to glorify Jesus Christ who way to glorify Jesus Christ who glorified you, that being perfectly glorified you, that being perfectly glorified you, that being perfectly joined together in one submission, joined together in one submission, joined together in one submission, submitting yourselves to your bishop and submitting yourselves to your bishop and submitting yourselves to your bishop and presbyter, ye may be sanctified in all presbyter, ye may be sanctified in all presbyter, ye may be sanctified in all things. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. I things. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. I things. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. I do not command you as though I were do not command you as though I were do not command you as though I were somewhat. For even though I am in bonds somewhat. For even though I am in bonds somewhat. For even though I am in bonds for the name's sake, I am not yet for the name's sake, I am not yet for the name's sake, I am not yet perfected in Jesus Christ. For now am I perfected in Jesus Christ. For now am I perfected in Jesus Christ. For now am I beginning to be a disciple, and I speak beginning to be a disciple, and I speak beginning to be a disciple, and I speak to you as to my school fellows, for I to you as to my school fellows, for I to you as to my school fellows, for I ought to be trained by you for the ought to be trained by you for the ought to be trained by you for the contest in faith, in admonition, in contest in faith, in admonition, in contest in faith, in admonition, in endurance, in long-suffering. But since endurance, in long-suffering. But since endurance, in long-suffering. But since love doth not suffer me to be silent love doth not suffer me to be silent love doth not suffer me to be silent concerning you, therefore was I forward concerning you, therefore was I forward concerning you, therefore was I forward to exhort you that ye run in harmony to exhort you that ye run in harmony to exhort you that ye run in harmony with the mind of God. For Jesus Christ with the mind of God. For Jesus Christ with the mind of God. For Jesus Christ also, our inseparable life is the mind also, our inseparable life is the mind also, our inseparable life is the mind of the father, even as the bishops that of the father, even as the bishops that of the father, even as the bishops that are settled in the farthest parts of the are settled in the farthest parts of the are settled in the farthest parts of the earth are in the mind of Jesus Christ.

earth are in the mind of Jesus Christ. earth are in the mind of Jesus Christ. End of chapter 3. Chapter End of chapter 3. Chapter End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. So then it becometh you to run in 4. So then it becometh you to run in 4. So then it becometh you to run in harmony with the mind of the bishop, harmony with the mind of the bishop, harmony with the mind of the bishop, which thing also ye do. For your which thing also ye do. For your which thing also ye do. For your honorable presbytery, which is worthy of honorable presbytery, which is worthy of honorable presbytery, which is worthy of God, is attuned to the bishop, even as God, is attuned to the bishop, even as God, is attuned to the bishop, even as its strings to a liar. Therefore, in its strings to a liar. Therefore, in its strings to a liar. Therefore, in your conquered and harmonious love, your conquered and harmonious love, your conquered and harmonious love, Jesus Christ is sung. And do ye each and Jesus Christ is sung. And do ye each and Jesus Christ is sung. And do ye each and all form yourselves into a chorus, that all form yourselves into a chorus, that all form yourselves into a chorus, that being harmonious in conquered, and being harmonious in conquered, and being harmonious in conquered, and taking the key note of God, ye may in taking the key note of God, ye may in taking the key note of God, ye may in unison sing with one voice through Jesus unison sing with one voice through Jesus unison sing with one voice through Jesus Christ unto the Father, that he may both Christ unto the Father, that he may both Christ unto the Father, that he may both hear you and acknowledge you by your hear you and acknowledge you by your hear you and acknowledge you by your good deeds, to be members of his son. It good deeds, to be members of his son. It good deeds, to be members of his son. It is therefore profitable for you to be in is therefore profitable for you to be in is therefore profitable for you to be in blameless unity, that ye may also be blameless unity, that ye may also be blameless unity, that ye may also be partakers of God always. End of chapter partakers of God always. End of chapter partakers of God always. End of chapter 4. Chapter 5. For if I in a short time 4. Chapter 5. For if I in a short time 4. Chapter 5. For if I in a short time had such converse with your bishop, had such converse with your bishop, had such converse with your bishop, which was not after the manner of men, which was not after the manner of men, which was not after the manner of men, but in the spirit, how much more do I but in the spirit, how much more do I but in the spirit, how much more do I congratulate you who are closely joined congratulate you who are closely joined congratulate you who are closely joined with him, as the church is with Jesus with him, as the church is with Jesus with him, as the church is with Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is with the Christ, and as Jesus Christ is with the Christ, and as Jesus Christ is with the Father, that all things may be Father, that all things may be Father, that all things may be harmonious in unity.

harmonious in unity. harmonious in unity. Let no man be deceived. If anyone be not Let no man be deceived. If anyone be not Let no man be deceived. If anyone be not within the precinct of the altar, he within the precinct of the altar, he within the precinct of the altar, he lackth the bread of God. For if the lackth the bread of God. For if the lackth the bread of God. For if the prayer of one and another hath so great prayer of one and another hath so great prayer of one and another hath so great force, how much more that of the bishop force, how much more that of the bishop force, how much more that of the bishop and of the whole church? Whosoever and of the whole church? Whosoever and of the whole church? Whosoever therefore cometh not to the therefore cometh not to the therefore cometh not to the congregation, he doth thereby show his congregation, he doth thereby show his congregation, he doth thereby show his pride, and hath separated himself. For pride, and hath separated himself. For pride, and hath separated himself. For it is written, God resisteth the proud. it is written, God resisteth the proud. it is written, God resisteth the proud. Let us therefore be careful not to Let us therefore be careful not to Let us therefore be careful not to resist the bishop that by our submission resist the bishop that by our submission resist the bishop that by our submission we may give ourselves to God. End of we may give ourselves to God. End of we may give ourselves to God. End of chapter chapter chapter 5. Chapter 6. And in proportion as a man 5. Chapter 6. And in proportion as a man 5. Chapter 6. And in proportion as a man seeth that his bishop is silent, let him seeth that his bishop is silent, let him seeth that his bishop is silent, let him fear him the more. For every one whom fear him the more. For every one whom fear him the more. For every one whom the master of the household sendth to be the master of the household sendth to be the master of the household sendth to be steward over his own house, we ought so steward over his own house, we ought so steward over his own house, we ought so to receive as him that sent him. to receive as him that sent him. to receive as him that sent him. Plainly. Therefore, we ought to regard Plainly. Therefore, we ought to regard Plainly. Therefore, we ought to regard the bishop as the Lord himself. Now, the bishop as the Lord himself. Now, the bishop as the Lord himself. Now, Anesimus of his own accord highly Anesimus of his own accord highly Anesimus of his own accord highly praiseth your orderly conduct in God, praiseth your orderly conduct in God, praiseth your orderly conduct in God, for that ye all live according to truth, for that ye all live according to truth, for that ye all live according to truth, and that no heresy hath a home among and that no heresy hath a home among and that no heresy hath a home among you. Nay, ye do not so much as listen to you. Nay, ye do not so much as listen to you. Nay, ye do not so much as listen to anyone, if he speak of ought else, save anyone, if he speak of ought else, save anyone, if he speak of ought else, save concerning Jesus Christ in truth. End of concerning Jesus Christ in truth. End of concerning Jesus Christ in truth. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. For some are want chapter 6. Chapter 7. For some are want chapter 6. Chapter 7. For some are want of malicious guile to hawk about the of malicious guile to hawk about the of malicious guile to hawk about the name, while they do certain other things name, while they do certain other things name, while they do certain other things unworthy of God. These men ye ought to unworthy of God. These men ye ought to unworthy of God. These men ye ought to shun as wild beasts, for they are mad

shun as wild beasts, for they are mad shun as wild beasts, for they are mad dogs, biting by stealth, against whom ye dogs, biting by stealth, against whom ye dogs, biting by stealth, against whom ye ought to be on your guard, for they are ought to be on your guard, for they are ought to be on your guard, for they are hard to heal. There is one only hard to heal. There is one only hard to heal. There is one only physician of flesh and of spirit, physician of flesh and of spirit, physician of flesh and of spirit, generate and inate, God in man, true generate and inate, God in man, true generate and inate, God in man, true life in death, son of Mary and son of life in death, son of Mary and son of life in death, son of Mary and son of God, first passable and then impassible, God, first passable and then impassible, God, first passable and then impassible, Jesus Christ our Lord. End of chapter 7, Jesus Christ our Lord. End of chapter 7, Jesus Christ our Lord. End of chapter 7, chapter 8. Let no one therefore deceive chapter 8. Let no one therefore deceive chapter 8. Let no one therefore deceive you, as indeed ye are not deceived, you, as indeed ye are not deceived, you, as indeed ye are not deceived, seeing that ye belong holy to God. For seeing that ye belong holy to God. For seeing that ye belong holy to God. For when no lust is established in you, when no lust is established in you, when no lust is established in you, which hath power to torment you, then which hath power to torment you, then which hath power to torment you, then truly ye live after God. I devote myself truly ye live after God. I devote myself truly ye live after God. I devote myself for you, and I dedicate myself as an for you, and I dedicate myself as an for you, and I dedicate myself as an offering for the church of you, offering for the church of you, offering for the church of you, Ephesians, which is famous unto all the Ephesians, which is famous unto all the Ephesians, which is famous unto all the ages. They that are of the flesh cannot ages. They that are of the flesh cannot ages. They that are of the flesh cannot do the things of the spirit. Neither can do the things of the spirit. Neither can do the things of the spirit. Neither can they that are of the spirit do the they that are of the spirit do the they that are of the spirit do the things of the flesh. Even as faith things of the flesh. Even as faith things of the flesh. Even as faith cannot do the things of unfaithfulness, cannot do the things of unfaithfulness, cannot do the things of unfaithfulness, neither unfaithfulness the things of neither unfaithfulness the things of neither unfaithfulness the things of faith. Nay, even those things which ye faith. Nay, even those things which ye faith. Nay, even those things which ye do after the flesh are spiritual. For ye do after the flesh are spiritual. For ye do after the flesh are spiritual. For ye do all things in Jesus Christ. End of do all things in Jesus Christ. End of do all things in Jesus Christ. End of chapter 8. Chapter 9. But I have learned chapter 8. Chapter 9. But I have learned chapter 8. Chapter 9. But I have learned that certain persons passed through you that certain persons passed through you that certain persons passed through you from yonder, bringing evil doctrine, from yonder, bringing evil doctrine, from yonder, bringing evil doctrine, whom ye suffered not to seow seed in whom ye suffered not to seow seed in whom ye suffered not to seow seed in you, for ye stopped your ears so that ye you, for ye stopped your ears so that ye you, for ye stopped your ears so that ye might not receive the seed sown by them.

might not receive the seed sown by them. might not receive the seed sown by them. For as much as ye are stones of a For as much as ye are stones of a For as much as ye are stones of a temple, which were prepared beforehand, temple, which were prepared beforehand, temple, which were prepared beforehand, for a building of God the Father, being for a building of God the Father, being for a building of God the Father, being hoisted up to the heights through the hoisted up to the heights through the hoisted up to the heights through the engine of Jesus Christ, which is the engine of Jesus Christ, which is the engine of Jesus Christ, which is the cross, and using for a rope the Holy cross, and using for a rope the Holy cross, and using for a rope the Holy Spirit, while your faith is your wind Spirit, while your faith is your wind Spirit, while your faith is your wind blasts, and love is the way that leadth blasts, and love is the way that leadth blasts, and love is the way that leadth up to God. So then ye are all companions up to God. So then ye are all companions up to God. So then ye are all companions in the way, carrying your God and your in the way, carrying your God and your in the way, carrying your God and your shrine, your Christ and your holy shrine, your Christ and your holy shrine, your Christ and your holy things, being arrayed from head to foot things, being arrayed from head to foot things, being arrayed from head to foot in the commandments of Jesus Christ. And in the commandments of Jesus Christ. And in the commandments of Jesus Christ. And I too taking part in the festivity and I too taking part in the festivity and I too taking part in the festivity and permitted by letter to bear your company permitted by letter to bear your company permitted by letter to bear your company and to rejoice with you that ye set not and to rejoice with you that ye set not and to rejoice with you that ye set not your love on anything after the common your love on anything after the common your love on anything after the common life of men, but only on God. End of life of men, but only on God. End of life of men, but only on God. End of chapter 9. Chapter 10. and pray ye also chapter 9. Chapter 10. and pray ye also chapter 9. Chapter 10. and pray ye also without ceasing for the rest of mankind. without ceasing for the rest of mankind. without ceasing for the rest of mankind. For there is in them a hope of For there is in them a hope of For there is in them a hope of repentance, that they may find God. repentance, that they may find God. repentance, that they may find God. Therefore permit them to take lessons at Therefore permit them to take lessons at Therefore permit them to take lessons at least from your works. Against their least from your works. Against their least from your works. Against their outbursts of wrath, be ye meek. Against outbursts of wrath, be ye meek. Against outbursts of wrath, be ye meek. Against their proud words, be ye humble. Against their proud words, be ye humble. Against their proud words, be ye humble. Against their railings, set ye your prayers.

their railings, set ye your prayers. their railings, set ye your prayers. Against their errors, be ye steadfast in Against their errors, be ye steadfast in Against their errors, be ye steadfast in the faith. Against their fierceness, be the faith. Against their fierceness, be the faith. Against their fierceness, be ye gentle. and be not zealous to imitate ye gentle. and be not zealous to imitate ye gentle. and be not zealous to imitate them by requ. Let us show ourselves them by requ. Let us show ourselves them by requ. Let us show ourselves their brothers by our forbearance, but their brothers by our forbearance, but their brothers by our forbearance, but let us be zealous to be imitators of the let us be zealous to be imitators of the let us be zealous to be imitators of the Lord, vying with each other, who shall Lord, vying with each other, who shall Lord, vying with each other, who shall suffer the greater wrong, who shall be suffer the greater wrong, who shall be suffer the greater wrong, who shall be defrauded, who shall be set at not, that defrauded, who shall be set at not, that defrauded, who shall be set at not, that no herb of the devil be found in you, no herb of the devil be found in you, no herb of the devil be found in you, but in all purity and temperance abide but in all purity and temperance abide but in all purity and temperance abide ye in Christ Jesus, with your flesh and ye in Christ Jesus, with your flesh and ye in Christ Jesus, with your flesh and with your spirit. End of chapter 10. with your spirit. End of chapter 10. with your spirit. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11. These are the last times. Chapter 11. These are the last times. Chapter 11. These are the last times. Henceforth, let us have reverence. Let Henceforth, let us have reverence. Let Henceforth, let us have reverence. Let us fear the longsuffering of God, lest us fear the longsuffering of God, lest us fear the longsuffering of God, lest it turn into a judgment against us. For it turn into a judgment against us. For it turn into a judgment against us. For either let us fear the wrath which is to either let us fear the wrath which is to either let us fear the wrath which is to come, or let us love the grace which now come, or let us love the grace which now come, or let us love the grace which now is, the one or the other, provided only is, the one or the other, provided only is, the one or the other, provided only that we be found in Christ Jesus unto that we be found in Christ Jesus unto that we be found in Christ Jesus unto true life. Let nothing glitter in your true life. Let nothing glitter in your true life. Let nothing glitter in your eyes apart from him in whom I carry eyes apart from him in whom I carry eyes apart from him in whom I carry about my bonds, my spiritual pearls in about my bonds, my spiritual pearls in about my bonds, my spiritual pearls in which I would fain rise again through which I would fain rise again through which I would fain rise again through your prayer. Whereof may it be my lot to your prayer. Whereof may it be my lot to your prayer. Whereof may it be my lot to be always a partaker, that I may be be always a partaker, that I may be be always a partaker, that I may be found in the company of those Christians found in the company of those Christians found in the company of those Christians of Ephesus, who moreover were ever of of Ephesus, who moreover were ever of of Ephesus, who moreover were ever of one mind with the apostles and the power one mind with the apostles and the power one mind with the apostles and the power of Jesus Christ. End of chapter of Jesus Christ. End of chapter of Jesus Christ. End of chapter 11. Chapter 12. I know who I am and to 11. Chapter 12. I know who I am and to 11. Chapter 12. I know who I am and to whom I write. I am a convict. Ye have whom I write. I am a convict. Ye have whom I write. I am a convict. Ye have received mercy. I am in peril. Ye are

received mercy. I am in peril. Ye are received mercy. I am in peril. Ye are established. Ye are the high road of established. Ye are the high road of established. Ye are the high road of those that are on their way to die unto those that are on their way to die unto those that are on their way to die unto God. Ye are associates in the mysteries God. Ye are associates in the mysteries God. Ye are associates in the mysteries with Paul, who was sanctified, who with Paul, who was sanctified, who with Paul, who was sanctified, who obtained a good report, who is worthy of obtained a good report, who is worthy of obtained a good report, who is worthy of all felicitation, and whose footsteps I all felicitation, and whose footsteps I all felicitation, and whose footsteps I would fain be found treading when I would fain be found treading when I would fain be found treading when I shall attain unto God, who in every shall attain unto God, who in every shall attain unto God, who in every letter maketh mention of you in Christ letter maketh mention of you in Christ letter maketh mention of you in Christ Jesus. End of chapter 12. Chapter Jesus. End of chapter 12. Chapter Jesus. End of chapter 12. Chapter 13. Do your diligence, therefore, to 13. Do your diligence, therefore, to 13. Do your diligence, therefore, to meet together more frequently for meet together more frequently for meet together more frequently for thanksgiving to God and for his glory. thanksgiving to God and for his glory. thanksgiving to God and for his glory. For when ye meet together frequently, For when ye meet together frequently, For when ye meet together frequently, the powers of Satan are cast down, and the powers of Satan are cast down, and the powers of Satan are cast down, and his mischief cometh to not in the his mischief cometh to not in the his mischief cometh to not in the conquered of your faith. There is conquered of your faith. There is conquered of your faith. There is nothing better than peace, in which all nothing better than peace, in which all nothing better than peace, in which all warfare of things in heaven and things warfare of things in heaven and things warfare of things in heaven and things on earth is abolished. End of chapter on earth is abolished. End of chapter on earth is abolished. End of chapter 13, chapter 14. None of these things is 13, chapter 14. None of these things is 13, chapter 14. None of these things is hidden from you if ye be perfect in your hidden from you if ye be perfect in your hidden from you if ye be perfect in your faith and love toward Jesus Christ. For faith and love toward Jesus Christ. For faith and love toward Jesus Christ. For these are the beginning and end of life.

these are the beginning and end of life. these are the beginning and end of life. Faith is the beginning and love is the Faith is the beginning and love is the Faith is the beginning and love is the end. And the two being found in unity end. And the two being found in unity end. And the two being found in unity are God, while all things else follow in are God, while all things else follow in are God, while all things else follow in their train unto true nobility. No man their train unto true nobility. No man their train unto true nobility. No man professing faith sinnth, and no man professing faith sinnth, and no man professing faith sinnth, and no man possessing love hateth. The tree is possessing love hateth. The tree is possessing love hateth. The tree is manifest from its fruit. So they that manifest from its fruit. So they that manifest from its fruit. So they that profess to be Christs shall be seen profess to be Christs shall be seen profess to be Christs shall be seen through their actions. For the work is through their actions. For the work is through their actions. For the work is not a thing of profession now, but is not a thing of profession now, but is not a thing of profession now, but is seen then when one is found in the power seen then when one is found in the power seen then when one is found in the power of faith unto the end. End of chapter of faith unto the end. End of chapter of faith unto the end. End of chapter 14. Chapter 14. Chapter 14. Chapter 15. It is better to keep silence and to 15. It is better to keep silence and to 15. It is better to keep silence and to be than to talk and not to be. It is a be than to talk and not to be. It is a be than to talk and not to be. It is a fine thing to teach if the speaker fine thing to teach if the speaker fine thing to teach if the speaker practice. Now there is one teacher who practice. Now there is one teacher who practice. Now there is one teacher who spake and it came to pass. Yay. and even spake and it came to pass. Yay. and even spake and it came to pass. Yay. and even the things which he hath done in silence the things which he hath done in silence the things which he hath done in silence are worthy of the Father. He that truly are worthy of the Father. He that truly are worthy of the Father. He that truly possesseth the word of Jesus is able possesseth the word of Jesus is able possesseth the word of Jesus is able also to hearken unto his silence, that also to hearken unto his silence, that also to hearken unto his silence, that he may be perfect, that through his he may be perfect, that through his he may be perfect, that through his speech he may act, and through his speech he may act, and through his speech he may act, and through his silence he may be known. Nothing is silence he may be known. Nothing is silence he may be known. Nothing is hidden from the Lord, but even our hidden from the Lord, but even our hidden from the Lord, but even our secrets are nigh unto him. Let us secrets are nigh unto him. Let us secrets are nigh unto him. Let us therefore do all things as knowing that therefore do all things as knowing that therefore do all things as knowing that he dwelleth in us to the end that we may he dwelleth in us to the end that we may he dwelleth in us to the end that we may be his temples and he himself may be in be his temples and he himself may be in be his temples and he himself may be in us as our God. This is so and it will us as our God. This is so and it will us as our God. This is so and it will also be made clear in our sight from the also be made clear in our sight from the also be made clear in our sight from the love which we rightly bear towards him.

love which we rightly bear towards him. love which we rightly bear towards him. End of chapter 15. Chapter 16. Be not End of chapter 15. Chapter 16. Be not End of chapter 15. Chapter 16. Be not deceived my brethren. Corruptors of deceived my brethren. Corruptors of deceived my brethren. Corruptors of houses shall not inherit the kingdom of houses shall not inherit the kingdom of houses shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If then they which do these things God. If then they which do these things God. If then they which do these things after the flesh are put to death, how after the flesh are put to death, how after the flesh are put to death, how much more if a man through evil doctrine much more if a man through evil doctrine much more if a man through evil doctrine corrupt the faith of God, for which corrupt the faith of God, for which corrupt the faith of God, for which Jesus Christ was crucified? Such a man Jesus Christ was crucified? Such a man Jesus Christ was crucified? Such a man having defiled himself shall go into the having defiled himself shall go into the having defiled himself shall go into the unquenchable fire, and in like manner unquenchable fire, and in like manner unquenchable fire, and in like manner also shall he that hearkeneth unto him. also shall he that hearkeneth unto him. also shall he that hearkeneth unto him. End of chapter 16. Chapter 17. For this End of chapter 16. Chapter 17. For this End of chapter 16. Chapter 17. For this cause the Lord received ointment on his cause the Lord received ointment on his cause the Lord received ointment on his head, that he might breathe incorruption head, that he might breathe incorruption head, that he might breathe incorruption upon the church. Be not anointed with upon the church. Be not anointed with upon the church. Be not anointed with the ill odor of the teaching of the the ill odor of the teaching of the the ill odor of the teaching of the prince of this world, lest he lead you prince of this world, lest he lead you prince of this world, lest he lead you captive, and rob you of the life which captive, and rob you of the life which captive, and rob you of the life which is set before you. And wherefore do we is set before you. And wherefore do we is set before you. And wherefore do we not all walk prudently, receiving the not all walk prudently, receiving the not all walk prudently, receiving the knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ? knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ? knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ? Why perish we in our folly, not knowing Why perish we in our folly, not knowing Why perish we in our folly, not knowing the gift of grace, which the Lord hath the gift of grace, which the Lord hath the gift of grace, which the Lord hath truly sent?"

truly sent?" truly sent?" End of chapter 17. Chapter 18. My spirit End of chapter 17. Chapter 18. My spirit End of chapter 17. Chapter 18. My spirit is made an offscoring for the cross, is made an offscoring for the cross, is made an offscoring for the cross, which is a stumbling block to them that which is a stumbling block to them that which is a stumbling block to them that are unbelievers, but to us salvation and are unbelievers, but to us salvation and are unbelievers, but to us salvation and life eternal. Where is the wise? Where life eternal. Where is the wise? Where life eternal. Where is the wise? Where is the disputer? Where is the boasting is the disputer? Where is the boasting is the disputer? Where is the boasting of them that are called prudent? For our of them that are called prudent? For our of them that are called prudent? For our God Jesus the Christ was conceived in God Jesus the Christ was conceived in God Jesus the Christ was conceived in the womb by Mary according to a the womb by Mary according to a the womb by Mary according to a dispensation of the seed of David, but dispensation of the seed of David, but dispensation of the seed of David, but also of the Holy Ghost. and he was born also of the Holy Ghost. and he was born also of the Holy Ghost. and he was born and was baptized that by his passion he and was baptized that by his passion he and was baptized that by his passion he might cleanse water. End of chapter might cleanse water. End of chapter might cleanse water. End of chapter 18. Chapter 19. And hidden from the 18. Chapter 19. And hidden from the 18. Chapter 19. And hidden from the prince of this world were the virginity prince of this world were the virginity prince of this world were the virginity of Mary and her childbearing and of Mary and her childbearing and of Mary and her childbearing and likewise also the death of the Lord. likewise also the death of the Lord. likewise also the death of the Lord. Three mysteries to be cried aloud, the Three mysteries to be cried aloud, the Three mysteries to be cried aloud, the which were wrought in the silence of which were wrought in the silence of which were wrought in the silence of God. How then were they made manifest to God. How then were they made manifest to God. How then were they made manifest to the ages? A star shone forth in the the ages? A star shone forth in the the ages? A star shone forth in the heaven above all the stars, and its heaven above all the stars, and its heaven above all the stars, and its light was unutterable, and its light was unutterable, and its light was unutterable, and its strangeness caused amazement. And all strangeness caused amazement. And all strangeness caused amazement. And all the rest of the constellations with the the rest of the constellations with the the rest of the constellations with the sun and moon formed themselves into a sun and moon formed themselves into a sun and moon formed themselves into a chorus about the star. But the star chorus about the star. But the star chorus about the star. But the star itself far outshown them all, and there itself far outshown them all, and there itself far outshown them all, and there was perplexity to know whence came this was perplexity to know whence came this was perplexity to know whence came this strange appearance which was so unlike strange appearance which was so unlike strange appearance which was so unlike them. From that time forward, every them. From that time forward, every them. From that time forward, every sorcery and every spell was dissolved.

sorcery and every spell was dissolved. sorcery and every spell was dissolved. The ignorance of wickedness vanished The ignorance of wickedness vanished The ignorance of wickedness vanished away. The ancient kingdom was pulled away. The ancient kingdom was pulled away. The ancient kingdom was pulled down when God appeared in the likeness down when God appeared in the likeness down when God appeared in the likeness of man unto newness of everlasting life. of man unto newness of everlasting life. of man unto newness of everlasting life. And that which had been perfected, and And that which had been perfected, and And that which had been perfected, and the councils of God began to take the councils of God began to take the councils of God began to take effect. Thence all things were perturbed effect. Thence all things were perturbed effect. Thence all things were perturbed because the abolishing of death was because the abolishing of death was because the abolishing of death was taken in hand. End of chapter 19. taken in hand. End of chapter 19. taken in hand. End of chapter 19. Chapter 20. If Jesus Christ should count Chapter 20. If Jesus Christ should count Chapter 20. If Jesus Christ should count me worthy through your prayer, and it me worthy through your prayer, and it me worthy through your prayer, and it should be the divine will in my second should be the divine will in my second should be the divine will in my second tract, which I intend to write to you, I tract, which I intend to write to you, I tract, which I intend to write to you, I will further set before you the will further set before you the will further set before you the dispensation whereof I have begun to dispensation whereof I have begun to dispensation whereof I have begun to speak, relating to the new man, Jesus speak, relating to the new man, Jesus speak, relating to the new man, Jesus Christ, which consisteth in faith Christ, which consisteth in faith Christ, which consisteth in faith towards him, and in love towards him, in towards him, and in love towards him, in towards him, and in love towards him, in his passion and resurrection, especially his passion and resurrection, especially his passion and resurrection, especially if the Lord should reveal ought to me. if the Lord should reveal ought to me. if the Lord should reveal ought to me. Assemble yourselves together in common, Assemble yourselves together in common, Assemble yourselves together in common, every one of you severally, man by man every one of you severally, man by man every one of you severally, man by man in grace, and one faith, and one Jesus in grace, and one faith, and one Jesus in grace, and one faith, and one Jesus Christ, who after the flesh was of Christ, who after the flesh was of Christ, who after the flesh was of David's race, who is son of man and son David's race, who is son of man and son David's race, who is son of man and son of God, to the end, that ye may obey the of God, to the end, that ye may obey the of God, to the end, that ye may obey the bishop and presbytery without bishop and presbytery without bishop and presbytery without distraction of mind, breaking one bread, distraction of mind, breaking one bread, distraction of mind, breaking one bread, which is the medicine of immortality, which is the medicine of immortality, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote that we should not die, and the antidote that we should not die, and the antidote that we should not die, but live forever in Jesus Christ.

but live forever in Jesus Christ. but live forever in Jesus Christ. End of chapter 20. Chapter End of chapter 20. Chapter End of chapter 20. Chapter 21. I am devoted to you and to those 21. I am devoted to you and to those 21. I am devoted to you and to those whom for the honor of God ye sent to whom for the honor of God ye sent to whom for the honor of God ye sent to Smyrna, whence also I write unto you Smyrna, whence also I write unto you Smyrna, whence also I write unto you with thanksgiving to the Lord, having with thanksgiving to the Lord, having with thanksgiving to the Lord, having love for Polycarp, as I have for you love for Polycarp, as I have for you love for Polycarp, as I have for you also. Remember me even as I would that also. Remember me even as I would that also. Remember me even as I would that Jesus Christ may also remember you. Pray Jesus Christ may also remember you. Pray Jesus Christ may also remember you. Pray for the church which is in Syria whence for the church which is in Syria whence for the church which is in Syria whence I am led a prisoner to Rome. I who am I am led a prisoner to Rome. I who am I am led a prisoner to Rome. I who am the very last of the faithful there the very last of the faithful there the very last of the faithful there according as I was counted worthy to be according as I was counted worthy to be according as I was counted worthy to be found unto the honor of God. Fare ye found unto the honor of God. Fare ye found unto the honor of God. Fare ye well in God the Father and in Jesus well in God the Father and in Jesus well in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our common hope. End of chapter Christ our common hope. End of chapter Christ our common hope. End of chapter 21. And also the end of the Epistle of 21. And also the end of the Epistle of 21. And also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians. The Epistle of Ignatius to Ephesians. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians. Shorter recension. the Magnesians. Shorter recension. the Magnesians. Shorter recension. Lightfoot version. This is a LibriVox Lightfoot version. This is a LibriVox Lightfoot version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are recording. All LibriVox recordings are recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more in the public domain. For more in the public domain. For more information and to find out how you can information and to find out how you can information and to find out how you can volunteer, please visit volunteer, please visit volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson.

librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus, unto her which hath been Theopherus, unto her which hath been Theopherus, unto her which hath been blessed through the grace of God the blessed through the grace of God the blessed through the grace of God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior, and Father and Christ Jesus our Savior, and Father and Christ Jesus our Savior, and whom I salute the church which is in whom I salute the church which is in whom I salute the church which is in Magnesia on the mayander, and I wish her Magnesia on the mayander, and I wish her Magnesia on the mayander, and I wish her abundant greeting in God the Father and abundant greeting in God the Father and abundant greeting in God the Father and in Jesus Christ. End of chapter 0, in Jesus Christ. End of chapter 0, in Jesus Christ. End of chapter 0, Chapter 1. When I learned the exceeding Chapter 1. When I learned the exceeding Chapter 1. When I learned the exceeding good order of your love in the ways of good order of your love in the ways of good order of your love in the ways of God, I was gladdened and I determined to God, I was gladdened and I determined to God, I was gladdened and I determined to address you in the faith of Jesus address you in the faith of Jesus address you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For being counted worthy to bear Christ. For being counted worthy to bear Christ. For being counted worthy to bear a most godly name in these bonds which I a most godly name in these bonds which I a most godly name in these bonds which I carry about, I sing the praise of the carry about, I sing the praise of the carry about, I sing the praise of the churches. And I pray that there may be churches. And I pray that there may be churches. And I pray that there may be in them union of the flesh and of the in them union of the flesh and of the in them union of the flesh and of the spirit which are Jesus Christ's our spirit which are Jesus Christ's our spirit which are Jesus Christ's our neverfailing life and union of faith and neverfailing life and union of faith and neverfailing life and union of faith and of love which is preferred before all of love which is preferred before all of love which is preferred before all things. And what is more than all an things. And what is more than all an things. And what is more than all an union with Jesus and with the Father, in union with Jesus and with the Father, in union with Jesus and with the Father, in whom, if we endure patiently all the whom, if we endure patiently all the whom, if we endure patiently all the despite of the prince of this world, and despite of the prince of this world, and despite of the prince of this world, and escape there from, we shall attain unto escape there from, we shall attain unto escape there from, we shall attain unto God. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For as God. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For as God. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For as much then as I was permitted to see you much then as I was permitted to see you much then as I was permitted to see you in the person of Damus, your godly in the person of Damus, your godly in the person of Damus, your godly bishop, and your worthy presbytors, bishop, and your worthy presbytors, bishop, and your worthy presbytors, Bassis and Appalonius, and my fellow Bassis and Appalonius, and my fellow Bassis and Appalonius, and my fellow servant, the deacon Zosian, of whom I servant, the deacon Zosian, of whom I servant, the deacon Zosian, of whom I would fain have joy, for that he is would fain have joy, for that he is would fain have joy, for that he is subject to the bishop, as unto the grace

subject to the bishop, as unto the grace subject to the bishop, as unto the grace of God, and to the presbyter, as unto of God, and to the presbyter, as unto of God, and to the presbyter, as unto the law of Jesus Christ. End of chapter the law of Jesus Christ. End of chapter the law of Jesus Christ. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. Yay. And it becometh you 2. Chapter 3. Yay. And it becometh you 2. Chapter 3. Yay. And it becometh you also not to presume upon the youth of also not to presume upon the youth of also not to presume upon the youth of your bishop, but according to the power your bishop, but according to the power your bishop, but according to the power of God the Father, to render unto him of God the Father, to render unto him of God the Father, to render unto him all reverence, even as I have learned all reverence, even as I have learned all reverence, even as I have learned that the holy prespbiters also have not that the holy prespbiters also have not that the holy prespbiters also have not taken advantage of his outwardly taken advantage of his outwardly taken advantage of his outwardly youthful estate, but give place to him youthful estate, but give place to him youthful estate, but give place to him as to one prudent in God. Yet not to as to one prudent in God. Yet not to as to one prudent in God. Yet not to him, but to the Father of Jesus Christ, him, but to the Father of Jesus Christ, him, but to the Father of Jesus Christ, even to the bishop of all. For the honor even to the bishop of all. For the honor even to the bishop of all. For the honor therefore of him that desired you, it is therefore of him that desired you, it is therefore of him that desired you, it is meat that ye should be obedient without meat that ye should be obedient without meat that ye should be obedient without dissimulation. For a man doth not so dissimulation. For a man doth not so dissimulation. For a man doth not so much deceive this bishop who is seen as much deceive this bishop who is seen as much deceive this bishop who is seen as cheat that other who is invisible. And cheat that other who is invisible. And cheat that other who is invisible. And in such a case he must reckon not with in such a case he must reckon not with in such a case he must reckon not with flesh, but with God who knoweth the flesh, but with God who knoweth the flesh, but with God who knoweth the hidden things. End of chapter 3. Chapter hidden things. End of chapter 3. Chapter hidden things. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. It is therefore meat that we not only 4. It is therefore meat that we not only 4. It is therefore meat that we not only be called Christians, but also be such, be called Christians, but also be such, be called Christians, but also be such, even as some persons have the bishop's even as some persons have the bishop's even as some persons have the bishop's name on their lips, but in everything name on their lips, but in everything name on their lips, but in everything act apart from him. Such men appear to act apart from him. Such men appear to act apart from him. Such men appear to me not to keep a good conscience. For as me not to keep a good conscience. For as me not to keep a good conscience. For as much as they do not assemble themselves much as they do not assemble themselves much as they do not assemble themselves together lawfully according to together lawfully according to together lawfully according to commandment. End of chapter 4. Chapter commandment. End of chapter 4. Chapter commandment. End of chapter 4. Chapter 5. seeing them that all things have an 5. seeing them that all things have an 5. seeing them that all things have an end, and these two life and death are end, and these two life and death are end, and these two life and death are set before us together, and each man set before us together, and each man set before us together, and each man shall go to his own place. For just as

shall go to his own place. For just as shall go to his own place. For just as there are two coinages, the one of God there are two coinages, the one of God there are two coinages, the one of God and the other of the world, and each of and the other of the world, and each of and the other of the world, and each of them hath its proper stamp impressed them hath its proper stamp impressed them hath its proper stamp impressed upon it, the unbelievers the stamp of upon it, the unbelievers the stamp of upon it, the unbelievers the stamp of this world, but the faithful in love, this world, but the faithful in love, this world, but the faithful in love, the stamp of God the Father through the stamp of God the Father through the stamp of God the Father through Jesus Christ, through whom, unless of Jesus Christ, through whom, unless of Jesus Christ, through whom, unless of our own free choice we accept to die our own free choice we accept to die our own free choice we accept to die unto his passion, his life is not in us. unto his passion, his life is not in us. unto his passion, his life is not in us. End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. Seeing then End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. Seeing then End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. Seeing then that in the aforementioned persons I that in the aforementioned persons I that in the aforementioned persons I beheld your whole people in faith and beheld your whole people in faith and beheld your whole people in faith and embraced them, I advise you, be ye embraced them, I advise you, be ye embraced them, I advise you, be ye zealous to do all things in godly zealous to do all things in godly zealous to do all things in godly conquered, the bishop presiding after conquered, the bishop presiding after conquered, the bishop presiding after the likeness of God, and the prespits the likeness of God, and the prespits the likeness of God, and the prespits after the likeness of the council of the after the likeness of the council of the after the likeness of the council of the apostles, with the deacons also who are apostles, with the deacons also who are apostles, with the deacons also who are most dear to me, having been entrusted most dear to me, having been entrusted most dear to me, having been entrusted with the deaconate of Jesus Christ, who with the deaconate of Jesus Christ, who with the deaconate of Jesus Christ, who was with the father before the worlds was with the father before the worlds was with the father before the worlds and appeared at the end of time. and appeared at the end of time. and appeared at the end of time. Therefore do ye all study conformity to Therefore do ye all study conformity to Therefore do ye all study conformity to God, and pay reverence one to another, God, and pay reverence one to another, God, and pay reverence one to another, and let no man regard his neighbor after and let no man regard his neighbor after and let no man regard his neighbor after the flesh, but love ye one another in the flesh, but love ye one another in the flesh, but love ye one another in Jesus Christ always. Let there be Jesus Christ always. Let there be Jesus Christ always. Let there be nothing among you which shall have power nothing among you which shall have power nothing among you which shall have power to divide you, but be ye united with the to divide you, but be ye united with the to divide you, but be ye united with the bishop, and with them that preside over bishop, and with them that preside over bishop, and with them that preside over you, as an ensle, and a lesson of you, as an ensle, and a lesson of you, as an ensle, and a lesson of incorruptibility. End of chapter 6, incorruptibility. End of chapter 6, incorruptibility. End of chapter 6, chapter 7. Therefore, as the Lord did chapter 7. Therefore, as the Lord did chapter 7. Therefore, as the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united nothing without the Father, being united nothing without the Father, being united with him, either by himself or by the with him, either by himself or by the with him, either by himself or by the apostles, so neither do ye anything apostles, so neither do ye anything apostles, so neither do ye anything without the bishop and the prespitators,

without the bishop and the prespitators, without the bishop and the prespitators, and attempt not to think anything right and attempt not to think anything right and attempt not to think anything right for yourselves, apart from others. But for yourselves, apart from others. But for yourselves, apart from others. But let there be one prayer in common, one let there be one prayer in common, one let there be one prayer in common, one supplication, one mind, one hope, and supplication, one mind, one hope, and supplication, one mind, one hope, and love and enjoy unblameable, which is love and enjoy unblameable, which is love and enjoy unblameable, which is Jesus Christ, than whom there is nothing Jesus Christ, than whom there is nothing Jesus Christ, than whom there is nothing better. hasten to come together all of better. hasten to come together all of better. hasten to come together all of you as to one temple, even God, as to you as to one temple, even God, as to you as to one temple, even God, as to one altar, even to one Jesus Christ, who one altar, even to one Jesus Christ, who one altar, even to one Jesus Christ, who came forth from one Father, and is with came forth from one Father, and is with came forth from one Father, and is with one, and departed unto one." End of one, and departed unto one." End of one, and departed unto one." End of chapter 7. Chapter 8. Be not seduced by chapter 7. Chapter 8. Be not seduced by chapter 7. Chapter 8. Be not seduced by strange doctrines, nor by antiquated strange doctrines, nor by antiquated strange doctrines, nor by antiquated fables, which are profitless. For if fables, which are profitless. For if fables, which are profitless. For if even unto this day we live after the even unto this day we live after the even unto this day we live after the manner of Judaism, we avow that we have manner of Judaism, we avow that we have manner of Judaism, we avow that we have not received grace. For the divine not received grace. For the divine not received grace. For the divine prophets lived after Christ Jesus. For prophets lived after Christ Jesus. For prophets lived after Christ Jesus. For this cause also they were persecuted, this cause also they were persecuted, this cause also they were persecuted, being inspired by his grace to the end being inspired by his grace to the end being inspired by his grace to the end that they which are disobedient might be that they which are disobedient might be that they which are disobedient might be fully persuaded that there is one God fully persuaded that there is one God fully persuaded that there is one God who manifested himself through Jesus who manifested himself through Jesus who manifested himself through Jesus Christ his son, who is his word that Christ his son, who is his word that Christ his son, who is his word that proceeded from silence, who in all proceeded from silence, who in all proceeded from silence, who in all things was well pleasing unto him that things was well pleasing unto him that things was well pleasing unto him that sent him. End of chapter 8, chapter 9.

sent him. End of chapter 8, chapter 9. sent him. End of chapter 8, chapter 9. If then those who had walked in ancient If then those who had walked in ancient If then those who had walked in ancient practices, attained unto newness of practices, attained unto newness of practices, attained unto newness of hope, no longer observing Sabbaths, but hope, no longer observing Sabbaths, but hope, no longer observing Sabbaths, but fashioning their lives after the Lord's fashioning their lives after the Lord's fashioning their lives after the Lord's day, on which our life also arose day, on which our life also arose day, on which our life also arose through him, and through his death, through him, and through his death, through him, and through his death, which some men deny, a mystery whereby which some men deny, a mystery whereby which some men deny, a mystery whereby we attained unto belief, and for this we attained unto belief, and for this we attained unto belief, and for this cause we endure patiently, that we may cause we endure patiently, that we may cause we endure patiently, that we may be found disciples of Jesus Christ, our be found disciples of Jesus Christ, our be found disciples of Jesus Christ, our only teacher. If this be so, how shall only teacher. If this be so, how shall only teacher. If this be so, how shall we be able to live apart from him? we be able to live apart from him? we be able to live apart from him? Seeing that even the prophets, being his Seeing that even the prophets, being his Seeing that even the prophets, being his disciples, were expecting him as their disciples, were expecting him as their disciples, were expecting him as their teacher through the spirit. And for this teacher through the spirit. And for this teacher through the spirit. And for this cause, he whom they rightly awaited when cause, he whom they rightly awaited when cause, he whom they rightly awaited when he came raised them from the dead. End he came raised them from the dead. End he came raised them from the dead. End of chapter 9. Chapter 10. Therefore, let of chapter 9. Chapter 10. Therefore, let of chapter 9. Chapter 10. Therefore, let us not be insensible to his goodness. us not be insensible to his goodness. us not be insensible to his goodness. For if he should imitate us according to For if he should imitate us according to For if he should imitate us according to our deeds, we are lost. For this cause, our deeds, we are lost. For this cause, our deeds, we are lost. For this cause, seeing that we are become his disciples, seeing that we are become his disciples, seeing that we are become his disciples, let us learn to live as bisethm let us learn to live as bisethm let us learn to live as bisethm Christianity. For who so is called by Christianity. For who so is called by Christianity. For who so is called by another name besides this, is not of another name besides this, is not of another name besides this, is not of God. Therefore, put away the vile God. Therefore, put away the vile God. Therefore, put away the vile leavenan which hath waxed stale and leavenan which hath waxed stale and leavenan which hath waxed stale and sour, and be take yourselves to the new sour, and be take yourselves to the new sour, and be take yourselves to the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be ye leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be ye leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be ye salted in him, that none among you grow salted in him, that none among you grow salted in him, that none among you grow putrid, seeing that by your savior ye putrid, seeing that by your savior ye putrid, seeing that by your savior ye shall be proved. It is monstrous to talk shall be proved. It is monstrous to talk shall be proved. It is monstrous to talk of Jesus Christ and to practice Judaism.

of Jesus Christ and to practice Judaism. of Jesus Christ and to practice Judaism. For Christianity did not believe in For Christianity did not believe in For Christianity did not believe in Judaism, but Judaism in Christianity, Judaism, but Judaism in Christianity, Judaism, but Judaism in Christianity, wherein every tongue believed and was wherein every tongue believed and was wherein every tongue believed and was gathered together unto God. End of gathered together unto God. End of gathered together unto God. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11. Now these things chapter 10. Chapter 11. Now these things chapter 10. Chapter 11. Now these things I say, my dearly beloved, not because I I say, my dearly beloved, not because I I say, my dearly beloved, not because I have learned that any of you are so have learned that any of you are so have learned that any of you are so minded, but as being less than any of minded, but as being less than any of minded, but as being less than any of you, I would have you be on your guard you, I would have you be on your guard you, I would have you be on your guard be times, that ye fall not into the be times, that ye fall not into the be times, that ye fall not into the snares of vain doctrine, but be ye fully snares of vain doctrine, but be ye fully snares of vain doctrine, but be ye fully persuaded concerning the birth and the persuaded concerning the birth and the persuaded concerning the birth and the passion, and the resurrection which took passion, and the resurrection which took passion, and the resurrection which took place in the time of the governorship of place in the time of the governorship of place in the time of the governorship of Pontius Pilate. For these things were Pontius Pilate. For these things were Pontius Pilate. For these things were truly and certainly done by Jesus truly and certainly done by Jesus truly and certainly done by Jesus Christ, our hope, from which hope may it Christ, our hope, from which hope may it Christ, our hope, from which hope may it not befall any of you to be turned not befall any of you to be turned not befall any of you to be turned aside. End of chapter 11. Chapter 12. aside. End of chapter 11. Chapter 12. aside. End of chapter 11. Chapter 12. Let me have joy of you in all things, if Let me have joy of you in all things, if Let me have joy of you in all things, if I be worthy. For even though I am in I be worthy. For even though I am in I be worthy. For even though I am in bonds, yet am I not comparable to one of bonds, yet am I not comparable to one of bonds, yet am I not comparable to one of you who are at liberty. I know that ye you who are at liberty. I know that ye you who are at liberty. I know that ye are not puffed up. For ye have Jesus are not puffed up. For ye have Jesus are not puffed up. For ye have Jesus Christ in yourselves. And when I praise Christ in yourselves. And when I praise Christ in yourselves. And when I praise you, I know that ye only feel the more you, I know that ye only feel the more you, I know that ye only feel the more shame. As it is written, the righteous shame. As it is written, the righteous shame. As it is written, the righteous man is a self accuser. End of chapter man is a self accuser. End of chapter man is a self accuser. End of chapter 12. Chapter 13.

12. Chapter 13. 12. Chapter 13. Do your diligence, therefore, that ye be Do your diligence, therefore, that ye be Do your diligence, therefore, that ye be confirmed in the ordinances of the Lord confirmed in the ordinances of the Lord confirmed in the ordinances of the Lord and of the apostles, that ye may prosper and of the apostles, that ye may prosper and of the apostles, that ye may prosper in all things whatsoever ye do, in flesh in all things whatsoever ye do, in flesh in all things whatsoever ye do, in flesh and spirit, by faith and by love, in the and spirit, by faith and by love, in the and spirit, by faith and by love, in the Son and Father, and in the Spirit, in Son and Father, and in the Spirit, in Son and Father, and in the Spirit, in the beginning and in the end, with your the beginning and in the end, with your the beginning and in the end, with your revered bishop, and with the fitly revered bishop, and with the fitly revered bishop, and with the fitly wreathed spiritual cirlet of your wreathed spiritual cirlet of your wreathed spiritual cirlet of your presbyter, and with the deacons who walk presbyter, and with the deacons who walk presbyter, and with the deacons who walk after God. Be obedient to the bishop and after God. Be obedient to the bishop and after God. Be obedient to the bishop and to one another as Jesus Christ was to to one another as Jesus Christ was to to one another as Jesus Christ was to the father according to the flesh and as the father according to the flesh and as the father according to the flesh and as the apostles were to Christ and to the the apostles were to Christ and to the the apostles were to Christ and to the father that there may be union both of father that there may be union both of father that there may be union both of flesh and of spirit. End of chapter 13 flesh and of spirit. End of chapter 13 flesh and of spirit. End of chapter 13 chapter 14. Knowing that ye are full of chapter 14. Knowing that ye are full of chapter 14. Knowing that ye are full of God, I have exhorted you briefly. God, I have exhorted you briefly. God, I have exhorted you briefly. Remember me in your prayers that I may Remember me in your prayers that I may Remember me in your prayers that I may attain unto God. And remember also the attain unto God. And remember also the attain unto God. And remember also the church which is in Syria, whereof I am church which is in Syria, whereof I am church which is in Syria, whereof I am not worthy to be called a member. For I not worthy to be called a member. For I not worthy to be called a member. For I have need of your united prayer and love have need of your united prayer and love have need of your united prayer and love in God, that it may be granted to the in God, that it may be granted to the in God, that it may be granted to the church which is in Syria to be refreshed church which is in Syria to be refreshed church which is in Syria to be refreshed by the due of your fervent supplication.

by the due of your fervent supplication. by the due of your fervent supplication. End of chapter 14, chapter 15. The End of chapter 14, chapter 15. The End of chapter 14, chapter 15. The Ephesians from Smyrna salute you from Ephesians from Smyrna salute you from Ephesians from Smyrna salute you from whence also I write to you. They are whence also I write to you. They are whence also I write to you. They are here with me for the glory of God as here with me for the glory of God as here with me for the glory of God as also are ye. and they have comforted me also are ye. and they have comforted me also are ye. and they have comforted me in all things together with Polycarp, in all things together with Polycarp, in all things together with Polycarp, bishop of the Smyrnians. Yay, and all bishop of the Smyrnians. Yay, and all bishop of the Smyrnians. Yay, and all the other churches salute you in the the other churches salute you in the the other churches salute you in the honor of Jesus Christ. Fair ye well in honor of Jesus Christ. Fair ye well in honor of Jesus Christ. Fair ye well in godly conquered, and possess ye a godly conquered, and possess ye a godly conquered, and possess ye a steadfast spirit, which is Jesus steadfast spirit, which is Jesus steadfast spirit, which is Jesus Christ. End of chapter 15. and also the Christ. End of chapter 15. and also the Christ. End of chapter 15. and also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians. The Epistle of Ignatius to Magnesians. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trolians, shorter Recion, Lightfoot the Trolians, shorter Recion, Lightfoot the Trolians, shorter Recion, Lightfoot version. This is a LibriVox recording. version. This is a LibriVox recording. version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information and public domain. For more information and public domain. For more information and to find out how you can volunteer, to find out how you can volunteer, to find out how you can volunteer, please visit please visit please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopheras, unto her that is beloved by Theopheras, unto her that is beloved by Theopheras, unto her that is beloved by God the Father of Jesus Christ, to the God the Father of Jesus Christ, to the God the Father of Jesus Christ, to the holy church, which is in trles of Asia, holy church, which is in trles of Asia, holy church, which is in trles of Asia, elect and worthy of God, having peace in elect and worthy of God, having peace in elect and worthy of God, having peace in flesh and spirit through the passion of flesh and spirit through the passion of flesh and spirit through the passion of Jesus Christ, who is our hope through Jesus Christ, who is our hope through Jesus Christ, who is our hope through our resurrection unto him, which church our resurrection unto him, which church our resurrection unto him, which church also I salute in the divine planitude also I salute in the divine planitude also I salute in the divine planitude after the apostolic fashion, and I wish after the apostolic fashion, and I wish after the apostolic fashion, and I wish her abundant greeting. End of chapter 0, her abundant greeting. End of chapter 0, her abundant greeting. End of chapter 0, chapter 1. I have learned that ye have a

chapter 1. I have learned that ye have a chapter 1. I have learned that ye have a mind unblameable and steadfast in mind unblameable and steadfast in mind unblameable and steadfast in patience, not from habit, but by nature, patience, not from habit, but by nature, patience, not from habit, but by nature, according as Polybeas, your bishop, according as Polybeas, your bishop, according as Polybeas, your bishop, informed me, who by the will of God and informed me, who by the will of God and informed me, who by the will of God and of Jesus Christ, visited me in Smyrna. of Jesus Christ, visited me in Smyrna. of Jesus Christ, visited me in Smyrna. And so greatly did he rejoice with me in And so greatly did he rejoice with me in And so greatly did he rejoice with me in my bonds in Christ Jesus, that in him I my bonds in Christ Jesus, that in him I my bonds in Christ Jesus, that in him I beheld the whole multitude of you. beheld the whole multitude of you. beheld the whole multitude of you. Having therefore received your godly Having therefore received your godly Having therefore received your godly benevolence at his hands, I gave glory benevolence at his hands, I gave glory benevolence at his hands, I gave glory for as much as I had found you to be for as much as I had found you to be for as much as I had found you to be imitators of God, even as I had learned. imitators of God, even as I had learned. imitators of God, even as I had learned. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For when ye End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For when ye End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For when ye are obedient to the bishop, as to Jesus are obedient to the bishop, as to Jesus are obedient to the bishop, as to Jesus Christ, it is evident to me that ye are Christ, it is evident to me that ye are Christ, it is evident to me that ye are living not after men, but after Jesus living not after men, but after Jesus living not after men, but after Jesus Christ, who died for us, that believing Christ, who died for us, that believing Christ, who died for us, that believing on his death, ye might escape death. It on his death, ye might escape death. It on his death, ye might escape death. It is therefore necessary, even as your is therefore necessary, even as your is therefore necessary, even as your want is, that ye should do nothing want is, that ye should do nothing want is, that ye should do nothing without the bishop. But be ye obedient without the bishop. But be ye obedient without the bishop. But be ye obedient also to the presbyter, as to the also to the presbyter, as to the also to the presbyter, as to the apostles of Jesus Christ, our hope. For apostles of Jesus Christ, our hope. For apostles of Jesus Christ, our hope. For if we live in him, we shall also be if we live in him, we shall also be if we live in him, we shall also be found in him. And those likewise who are found in him. And those likewise who are found in him. And those likewise who are deacons of the mysteries of Jesus Christ deacons of the mysteries of Jesus Christ deacons of the mysteries of Jesus Christ must please all men in all ways. For must please all men in all ways. For must please all men in all ways. For they are not deacons of meats and they are not deacons of meats and they are not deacons of meats and drinks, but servants of the church of drinks, but servants of the church of drinks, but servants of the church of God. It is right therefore that they God. It is right therefore that they God. It is right therefore that they should beware of blame as of fire. End should beware of blame as of fire. End should beware of blame as of fire. End of chapter 2, chapter 3. In like manner, of chapter 2, chapter 3. In like manner, of chapter 2, chapter 3. In like manner, let all men respect the deacons as Jesus let all men respect the deacons as Jesus let all men respect the deacons as Jesus Christ, even as they should respect the Christ, even as they should respect the Christ, even as they should respect the bishop as being a type of the father,

bishop as being a type of the father, bishop as being a type of the father, and the prespits as the council of God, and the prespits as the council of God, and the prespits as the council of God, and as the college of apostles. Apart and as the college of apostles. Apart and as the college of apostles. Apart from these, there is not even the name from these, there is not even the name from these, there is not even the name of a church. And I am persuaded that ye of a church. And I am persuaded that ye of a church. And I am persuaded that ye are so minded as touching these matters. are so minded as touching these matters. are so minded as touching these matters. For I received the enample of your love, For I received the enample of your love, For I received the enample of your love, and I have it with me in the person of and I have it with me in the person of and I have it with me in the person of your bishop, whose very demeanor is a your bishop, whose very demeanor is a your bishop, whose very demeanor is a great lesson, while his gentleness is great lesson, while his gentleness is great lesson, while his gentleness is power. A man to whom I think even the power. A man to whom I think even the power. A man to whom I think even the godless pay reverence. Seeing that I godless pay reverence. Seeing that I godless pay reverence. Seeing that I love you, I thus spare you, though I love you, I thus spare you, though I love you, I thus spare you, though I might write more sharply on his behalf. might write more sharply on his behalf. might write more sharply on his behalf. But I did not think myself competent for But I did not think myself competent for But I did not think myself competent for this, that being a convict, I should this, that being a convict, I should this, that being a convict, I should order you as though I were an apostle. order you as though I were an apostle. order you as though I were an apostle. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. I have many End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. I have many End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. I have many deep thoughts in God. But I take the deep thoughts in God. But I take the deep thoughts in God. But I take the measure of myself, lest I perish in my measure of myself, lest I perish in my measure of myself, lest I perish in my boasting. For now I ought to be the more boasting. For now I ought to be the more boasting. For now I ought to be the more afraid, and not to give heed to those afraid, and not to give heed to those afraid, and not to give heed to those that would puff me up. For they that say that would puff me up. For they that say that would puff me up. For they that say these things to me are a scourge to me. these things to me are a scourge to me. these things to me are a scourge to me. For though I desire to suffer, yet I For though I desire to suffer, yet I For though I desire to suffer, yet I know not whether I am worthy. For the know not whether I am worthy. For the know not whether I am worthy. For the envy of the devil is unseen indeed by envy of the devil is unseen indeed by envy of the devil is unseen indeed by many. But against me it wages the many. But against me it wages the many. But against me it wages the fiercer war. So then I crave gentleness fiercer war. So then I crave gentleness fiercer war. So then I crave gentleness whereby the prince of this world is whereby the prince of this world is whereby the prince of this world is brought to not. End of chapter 4.

brought to not. End of chapter 4. brought to not. End of chapter 4. Chapter 5. Am I not able to write to you Chapter 5. Am I not able to write to you Chapter 5. Am I not able to write to you of heavenly things? But I fear lest I of heavenly things? But I fear lest I of heavenly things? But I fear lest I should cause you harm being babes. So should cause you harm being babes. So should cause you harm being babes. So bear with me, lest not being able to bear with me, lest not being able to bear with me, lest not being able to take them in, ye should be choked. For I take them in, ye should be choked. For I take them in, ye should be choked. For I myself also, albeit I am in bonds, and myself also, albeit I am in bonds, and myself also, albeit I am in bonds, and can comprehend heavenly things, and the can comprehend heavenly things, and the can comprehend heavenly things, and the arrays of the angels, and the musterings arrays of the angels, and the musterings arrays of the angels, and the musterings of the principalities, things visible of the principalities, things visible of the principalities, things visible and things invisible. I myself am not and things invisible. I myself am not and things invisible. I myself am not yet by reason of this, a disciple, for yet by reason of this, a disciple, for yet by reason of this, a disciple, for we lack many things, that God may not be we lack many things, that God may not be we lack many things, that God may not be lacking to us. End of chapter 5. Chapter lacking to us. End of chapter 5. Chapter lacking to us. End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. I exhort you therefore yet not I but 6. I exhort you therefore yet not I but 6. I exhort you therefore yet not I but the love of Jesus Christ. Take ye only the love of Jesus Christ. Take ye only the love of Jesus Christ. Take ye only Christian food and abstain from strange Christian food and abstain from strange Christian food and abstain from strange herbage which is heresy. For these men herbage which is heresy. For these men herbage which is heresy. For these men do even mingle poison with Jesus Christ, do even mingle poison with Jesus Christ, do even mingle poison with Jesus Christ, imposing upon others by a show of imposing upon others by a show of imposing upon others by a show of honesty, like persons administering a honesty, like persons administering a honesty, like persons administering a deadly drug with honeyed wine, so that deadly drug with honeyed wine, so that deadly drug with honeyed wine, so that one who knoweth it not, fearing nothing, one who knoweth it not, fearing nothing, one who knoweth it not, fearing nothing, drinkketh in death with a baneful drinkketh in death with a baneful drinkketh in death with a baneful delight. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. Be delight. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. Be delight. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. Be ye therefore on your guard against such ye therefore on your guard against such ye therefore on your guard against such men. And this will surely be, if ye be men. And this will surely be, if ye be men. And this will surely be, if ye be not puffed up, and if ye be inseparable not puffed up, and if ye be inseparable not puffed up, and if ye be inseparable from God, Jesus Christ, and from the from God, Jesus Christ, and from the from God, Jesus Christ, and from the bishop, and from the ordinances of the bishop, and from the ordinances of the bishop, and from the ordinances of the apostles. He that is within the apostles. He that is within the apostles. He that is within the sanctuary is clean. But he that is sanctuary is clean. But he that is sanctuary is clean. But he that is without the sanctuary is not clean. That without the sanctuary is not clean. That without the sanctuary is not clean. That is, he that doeth ought without the is, he that doeth ought without the is, he that doeth ought without the bishop, and presbyter, and deacons. This bishop, and presbyter, and deacons. This bishop, and presbyter, and deacons. This man is not clean in his conscience. End

man is not clean in his conscience. End man is not clean in his conscience. End of chapter 7. Chapter of chapter 7. Chapter of chapter 7. Chapter 8. Not indeed that I have known of any 8. Not indeed that I have known of any 8. Not indeed that I have known of any such thing among you, but I keep watch such thing among you, but I keep watch such thing among you, but I keep watch over you but times as my beloved, for I over you but times as my beloved, for I over you but times as my beloved, for I foresee the snares of the devil. Do ye foresee the snares of the devil. Do ye foresee the snares of the devil. Do ye therefore arm yourselves with therefore arm yourselves with therefore arm yourselves with gentleness, and recover yourselves in gentleness, and recover yourselves in gentleness, and recover yourselves in faith, which is the flesh of the Lord, faith, which is the flesh of the Lord, faith, which is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, which is the blood of Jesus and in love, which is the blood of Jesus and in love, which is the blood of Jesus Christ. Let none of you bear a grudge Christ. Let none of you bear a grudge Christ. Let none of you bear a grudge against his neighbor. Give no occasion against his neighbor. Give no occasion against his neighbor. Give no occasion to the Gentiles, lest by reason of a few to the Gentiles, lest by reason of a few to the Gentiles, lest by reason of a few foolish men, the godly multitude be foolish men, the godly multitude be foolish men, the godly multitude be blasphemed. For woe unto him through blasphemed. For woe unto him through blasphemed. For woe unto him through whom my name is vainly blasphemed before whom my name is vainly blasphemed before whom my name is vainly blasphemed before some. End of chapter 8. Chapter 9. Be ye some. End of chapter 8. Chapter 9. Be ye some. End of chapter 8. Chapter 9. Be ye deaf, therefore, when any man speaketh deaf, therefore, when any man speaketh deaf, therefore, when any man speaketh to you, apart from Jesus Christ, who was to you, apart from Jesus Christ, who was to you, apart from Jesus Christ, who was of the race of David, who was the son of of the race of David, who was the son of of the race of David, who was the son of Mary, who was truly born and ate and Mary, who was truly born and ate and Mary, who was truly born and ate and drank, was truly persecuted under drank, was truly persecuted under drank, was truly persecuted under Pontious Pilate, was truly crucified and Pontious Pilate, was truly crucified and Pontious Pilate, was truly crucified and died in the sight of those in heaven and died in the sight of those in heaven and died in the sight of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the those on earth and those under the those on earth and those under the earth, who moreover was truly raised earth, who moreover was truly raised earth, who moreover was truly raised from the dead. His father having raised from the dead. His father having raised from the dead. His father having raised him, who in the like fashion will so him, who in the like fashion will so him, who in the like fashion will so raise us also who believe on him. His raise us also who believe on him. His raise us also who believe on him. His father, I say, will raise us in Christ father, I say, will raise us in Christ father, I say, will raise us in Christ Jesus, apart from whom we have not true Jesus, apart from whom we have not true Jesus, apart from whom we have not true life. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10.

life. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10. life. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10. But if it were as certain persons who But if it were as certain persons who But if it were as certain persons who are godless, that is unbelievers say are godless, that is unbelievers say are godless, that is unbelievers say that he suffered only in semblance, that he suffered only in semblance, that he suffered only in semblance, being themselves mere semblance. Why am being themselves mere semblance. Why am being themselves mere semblance. Why am I in bonds? I in bonds? I in bonds? And why also do I desire to fight with And why also do I desire to fight with And why also do I desire to fight with wild beasts? So I die in vain. Truly wild beasts? So I die in vain. Truly wild beasts? So I die in vain. Truly then I lie against the Lord. End of then I lie against the Lord. End of then I lie against the Lord. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11. Shun ye chapter 10. Chapter 11. Shun ye chapter 10. Chapter 11. Shun ye therefore those vile offshoots that therefore those vile offshoots that therefore those vile offshoots that gender a deadly fruit. Whereof if a man gender a deadly fruit. Whereof if a man gender a deadly fruit. Whereof if a man taste forth with he dieth. For these men taste forth with he dieth. For these men taste forth with he dieth. For these men are not the father's planting. For if are not the father's planting. For if are not the father's planting. For if they had been, they would have been seen they had been, they would have been seen they had been, they would have been seen to be branches of the cross and their to be branches of the cross and their to be branches of the cross and their fruit imperishable. the cross whereby he fruit imperishable. the cross whereby he fruit imperishable. the cross whereby he through his passion inviteth us being through his passion inviteth us being through his passion inviteth us being his members. Now it cannot be that a his members. Now it cannot be that a his members. Now it cannot be that a head should be found without members head should be found without members head should be found without members seeing that God promiseth union and this seeing that God promiseth union and this seeing that God promiseth union and this union is himself. End of chapter 11 union is himself. End of chapter 11 union is himself. End of chapter 11 chapter 12. I salute you from Smyrna chapter 12. I salute you from Smyrna chapter 12. I salute you from Smyrna together with the churches of God that together with the churches of God that together with the churches of God that are present with me. Men who refreshed are present with me. Men who refreshed are present with me. Men who refreshed me in all ways both in flesh and in me in all ways both in flesh and in me in all ways both in flesh and in spirit. My bonds exhort you, which for spirit. My bonds exhort you, which for spirit. My bonds exhort you, which for Jesus Christ's sake I bear about, in Jesus Christ's sake I bear about, in Jesus Christ's sake I bear about, in treating that I may attain unto God.

treating that I may attain unto God. treating that I may attain unto God. Abide ye in your conquered, and in Abide ye in your conquered, and in Abide ye in your conquered, and in prayer one with another. For it becometh prayer one with another. For it becometh prayer one with another. For it becometh you severally, and more especially the you severally, and more especially the you severally, and more especially the prespbits, to cheer the soul of your prespbits, to cheer the soul of your prespbits, to cheer the soul of your bishop, unto the honor of the Father, bishop, unto the honor of the Father, bishop, unto the honor of the Father, and to the honor of Jesus Christ, and of and to the honor of Jesus Christ, and of and to the honor of Jesus Christ, and of the apostles. I pray that ye may hearken the apostles. I pray that ye may hearken the apostles. I pray that ye may hearken unto me in love, lest I be for a unto me in love, lest I be for a unto me in love, lest I be for a testimony against you by having so testimony against you by having so testimony against you by having so written, and pray ye also for me who written, and pray ye also for me who written, and pray ye also for me who have need of your love in the mercy of have need of your love in the mercy of have need of your love in the mercy of God, that I may be vouched saved the lot God, that I may be vouched saved the lot God, that I may be vouched saved the lot which I am eager to attain to the end which I am eager to attain to the end which I am eager to attain to the end that I be not found reprod. that I be not found reprod. that I be not found reprod. End of chapter 12, chapter 13. The love End of chapter 12, chapter 13. The love End of chapter 12, chapter 13. The love of the Smyrnians in Ephesians saluteth of the Smyrnians in Ephesians saluteth of the Smyrnians in Ephesians saluteth you. Remember in your prayers the church you. Remember in your prayers the church you. Remember in your prayers the church which is in Syria, whereof also I am not which is in Syria, whereof also I am not which is in Syria, whereof also I am not worthy to be called a member, being the worthy to be called a member, being the worthy to be called a member, being the very last of them. Fair ye well in Jesus very last of them. Fair ye well in Jesus very last of them. Fair ye well in Jesus Christ, submitting yourselves to the Christ, submitting yourselves to the Christ, submitting yourselves to the bishop as to the commandment, and bishop as to the commandment, and bishop as to the commandment, and likewise also to the presbyter. And each likewise also to the presbyter. And each likewise also to the presbyter. And each of you severally love one another with of you severally love one another with of you severally love one another with undivided heart. My spirit is offered up undivided heart. My spirit is offered up undivided heart. My spirit is offered up for you, not only now, but also when I for you, not only now, but also when I for you, not only now, but also when I shall attain unto God. For I am still in shall attain unto God. For I am still in shall attain unto God. For I am still in peril, but the father is faithful in peril, but the father is faithful in peril, but the father is faithful in Jesus Christ to fulfill my petition and Jesus Christ to fulfill my petition and Jesus Christ to fulfill my petition and yours. May we be found unblameable in yours. May we be found unblameable in yours. May we be found unblameable in him. End of chapter 13. And also the end him. End of chapter 13. And also the end him. End of chapter 13. And also the end of the epistle of Ignatius to the

Trolians. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trolians. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans, Shorter Recession, Lightfoot Romans, Shorter Recession, Lightfoot Romans, Shorter Recession, Lightfoot Version. This is a LibriVox recording. Version. This is a LibriVox recording. Version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information and public domain. For more information and public domain. For more information and to find out how you can volunteer, to find out how you can volunteer, to find out how you can volunteer, please visit please visit please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam librivox.org. Recording by Sam librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter Stinson. Chapter Stinson. Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus. 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus. 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus. unto her that hath found mercy and the unto her that hath found mercy and the unto her that hath found mercy and the bountifulness of the Father most high, bountifulness of the Father most high, bountifulness of the Father most high, and of Jesus Christ his only son, to the and of Jesus Christ his only son, to the and of Jesus Christ his only son, to the church that is beloved, and enlightened church that is beloved, and enlightened church that is beloved, and enlightened through the will of him who willed all through the will of him who willed all through the will of him who willed all things that are by faith and love things that are by faith and love things that are by faith and love towards Jesus Christ our God, even unto towards Jesus Christ our God, even unto towards Jesus Christ our God, even unto her that hath the presidency in the her that hath the presidency in the her that hath the presidency in the country of the region of the Romans, country of the region of the Romans, country of the region of the Romans, being worthy of God, worthy of honor, being worthy of God, worthy of honor, being worthy of God, worthy of honor, worthy of felicitation, worthy of worthy of felicitation, worthy of worthy of felicitation, worthy of praise, worthy of success, worthy worthy praise, worthy of success, worthy worthy praise, worthy of success, worthy worthy in purity and having the presidency of in purity and having the presidency of in purity and having the presidency of love, walking in the law of Christ, and love, walking in the law of Christ, and love, walking in the law of Christ, and bearing the Father's name, which church bearing the Father's name, which church bearing the Father's name, which church also I salute, and the name of Jesus also I salute, and the name of Jesus also I salute, and the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, unto them Christ, the Son of the Father, unto them Christ, the Son of the Father, unto them that in flesh and spirit are united unto that in flesh and spirit are united unto that in flesh and spirit are united unto his every commandment, being filled with his every commandment, being filled with his every commandment, being filled with the grace of God without wavering, and the grace of God without wavering, and the grace of God without wavering, and filtered clear from every foreign stain, filtered clear from every foreign stain, filtered clear from every foreign stain, abundant greeting in Jesus Christ our abundant greeting in Jesus Christ our abundant greeting in Jesus Christ our God, and God, and God, and blamelessness. End of chapter 0. Chapter blamelessness. End of chapter 0. Chapter blamelessness. End of chapter 0. Chapter 1. For as much as in answer to my prayer 1. For as much as in answer to my prayer 1. For as much as in answer to my prayer to God, it hath been granted me to see to God, it hath been granted me to see to God, it hath been granted me to see your godly countenances, so that I have your godly countenances, so that I have your godly countenances, so that I have obtained even more than I asked. For

obtained even more than I asked. For obtained even more than I asked. For wearing bonds in Christ Jesus, I hope to wearing bonds in Christ Jesus, I hope to wearing bonds in Christ Jesus, I hope to salute you, if it be the divine will, salute you, if it be the divine will, salute you, if it be the divine will, that I should be counted worthy to reach that I should be counted worthy to reach that I should be counted worthy to reach unto the end. For the beginning verily, unto the end. For the beginning verily, unto the end. For the beginning verily, is well ordered. If so be, I shall is well ordered. If so be, I shall is well ordered. If so be, I shall attain unto the goal, that I may receive attain unto the goal, that I may receive attain unto the goal, that I may receive mine inheritance without hindrance. For mine inheritance without hindrance. For mine inheritance without hindrance. For I dread your very love, lest it do me an I dread your very love, lest it do me an I dread your very love, lest it do me an injury. For it is easy for you to do injury. For it is easy for you to do injury. For it is easy for you to do what ye will, but for me it is difficult what ye will, but for me it is difficult what ye will, but for me it is difficult to attain unto God, unless ye shall to attain unto God, unless ye shall to attain unto God, unless ye shall spare me. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. spare me. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. spare me. End of chapter 1, chapter 2. For I would not have you to be men For I would not have you to be men For I would not have you to be men pleasers, but to please God, as indeed pleasers, but to please God, as indeed pleasers, but to please God, as indeed ye do please him. For neither shall I ye do please him. For neither shall I ye do please him. For neither shall I myself ever find an opportunity such as myself ever find an opportunity such as myself ever find an opportunity such as this, to attain unto God. Nor can ye if this, to attain unto God. Nor can ye if this, to attain unto God. Nor can ye if ye be silent when the credit of any ye be silent when the credit of any ye be silent when the credit of any nobler work. For if ye be silent and nobler work. For if ye be silent and nobler work. For if ye be silent and leave me alone, I am a word of God. But leave me alone, I am a word of God. But leave me alone, I am a word of God. But if ye desire my flesh, then shall I be if ye desire my flesh, then shall I be if ye desire my flesh, then shall I be again a mere cry. Nay, grant me nothing again a mere cry. Nay, grant me nothing again a mere cry. Nay, grant me nothing more than that I be poured out a more than that I be poured out a more than that I be poured out a libation to God, while there is still an libation to God, while there is still an libation to God, while there is still an altar ready, that forming yourselves altar ready, that forming yourselves altar ready, that forming yourselves into a chorus in love, ye may sing to into a chorus in love, ye may sing to into a chorus in love, ye may sing to the Father in Jesus Christ. For that God the Father in Jesus Christ. For that God the Father in Jesus Christ. For that God hath vouched safety that the bishop from hath vouched safety that the bishop from hath vouched safety that the bishop from Syria should be found in the west, Syria should be found in the west, Syria should be found in the west, having summoned him from the east. It is having summoned him from the east. It is having summoned him from the east. It is good to set from the world unto God, good to set from the world unto God, good to set from the world unto God, that I may rise unto him. End of chapter that I may rise unto him. End of chapter that I may rise unto him. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. Ye never grudged anyone.

2. Chapter 3. Ye never grudged anyone. 2. Chapter 3. Ye never grudged anyone. Ye were the instructors of others, and Ye were the instructors of others, and Ye were the instructors of others, and my desire is that those lessons shall my desire is that those lessons shall my desire is that those lessons shall hold good, which as teachers ye enjoin. hold good, which as teachers ye enjoin. hold good, which as teachers ye enjoin. only pray that I may have power within only pray that I may have power within only pray that I may have power within and without, so that I may not only say and without, so that I may not only say and without, so that I may not only say it, but also desire it, that I may not it, but also desire it, that I may not it, but also desire it, that I may not only be called a Christian, but also be only be called a Christian, but also be only be called a Christian, but also be found one. For if I shall be found so, found one. For if I shall be found so, found one. For if I shall be found so, then can I also be called one and be then can I also be called one and be then can I also be called one and be faithful then, when I am no more visible faithful then, when I am no more visible faithful then, when I am no more visible to the world. Nothing visible is good. to the world. Nothing visible is good. to the world. Nothing visible is good. For our God Jesus Christ, being in the For our God Jesus Christ, being in the For our God Jesus Christ, being in the Father, is the more plainly visible. The Father, is the more plainly visible. The Father, is the more plainly visible. The work is not of persuasiveness, but work is not of persuasiveness, but work is not of persuasiveness, but Christianity is a thing of might Christianity is a thing of might Christianity is a thing of might whensoever it is hated by the world. End whensoever it is hated by the world. End whensoever it is hated by the world. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. I write to all of chapter 3. Chapter 4. I write to all of chapter 3. Chapter 4. I write to all the churches, and I bid all men know the churches, and I bid all men know the churches, and I bid all men know that of my own free will I die for God, that of my own free will I die for God, that of my own free will I die for God, unless ye should hinder me. I exhort unless ye should hinder me. I exhort unless ye should hinder me. I exhort you, be ye not an unseasonable kindness you, be ye not an unseasonable kindness you, be ye not an unseasonable kindness to me. Let me be given to the wild to me. Let me be given to the wild to me. Let me be given to the wild beasts, for through them I can attain beasts, for through them I can attain beasts, for through them I can attain unto God. I am God's wheat and I am unto God. I am God's wheat and I am unto God. I am God's wheat and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that ground by the teeth of wild beasts that ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread of Christ.

I may be found pure bread of Christ. I may be found pure bread of Christ. Rather entice the wild beasts that they Rather entice the wild beasts that they Rather entice the wild beasts that they may become my seuler and may leave no may become my seuler and may leave no may become my seuler and may leave no part of my body behind so that I may not part of my body behind so that I may not part of my body behind so that I may not when I am fallen asleep be burdensome to when I am fallen asleep be burdensome to when I am fallen asleep be burdensome to anyone. Then shall I be truly a disciple anyone. Then shall I be truly a disciple anyone. Then shall I be truly a disciple of Jesus Christ when the world shall not of Jesus Christ when the world shall not of Jesus Christ when the world shall not so much as see my body. Supplicate the so much as see my body. Supplicate the so much as see my body. Supplicate the Lord for me that through these Lord for me that through these Lord for me that through these instruments I may be found a sacrifice instruments I may be found a sacrifice instruments I may be found a sacrifice to God. I do not enjoin you as Peter and to God. I do not enjoin you as Peter and to God. I do not enjoin you as Peter and Paul did. They were apostles. I am a Paul did. They were apostles. I am a Paul did. They were apostles. I am a convict. They were free. But I am a convict. They were free. But I am a convict. They were free. But I am a slave to this very hour. Yet if I shall slave to this very hour. Yet if I shall slave to this very hour. Yet if I shall suffer, then am I a freed man of Jesus suffer, then am I a freed man of Jesus suffer, then am I a freed man of Jesus Christ, and I shall rise free in him. Christ, and I shall rise free in him. Christ, and I shall rise free in him. Now I am learning in my bonds to put Now I am learning in my bonds to put Now I am learning in my bonds to put away every desire. End of chapter 4. away every desire. End of chapter 4. away every desire. End of chapter 4. Chapter 5. From Syria, even unto Rome, I Chapter 5. From Syria, even unto Rome, I Chapter 5. From Syria, even unto Rome, I fight with wild beasts by land and sea, fight with wild beasts by land and sea, fight with wild beasts by land and sea, by night and by day, being bound amidst by night and by day, being bound amidst by night and by day, being bound amidst 10 leopards, even a company of soldiers, 10 leopards, even a company of soldiers, 10 leopards, even a company of soldiers, who only wax worse when they are kindly who only wax worse when they are kindly who only wax worse when they are kindly treated. How be it, through their treated. How be it, through their treated. How be it, through their wrongdoings, I become more completely a wrongdoings, I become more completely a wrongdoings, I become more completely a disciple, yet am I not hereby justified.

disciple, yet am I not hereby justified. disciple, yet am I not hereby justified. May I have joy of the beasts that have May I have joy of the beasts that have May I have joy of the beasts that have been prepared for me, and I pray that I been prepared for me, and I pray that I been prepared for me, and I pray that I may find them prompt. Nay, I will entice may find them prompt. Nay, I will entice may find them prompt. Nay, I will entice them, that they may devour me promptly, them, that they may devour me promptly, them, that they may devour me promptly, not as they have done to some, refusing not as they have done to some, refusing not as they have done to some, refusing to touch them through fear. Yay, though to touch them through fear. Yay, though to touch them through fear. Yay, though of themselves they should not be of themselves they should not be of themselves they should not be willing, while I am ready, I myself will willing, while I am ready, I myself will willing, while I am ready, I myself will force them to it. Bear with me. I know force them to it. Bear with me. I know force them to it. Bear with me. I know what is expedient for me. Now am I what is expedient for me. Now am I what is expedient for me. Now am I beginning to be a disciple. May not of beginning to be a disciple. May not of beginning to be a disciple. May not of things visible and things invisible envy things visible and things invisible envy things visible and things invisible envy me that I may attain unto Jesus Christ. me that I may attain unto Jesus Christ. me that I may attain unto Jesus Christ. Come fire and cross and grapplings with Come fire and cross and grapplings with Come fire and cross and grapplings with wild beasts, cutings and manglings, wild beasts, cutings and manglings, wild beasts, cutings and manglings, wrenching of bones, hacking of limbs, wrenching of bones, hacking of limbs, wrenching of bones, hacking of limbs, crushings of my whole body. Come cruel crushings of my whole body. Come cruel crushings of my whole body. Come cruel tortures of the devil to assail me. Only tortures of the devil to assail me. Only tortures of the devil to assail me. Only be it mine to attain unto Jesus Christ. be it mine to attain unto Jesus Christ. be it mine to attain unto Jesus Christ. End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. The End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. The End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. The farthest bounds of the universe shall farthest bounds of the universe shall farthest bounds of the universe shall profit me nothing, neither the kingdoms profit me nothing, neither the kingdoms profit me nothing, neither the kingdoms of this world. It is good for me to die of this world. It is good for me to die of this world. It is good for me to die for Jesus Christ rather than to reign for Jesus Christ rather than to reign for Jesus Christ rather than to reign over the farthest bounds of the earth.

over the farthest bounds of the earth. over the farthest bounds of the earth. Him I seek who died on our behalf. Him I Him I seek who died on our behalf. Him I Him I seek who died on our behalf. Him I desire who rose again for our sake. The desire who rose again for our sake. The desire who rose again for our sake. The pains of a new birth are upon me. Bear pains of a new birth are upon me. Bear pains of a new birth are upon me. Bear with me, brethren. Do not hinder me from with me, brethren. Do not hinder me from with me, brethren. Do not hinder me from living. Do not desire my death. Bestow living. Do not desire my death. Bestow living. Do not desire my death. Bestow not on the world one who desireth to be not on the world one who desireth to be not on the world one who desireth to be gods, neither allure him with material gods, neither allure him with material gods, neither allure him with material things. suffer me to receive the pure things. suffer me to receive the pure things. suffer me to receive the pure light. When I am come thither, then light. When I am come thither, then light. When I am come thither, then shall I be a man. Permit me to be an shall I be a man. Permit me to be an shall I be a man. Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God. If imitator of the passion of my God. If imitator of the passion of my God. If any man hath him within himself, let him any man hath him within himself, let him any man hath him within himself, let him understand what I desire, and let him understand what I desire, and let him understand what I desire, and let him have fellow feeling with me. For he have fellow feeling with me. For he have fellow feeling with me. For he knoweth the things which straighten me. knoweth the things which straighten me. knoweth the things which straighten me. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. The prince End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. The prince End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. The prince of this world would fain tear me in of this world would fain tear me in of this world would fain tear me in pieces and corrupt my mind to God word. pieces and corrupt my mind to God word. pieces and corrupt my mind to God word. Let not any of you therefore who are Let not any of you therefore who are Let not any of you therefore who are near abet him. Rather stand ye on my near abet him. Rather stand ye on my near abet him. Rather stand ye on my side that is on God's side. Speak not of side that is on God's side. Speak not of side that is on God's side. Speak not of Jesus Christ and with all desire the Jesus Christ and with all desire the Jesus Christ and with all desire the world. Let not envy have a home in you.

world. Let not envy have a home in you. world. Let not envy have a home in you. Even though I myself when I am with you Even though I myself when I am with you Even though I myself when I am with you should beseech you. Obey me not, but should beseech you. Obey me not, but should beseech you. Obey me not, but rather give credence to these things rather give credence to these things rather give credence to these things which I write to you. For I write to you which I write to you. For I write to you which I write to you. For I write to you in the midst of life, yet lusting after in the midst of life, yet lusting after in the midst of life, yet lusting after death. My lust hath been crucified, and death. My lust hath been crucified, and death. My lust hath been crucified, and there is no fire of material longing in there is no fire of material longing in there is no fire of material longing in me, but only water living and speaking me, but only water living and speaking me, but only water living and speaking in me, saying within me, come to the in me, saying within me, come to the in me, saying within me, come to the Father. I have no delight in the food of Father. I have no delight in the food of Father. I have no delight in the food of corruption or in the delights of this corruption or in the delights of this corruption or in the delights of this life. I desire the bread of God which is life. I desire the bread of God which is life. I desire the bread of God which is the flesh of Christ who was of the seed the flesh of Christ who was of the seed the flesh of Christ who was of the seed of David and for a drought. I desire his of David and for a drought. I desire his of David and for a drought. I desire his blood which is love blood which is love blood which is love incorruptible. End of chapter 7. Chapter incorruptible. End of chapter 7. Chapter incorruptible. End of chapter 7. Chapter 8. I desire no longer to live after the 8. I desire no longer to live after the 8. I desire no longer to live after the manner of men. And this shall be if ye manner of men. And this shall be if ye manner of men. And this shall be if ye desire it. Desire ye that ye yourselves desire it. Desire ye that ye yourselves desire it. Desire ye that ye yourselves also may be desired. In a brief letter, also may be desired. In a brief letter, also may be desired. In a brief letter, I beseech you, believe me, and Jesus I beseech you, believe me, and Jesus I beseech you, believe me, and Jesus Christ shall make manifest unto you Christ shall make manifest unto you Christ shall make manifest unto you these things, that I speak the truth, these things, that I speak the truth, these things, that I speak the truth, Jesus Christ, the unairring mouth, in Jesus Christ, the unairring mouth, in Jesus Christ, the unairring mouth, in whom the Father hath spoken truly.

whom the Father hath spoken truly. whom the Father hath spoken truly. Entreat ye for me, that I may attain Entreat ye for me, that I may attain Entreat ye for me, that I may attain through the Holy Spirit. I write not through the Holy Spirit. I write not through the Holy Spirit. I write not unto you after the flesh, but after the unto you after the flesh, but after the unto you after the flesh, but after the mind of God. If I shall suffer, it was mind of God. If I shall suffer, it was mind of God. If I shall suffer, it was your desire. If I shall be rejected, it your desire. If I shall be rejected, it your desire. If I shall be rejected, it was your hatred. End of chapter 8. was your hatred. End of chapter 8. was your hatred. End of chapter 8. Chapter nine. Remember in your prayers Chapter nine. Remember in your prayers Chapter nine. Remember in your prayers the church which is in Syria, which hath the church which is in Syria, which hath the church which is in Syria, which hath God for its shepherd in mystead. Jesus God for its shepherd in mystead. Jesus God for its shepherd in mystead. Jesus Christ alone shall be its bishop. He and Christ alone shall be its bishop. He and Christ alone shall be its bishop. He and your love. But for myself I am ashamed your love. But for myself I am ashamed your love. But for myself I am ashamed to be called one of them. For neither am to be called one of them. For neither am to be called one of them. For neither am I worthy being the very last of them and I worthy being the very last of them and I worthy being the very last of them and an untimely birth. But I have found an untimely birth. But I have found an untimely birth. But I have found mercy that I should be some one if so be mercy that I should be some one if so be mercy that I should be some one if so be I shall attain unto God. I shall attain unto God. I shall attain unto God. My spirit saluteth you and the love of My spirit saluteth you and the love of My spirit saluteth you and the love of the churches which received me in the the churches which received me in the the churches which received me in the name of Jesus Christ not as a mere name of Jesus Christ not as a mere name of Jesus Christ not as a mere wayfarer for even those churches which wayfarer for even those churches which wayfarer for even those churches which did not lie on my route after the flesh did not lie on my route after the flesh did not lie on my route after the flesh went before me from city to city. End of went before me from city to city. End of went before me from city to city. End of chapter 9 chapter 10. Now I write these chapter 9 chapter 10. Now I write these chapter 9 chapter 10. Now I write these things to you from Smyrna by the hand of things to you from Smyrna by the hand of things to you from Smyrna by the hand of the Ephesians who are worthy of all the Ephesians who are worthy of all the Ephesians who are worthy of all felicitation. And Crocus also, a name felicitation. And Crocus also, a name felicitation. And Crocus also, a name very dear to me, is with me, with many very dear to me, is with me, with many very dear to me, is with me, with many others besides, as touching those who others besides, as touching those who others besides, as touching those who went before me from Syria to Rome unto went before me from Syria to Rome unto went before me from Syria to Rome unto the glory of God. I believe that ye have the glory of God. I believe that ye have the glory of God. I believe that ye have received instructions, whom also a prize received instructions, whom also a prize received instructions, whom also a prize that I am near, for they all are worthy that I am near, for they all are worthy that I am near, for they all are worthy of God, and of you, and it becometh you

of God, and of you, and it becometh you of God, and of you, and it becometh you to refresh them in all things. These to refresh them in all things. These to refresh them in all things. These things I write to you on the 9th before things I write to you on the 9th before things I write to you on the 9th before the kalins of September. Fare ye well the kalins of September. Fare ye well the kalins of September. Fare ye well unto the end in the patient waiting for unto the end in the patient waiting for unto the end in the patient waiting for Jesus Christ. End of chapter 10. And Jesus Christ. End of chapter 10. And Jesus Christ. End of chapter 10. And also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphiaians. Shorter Recension Philadelphiaians. Shorter Recension Philadelphiaians. Shorter Recension Lightfoot Version. This is a LibriVox Lightfoot Version. This is a LibriVox Lightfoot Version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are recording. All LibriVox recordings are recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more in the public domain. For more in the public domain. For more information and to find out how you can information and to find out how you can information and to find out how you can volunteer, please visit volunteer, please visit volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter0. Chapter0. Chapter0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus, to the Ignatius, who is also Theopherus, to the Ignatius, who is also Theopherus, to the church of God the Father, and of Jesus church of God the Father, and of Jesus church of God the Father, and of Jesus Christ, which is in Philadelphia of Christ, which is in Philadelphia of Christ, which is in Philadelphia of Asia, which hath found mercy, and is Asia, which hath found mercy, and is Asia, which hath found mercy, and is firmly established in the conquered of firmly established in the conquered of firmly established in the conquered of God, and rejoicth in the passion of our God, and rejoicth in the passion of our God, and rejoicth in the passion of our Lord, and in his resurrection, without Lord, and in his resurrection, without Lord, and in his resurrection, without wavering, being fully assured in all wavering, being fully assured in all wavering, being fully assured in all mercy, which church I salute in the mercy, which church I salute in the mercy, which church I salute in the blood of Jesus Christ, that is eternal blood of Jesus Christ, that is eternal blood of Jesus Christ, that is eternal and abiding joy, more especially if they and abiding joy, more especially if they and abiding joy, more especially if they be at one with the bishop, and the be at one with the bishop, and the be at one with the bishop, and the prespitators who are with him and with prespitators who are with him and with prespitators who are with him and with the deacons that have been appointed the deacons that have been appointed the deacons that have been appointed according to the mind of Jesus Christ according to the mind of Jesus Christ according to the mind of Jesus Christ whom after his own will he confirmed and whom after his own will he confirmed and whom after his own will he confirmed and established by his holy spirit. End of established by his holy spirit. End of established by his holy spirit. End of chapter 0 chapter 1. This your bishop I chapter 0 chapter 1. This your bishop I chapter 0 chapter 1. This your bishop I have found to hold the ministry which

have found to hold the ministry which have found to hold the ministry which pertainth to the common will, not of pertainth to the common will, not of pertainth to the common will, not of himself or through men, nor yet for vain himself or through men, nor yet for vain himself or through men, nor yet for vain glory, but in the love of God the Father glory, but in the love of God the Father glory, but in the love of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. And I am and the Lord Jesus Christ. And I am and the Lord Jesus Christ. And I am amazed at his forbearance whose silence amazed at his forbearance whose silence amazed at his forbearance whose silence is more powerful than others speech. For is more powerful than others speech. For is more powerful than others speech. For he is attuned in harmony with the he is attuned in harmony with the he is attuned in harmony with the commandments, as a liar with its commandments, as a liar with its commandments, as a liar with its strings. Wherefore my soul blessth his strings. Wherefore my soul blessth his strings. Wherefore my soul blessth his godly mind, for I have found that it is godly mind, for I have found that it is godly mind, for I have found that it is virtuous and perfect, even the virtuous and perfect, even the virtuous and perfect, even the imperturbable and calm temper which he imperturbable and calm temper which he imperturbable and calm temper which he hath while living in all godly hath while living in all godly hath while living in all godly forbearance. End of chapter 1. Chapter forbearance. End of chapter 1. Chapter forbearance. End of chapter 1. Chapter 2. As children, therefore, of the light, 2. As children, therefore, of the light, 2. As children, therefore, of the light, of the truth, shun division and wrong of the truth, shun division and wrong of the truth, shun division and wrong doctrines, and where the shepherd is, doctrines, and where the shepherd is, doctrines, and where the shepherd is, there follow ye as sheep. For many there follow ye as sheep. For many there follow ye as sheep. For many specious wolves with baneful delights specious wolves with baneful delights specious wolves with baneful delights lead captive the runners in God's race. lead captive the runners in God's race. lead captive the runners in God's race. But where ye are at one, they will find But where ye are at one, they will find But where ye are at one, they will find no place. End of chapter 2, chapter 3.

no place. End of chapter 2, chapter 3. no place. End of chapter 2, chapter 3. Abstain from noxious herbs which are not Abstain from noxious herbs which are not Abstain from noxious herbs which are not the husbandry of Jesus Christ because the husbandry of Jesus Christ because the husbandry of Jesus Christ because they are not the planting of the Father. they are not the planting of the Father. they are not the planting of the Father. Not that I have found division among Not that I have found division among Not that I have found division among you, but filtering. For as many as are you, but filtering. For as many as are you, but filtering. For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ, they are of God and of Jesus Christ, they are of God and of Jesus Christ, they are with the bishop. And as many as shall with the bishop. And as many as shall with the bishop. And as many as shall repent and enter into the unity of the repent and enter into the unity of the repent and enter into the unity of the church, these also shall be of God, that church, these also shall be of God, that church, these also shall be of God, that they may be living after Jesus Christ. they may be living after Jesus Christ. they may be living after Jesus Christ. Be not deceived, my brethren. If any man Be not deceived, my brethren. If any man Be not deceived, my brethren. If any man followeth one that maketh a schism, he followeth one that maketh a schism, he followeth one that maketh a schism, he doth not inherit the kingdom of God. If doth not inherit the kingdom of God. If doth not inherit the kingdom of God. If any man walketh in strange doctrine, he any man walketh in strange doctrine, he any man walketh in strange doctrine, he hath no fellowship with the passion. End hath no fellowship with the passion. End hath no fellowship with the passion. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. Be ye careful, of chapter 3. Chapter 4. Be ye careful, of chapter 3. Chapter 4. Be ye careful, therefore, to observe one eukarist, for therefore, to observe one eukarist, for therefore, to observe one eukarist, for there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup unto union in his Christ, and one cup unto union in his Christ, and one cup unto union in his blood. There is one altar as there is blood. There is one altar as there is blood. There is one altar as there is one bishop together with the presbyatory one bishop together with the presbyatory one bishop together with the presbyatory and the deacons, my fellow servants, and the deacons, my fellow servants, and the deacons, my fellow servants, that whatsoever ye do, ye may do it that whatsoever ye do, ye may do it that whatsoever ye do, ye may do it after God. End of chapter 4, chapter 5.

after God. End of chapter 4, chapter 5. after God. End of chapter 4, chapter 5. My brethren, my heart overflowth My brethren, my heart overflowth My brethren, my heart overflowth altogether in love towards you, and altogether in love towards you, and altogether in love towards you, and rejoicing above measure, I watch over rejoicing above measure, I watch over rejoicing above measure, I watch over your safety. Yet not I, but Jesus your safety. Yet not I, but Jesus your safety. Yet not I, but Jesus Christ, wearing whose bonds I am the Christ, wearing whose bonds I am the Christ, wearing whose bonds I am the more afraid, because I am not yet more afraid, because I am not yet more afraid, because I am not yet perfected. But your prayer will make me perfected. But your prayer will make me perfected. But your prayer will make me perfect unto God, that I may attain unto perfect unto God, that I may attain unto perfect unto God, that I may attain unto the inheritance wherein I have found the inheritance wherein I have found the inheritance wherein I have found mercy, taking refuge in the gospel as mercy, taking refuge in the gospel as mercy, taking refuge in the gospel as the flesh of Jesus, and in the apostles, the flesh of Jesus, and in the apostles, the flesh of Jesus, and in the apostles, as the presbyter of the church. Yay. And as the presbyter of the church. Yay. And as the presbyter of the church. Yay. And we loved the prophets also because they we loved the prophets also because they we loved the prophets also because they too pointed to the gospel and their too pointed to the gospel and their too pointed to the gospel and their preaching and set their hope on him and preaching and set their hope on him and preaching and set their hope on him and awaited him in whom also having faith awaited him in whom also having faith awaited him in whom also having faith they were saved in the unity of Jesus they were saved in the unity of Jesus they were saved in the unity of Jesus Christ being worthy of all love and Christ being worthy of all love and Christ being worthy of all love and admiration as holy men approved of Jesus admiration as holy men approved of Jesus admiration as holy men approved of Jesus Christ and numbered together in the Christ and numbered together in the Christ and numbered together in the gospel of our common hope. End of gospel of our common hope. End of gospel of our common hope. End of chapter 5 chapter 6. But if anyone chapter 5 chapter 6. But if anyone chapter 5 chapter 6. But if anyone propound Judaism unto you, hear him not.

propound Judaism unto you, hear him not. propound Judaism unto you, hear him not. For it is better to hear Christianity For it is better to hear Christianity For it is better to hear Christianity from a man who is circumcised than from a man who is circumcised than from a man who is circumcised than Judaism from one Judaism from one Judaism from one uncircumcised. But if either the one or uncircumcised. But if either the one or uncircumcised. But if either the one or the other speak not concerning Jesus the other speak not concerning Jesus the other speak not concerning Jesus Christ, I look on them as tombstones and Christ, I look on them as tombstones and Christ, I look on them as tombstones and graves of the dead, whereon are graves of the dead, whereon are graves of the dead, whereon are inscribed only the names of men. Shun ye inscribed only the names of men. Shun ye inscribed only the names of men. Shun ye therefore the wicked arts and plottings therefore the wicked arts and plottings therefore the wicked arts and plottings of the prince of this world, lest of the prince of this world, lest of the prince of this world, lest happily ye be crushed by his devices, happily ye be crushed by his devices, happily ye be crushed by his devices, and wax weak in your love. But assemble and wax weak in your love. But assemble and wax weak in your love. But assemble yourselves alltogether with undivided yourselves alltogether with undivided yourselves alltogether with undivided heart. And I give thanks to my God, that heart. And I give thanks to my God, that heart. And I give thanks to my God, that I have a good conscience in my dealings I have a good conscience in my dealings I have a good conscience in my dealings with you, and no man can boast either in with you, and no man can boast either in with you, and no man can boast either in secret or openly, that I was burdensome secret or openly, that I was burdensome secret or openly, that I was burdensome to anyone in small things or in great. to anyone in small things or in great. to anyone in small things or in great. Yay. And for all among whom I spoke, it Yay. And for all among whom I spoke, it Yay. And for all among whom I spoke, it is my prayer that they may not turn it is my prayer that they may not turn it is my prayer that they may not turn it into a testimony against themselves. End into a testimony against themselves. End into a testimony against themselves. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. For even though of chapter 6. Chapter 7. For even though of chapter 6. Chapter 7. For even though certain persons desire to deceive me certain persons desire to deceive me certain persons desire to deceive me after the flesh, yet the spirit is not after the flesh, yet the spirit is not after the flesh, yet the spirit is not deceived, being from God. For it knoweth deceived, being from God. For it knoweth deceived, being from God. For it knoweth whence it cometh, and where it goeth, whence it cometh, and where it goeth, whence it cometh, and where it goeth, and it searcheth out the hidden things.

and it searcheth out the hidden things. and it searcheth out the hidden things. I cried out when I was among you. I I cried out when I was among you. I I cried out when I was among you. I spake with a loud voice, with God's own spake with a loud voice, with God's own spake with a loud voice, with God's own voice. Give ye heed to the bishop and voice. Give ye heed to the bishop and voice. Give ye heed to the bishop and the presbyter and deacons. How be it the presbyter and deacons. How be it the presbyter and deacons. How be it there were those who suspected me of there were those who suspected me of there were those who suspected me of saying this, because I knew beforehand saying this, because I knew beforehand saying this, because I knew beforehand of the division of certain persons, but of the division of certain persons, but of the division of certain persons, but he in whom I am bound is my witness that he in whom I am bound is my witness that he in whom I am bound is my witness that I learned it not from flesh of man. It I learned it not from flesh of man. It I learned it not from flesh of man. It was the preaching of the spirit who was the preaching of the spirit who was the preaching of the spirit who spake on this wise. Do nothing without spake on this wise. Do nothing without spake on this wise. Do nothing without the bishop. Keep your flesh as a temple the bishop. Keep your flesh as a temple the bishop. Keep your flesh as a temple of God. Cherish union, shun divisions, of God. Cherish union, shun divisions, of God. Cherish union, shun divisions, be imitators of Jesus Christ as he be imitators of Jesus Christ as he be imitators of Jesus Christ as he himself also was of his father. End of himself also was of his father. End of himself also was of his father. End of chapter 7. Chapter 8. I therefore did my chapter 7. Chapter 8. I therefore did my chapter 7. Chapter 8. I therefore did my own part as a man composed unto union. own part as a man composed unto union. own part as a man composed unto union. But where there is division and anger, But where there is division and anger, But where there is division and anger, their God abideth not. Now the Lord their God abideth not. Now the Lord their God abideth not. Now the Lord forgiveth all men when they repent, if forgiveth all men when they repent, if forgiveth all men when they repent, if repenting, they return to the unity of repenting, they return to the unity of repenting, they return to the unity of God and to the council of the bishop. I God and to the council of the bishop. I God and to the council of the bishop. I have faith in the grace of Jesus Christ, have faith in the grace of Jesus Christ, have faith in the grace of Jesus Christ, who shall strike off every feder from who shall strike off every feder from who shall strike off every feder from you. And I entreat you, do ye nothing in you. And I entreat you, do ye nothing in you. And I entreat you, do ye nothing in a spirit of factness, but after the a spirit of factness, but after the a spirit of factness, but after the teaching of Christ. For I heard certain teaching of Christ. For I heard certain teaching of Christ. For I heard certain persons saying, if I find it not in the persons saying, if I find it not in the persons saying, if I find it not in the charters, I believe it not in the charters, I believe it not in the charters, I believe it not in the gospel. And when I said to them, it is gospel. And when I said to them, it is gospel. And when I said to them, it is written, they answered me, that is the written, they answered me, that is the written, they answered me, that is the question. But as for me, my charter is question. But as for me, my charter is question. But as for me, my charter is Jesus Christ. The inviable charter is Jesus Christ. The inviable charter is Jesus Christ. The inviable charter is his cross and his death and his

his cross and his death and his his cross and his death and his resurrection and faith through him resurrection and faith through him resurrection and faith through him wherein I desire to be justified through wherein I desire to be justified through wherein I desire to be justified through your your your prayers. End of chapter 8, chapter 9. prayers. End of chapter 8, chapter 9. prayers. End of chapter 8, chapter 9. The priests likewise were good, but The priests likewise were good, but The priests likewise were good, but better is the high priest to whom is better is the high priest to whom is better is the high priest to whom is committed the holy of holies. For to him committed the holy of holies. For to him committed the holy of holies. For to him alone are committed the hidden things of alone are committed the hidden things of alone are committed the hidden things of God. He himself being the door of the God. He himself being the door of the God. He himself being the door of the father through which Abraham and Isaac father through which Abraham and Isaac father through which Abraham and Isaac and Jacob enter in and the prophets and and Jacob enter in and the prophets and and Jacob enter in and the prophets and the apostles and the whole church. All the apostles and the whole church. All the apostles and the whole church. All these things combine in the unity of these things combine in the unity of these things combine in the unity of God. But the gospel hath a singular God. But the gospel hath a singular God. But the gospel hath a singular preeminence in the advent of the Savior, preeminence in the advent of the Savior, preeminence in the advent of the Savior, even our Lord Jesus Christ and his even our Lord Jesus Christ and his even our Lord Jesus Christ and his passion and resurrection. For the passion and resurrection. For the passion and resurrection. For the beloved prophets in their preaching beloved prophets in their preaching beloved prophets in their preaching pointed to him. But the gospel is the pointed to him. But the gospel is the pointed to him. But the gospel is the completion of immortality. All things completion of immortality. All things completion of immortality. All things together are good if ye believe through together are good if ye believe through together are good if ye believe through love. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10. love. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10. love. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10. Seeing that in answer to your prayer, Seeing that in answer to your prayer, Seeing that in answer to your prayer, and to the tender sympathy which ye have and to the tender sympathy which ye have and to the tender sympathy which ye have in Christ Jesus, it hath been reported in Christ Jesus, it hath been reported in Christ Jesus, it hath been reported to me that the church which is in to me that the church which is in to me that the church which is in Antioch of Syria hath peace. It is Antioch of Syria hath peace. It is Antioch of Syria hath peace. It is becoming for you as a church of God to becoming for you as a church of God to becoming for you as a church of God to appoint a deacon to go thither as God's appoint a deacon to go thither as God's appoint a deacon to go thither as God's ambassador, that he may congratulate ambassador, that he may congratulate ambassador, that he may congratulate them when they are assembled together, them when they are assembled together, them when they are assembled together, and may glorify the name. Blessed in and may glorify the name. Blessed in and may glorify the name. Blessed in Jesus Christ is he that shall be counted Jesus Christ is he that shall be counted Jesus Christ is he that shall be counted worthy of such administration, and ye worthy of such administration, and ye worthy of such administration, and ye yourselves shall be glorified. Now if yourselves shall be glorified. Now if yourselves shall be glorified. Now if you desire it, it is not impossible for

you desire it, it is not impossible for you desire it, it is not impossible for you to do this for the name of God, even you to do this for the name of God, even you to do this for the name of God, even as the churches which are nearest have as the churches which are nearest have as the churches which are nearest have sent bishops and others presbytors and sent bishops and others presbytors and sent bishops and others presbytors and deacons. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11. deacons. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11. deacons. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11. but is touching Pho the deacon from but is touching Pho the deacon from but is touching Pho the deacon from Cissia, a man of good report, who now Cissia, a man of good report, who now Cissia, a man of good report, who now also ministerth to me in the word of also ministerth to me in the word of also ministerth to me in the word of God, together with Ryas Agathopus, an God, together with Ryas Agathopus, an God, together with Ryas Agathopus, an elect one who followeth me from Syria, elect one who followeth me from Syria, elect one who followeth me from Syria, having bidden farewell to this present having bidden farewell to this present having bidden farewell to this present life, the same who also bear witness to life, the same who also bear witness to life, the same who also bear witness to you. And I myself thank God on your you. And I myself thank God on your you. And I myself thank God on your behalf, because ye received them, as I behalf, because ye received them, as I behalf, because ye received them, as I trust the Lord will receive you. But may trust the Lord will receive you. But may trust the Lord will receive you. But may those who treated them with dishonor be those who treated them with dishonor be those who treated them with dishonor be redeemed through the grace of Jesus redeemed through the grace of Jesus redeemed through the grace of Jesus Christ. The love of the brethren which Christ. The love of the brethren which Christ. The love of the brethren which are in trrowis saluteth you from whence are in trrowis saluteth you from whence are in trrowis saluteth you from whence also I write to you by the hand of Burus also I write to you by the hand of Burus also I write to you by the hand of Burus who was sent with me by the Ephesians who was sent with me by the Ephesians who was sent with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnians as a mark of honor. The and Smyrnians as a mark of honor. The and Smyrnians as a mark of honor. The Lord shall honor them even Jesus Christ Lord shall honor them even Jesus Christ Lord shall honor them even Jesus Christ on whom their hope is set in flesh and on whom their hope is set in flesh and on whom their hope is set in flesh and soul and spirit by faith by love by soul and spirit by faith by love by soul and spirit by faith by love by conquered. Fare ye well in Christ Jesus conquered. Fare ye well in Christ Jesus conquered. Fare ye well in Christ Jesus our common hope. End of chapter 11. And our common hope. End of chapter 11. And our common hope. End of chapter 11. And also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius also the end of the Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphiaians. The Epistle of Philadelphiaians. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnians. Shorter Ignatius to the Smyrnians. Shorter Ignatius to the Smyrnians. Shorter Recension Lightfoot version. This is a Recension Lightfoot version. This is a Recension Lightfoot version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox

LibriVox recording. All LibriVox LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For recordings are in the public domain. For recordings are in the public domain. For more information and to find out how you more information and to find out how you more information and to find out how you can volunteer, please visit can volunteer, please visit can volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter 0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus. to the church of God the Theopherus. to the church of God the Theopherus. to the church of God the Father, and of Jesus Christ the beloved, Father, and of Jesus Christ the beloved, Father, and of Jesus Christ the beloved, which hath been mercifully endowed with which hath been mercifully endowed with which hath been mercifully endowed with every grace, being filled with faith and every grace, being filled with faith and every grace, being filled with faith and love, and lacking in no grace, most love, and lacking in no grace, most love, and lacking in no grace, most reverend, and bearing holy treasures to reverend, and bearing holy treasures to reverend, and bearing holy treasures to the church which is in Smyrna of Asia, the church which is in Smyrna of Asia, the church which is in Smyrna of Asia, in a blameless spirit, and in the word in a blameless spirit, and in the word in a blameless spirit, and in the word of God abundant greeting. End of chapter of God abundant greeting. End of chapter of God abundant greeting. End of chapter 0. Chapter 1. I give glory to Jesus 0. Chapter 1. I give glory to Jesus 0. Chapter 1. I give glory to Jesus Christ, the God who bestowed such wisdom Christ, the God who bestowed such wisdom Christ, the God who bestowed such wisdom upon you. For I have perceived that ye upon you. For I have perceived that ye upon you. For I have perceived that ye are established in faith, immovable, are established in faith, immovable, are established in faith, immovable, being as it were nailed on the cross of being as it were nailed on the cross of being as it were nailed on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, in flesh and in the Lord Jesus Christ, in flesh and in the Lord Jesus Christ, in flesh and in spirit, and firmly grounded in love in spirit, and firmly grounded in love in spirit, and firmly grounded in love in the blood of Christ, fully persuaded as the blood of Christ, fully persuaded as the blood of Christ, fully persuaded as touching our Lord, that he is truly of touching our Lord, that he is truly of touching our Lord, that he is truly of the race of David according to the the race of David according to the the race of David according to the flesh, but son of God by the divine will flesh, but son of God by the divine will flesh, but son of God by the divine will and power, truly born of a virgin and and power, truly born of a virgin and and power, truly born of a virgin and baptized by John, that all righteousness baptized by John, that all righteousness baptized by John, that all righteousness might be fulfilled by him, truly nailed might be fulfilled by him, truly nailed might be fulfilled by him, truly nailed led up in the flesh for our sakes under led up in the flesh for our sakes under led up in the flesh for our sakes under Pontious Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, Pontious Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, Pontious Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, of which fruit are we, that is, of his of which fruit are we, that is, of his of which fruit are we, that is, of his most blessed passion, that he might set most blessed passion, that he might set most blessed passion, that he might set up an enen unto all the ages through his up an enen unto all the ages through his up an enen unto all the ages through his resurrection for his saints and faithful resurrection for his saints and faithful resurrection for his saints and faithful people, whether among Jews or among people, whether among Jews or among people, whether among Jews or among Gentiles, in one body of his church. End

Gentiles, in one body of his church. End Gentiles, in one body of his church. End of chapter 1. Chapter 2. For he suffered of chapter 1. Chapter 2. For he suffered of chapter 1. Chapter 2. For he suffered all these things for our sakes, that we all these things for our sakes, that we all these things for our sakes, that we might be saved. And he suffered truly, might be saved. And he suffered truly, might be saved. And he suffered truly, as also he raised himself truly, not as as also he raised himself truly, not as as also he raised himself truly, not as certain unbelievers say, that he certain unbelievers say, that he certain unbelievers say, that he suffered in semblance, being themselves suffered in semblance, being themselves suffered in semblance, being themselves mere semblance. And according as their mere semblance. And according as their mere semblance. And according as their opinions are, so shall it happen to opinions are, so shall it happen to opinions are, so shall it happen to them. For they are without body and them. For they are without body and them. For they are without body and demonlike. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. demonlike. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. demonlike. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. For I know and believe that he was in For I know and believe that he was in For I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the resurrection. the flesh even after the resurrection. the flesh even after the resurrection. And when he came to Peter and his And when he came to Peter and his And when he came to Peter and his company, he said to them, "Lay hold and company, he said to them, "Lay hold and company, he said to them, "Lay hold and handle me, and see that I am not a demon handle me, and see that I am not a demon handle me, and see that I am not a demon without body." And straightway they without body." And straightway they without body." And straightway they touched him, and they believed, being touched him, and they believed, being touched him, and they believed, being joined unto his flesh and his blood. joined unto his flesh and his blood. joined unto his flesh and his blood. Wherefore also they despised death. Nay, Wherefore also they despised death. Nay, Wherefore also they despised death. Nay, they were found superior to death. And they were found superior to death. And they were found superior to death. And after his resurrection, he both ate with after his resurrection, he both ate with after his resurrection, he both ate with them and drank with them as one in the them and drank with them as one in the them and drank with them as one in the flesh, though spiritually he was united flesh, though spiritually he was united flesh, though spiritually he was united with the father. End of chapter 3.

with the father. End of chapter 3. with the father. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. But these things I warn you, Chapter 4. But these things I warn you, Chapter 4. But these things I warn you, dearly beloved, knowing that ye dearly beloved, knowing that ye dearly beloved, knowing that ye yourselves are so minded. How be it, I yourselves are so minded. How be it, I yourselves are so minded. How be it, I watch over you be times to protect you watch over you be times to protect you watch over you be times to protect you from wild beasts in human form, men whom from wild beasts in human form, men whom from wild beasts in human form, men whom not only should ye not receive, but if not only should ye not receive, but if not only should ye not receive, but if it were possible, not so much as meet it were possible, not so much as meet it were possible, not so much as meet them. only pray ye for them if happily them. only pray ye for them if happily them. only pray ye for them if happily they may repent. This indeed is they may repent. This indeed is they may repent. This indeed is difficult, but Jesus Christ our true difficult, but Jesus Christ our true difficult, but Jesus Christ our true life hath power over it. For if these life hath power over it. For if these life hath power over it. For if these things were done by our Lord in things were done by our Lord in things were done by our Lord in semblance, then am I also a prisoner in semblance, then am I also a prisoner in semblance, then am I also a prisoner in semblance? And why then have I delivered semblance? And why then have I delivered semblance? And why then have I delivered myself over to death, unto fire, unto myself over to death, unto fire, unto myself over to death, unto fire, unto sword, unto wild beasts, but near to the sword, unto wild beasts, but near to the sword, unto wild beasts, but near to the sword, near to God, in company with wild sword, near to God, in company with wild sword, near to God, in company with wild beasts in company with God. only let it beasts in company with God. only let it beasts in company with God. only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ so that be in the name of Jesus Christ so that be in the name of Jesus Christ so that we may suffer together with him. I we may suffer together with him. I we may suffer together with him. I endure all things seeing that he himself endure all things seeing that he himself endure all things seeing that he himself enableth me who is perfect man. End of enableth me who is perfect man. End of enableth me who is perfect man. End of chapter 4 chapter 5. But certain persons chapter 4 chapter 5. But certain persons chapter 4 chapter 5. But certain persons ignorantly deny him or rather have been ignorantly deny him or rather have been ignorantly deny him or rather have been denied by him being advocates of death denied by him being advocates of death denied by him being advocates of death rather than of the truth and they have rather than of the truth and they have rather than of the truth and they have not been persuaded by the prophecies nor not been persuaded by the prophecies nor not been persuaded by the prophecies nor by the law of Moses. Nay, nor even to by the law of Moses. Nay, nor even to by the law of Moses. Nay, nor even to this very hour by the gospel, nor by the this very hour by the gospel, nor by the this very hour by the gospel, nor by the sufferings of each of us severally. For sufferings of each of us severally. For sufferings of each of us severally. For they are of the same mind also they are of the same mind also they are of the same mind also concerning us. For what profit is it to concerning us. For what profit is it to concerning us. For what profit is it to me, if a man praiseth me, but me, if a man praiseth me, but me, if a man praiseth me, but blasphemeth my Lord, not confessing that

blasphemeth my Lord, not confessing that blasphemeth my Lord, not confessing that he was a bearer of he was a bearer of he was a bearer of flesh. Yet he that affirmeth not this, flesh. Yet he that affirmeth not this, flesh. Yet he that affirmeth not this, doth thereby deny him altogether, being doth thereby deny him altogether, being doth thereby deny him altogether, being himself a bearer of a corpse. But their himself a bearer of a corpse. But their himself a bearer of a corpse. But their names being unbelievers, I have not names being unbelievers, I have not names being unbelievers, I have not thought fit to record in writing. Nay, thought fit to record in writing. Nay, thought fit to record in writing. Nay, far be it from me, even to remember them far be it from me, even to remember them far be it from me, even to remember them until they repent and return to the until they repent and return to the until they repent and return to the passion which is our resurrection. End passion which is our resurrection. End passion which is our resurrection. End of chapter 5. Chapter 6. Let no man be of chapter 5. Chapter 6. Let no man be of chapter 5. Chapter 6. Let no man be deceived, even the heavenly beings, and deceived, even the heavenly beings, and deceived, even the heavenly beings, and the glory of the angels, and the rulers, the glory of the angels, and the rulers, the glory of the angels, and the rulers, visible and invisible, if they believe visible and invisible, if they believe visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, who is God, not in the blood of Christ, who is God, not in the blood of Christ, who is God, judgment awaitth them also. He that judgment awaitth them also. He that judgment awaitth them also. He that receiveth, let him receive. Let not receiveth, let him receive. Let not receiveth, let him receive. Let not office puff up any man. For faith and office puff up any man. For faith and office puff up any man. For faith and love are all in all, and nothing is love are all in all, and nothing is love are all in all, and nothing is preferred before them. But mark ye those preferred before them. But mark ye those preferred before them. But mark ye those who hold strange doctrine, touching the who hold strange doctrine, touching the who hold strange doctrine, touching the grace of Jesus Christ, which came to us, grace of Jesus Christ, which came to us, grace of Jesus Christ, which came to us, how that they are contrary to the mind how that they are contrary to the mind how that they are contrary to the mind of God. They have no care for love. None of God. They have no care for love. None of God. They have no care for love. None for the widow. None for the orphan. None for the widow. None for the orphan. None for the widow. None for the orphan. None for the afflicted. None for the for the afflicted. None for the for the afflicted. None for the prisoner. None for the hungry or prisoner. None for the hungry or prisoner. None for the hungry or thirsty. They abstain from Eucharist, thirsty. They abstain from Eucharist, thirsty. They abstain from Eucharist, thanksgiving, and prayer because they thanksgiving, and prayer because they thanksgiving, and prayer because they allow not that the Eucharist is the allow not that the Eucharist is the allow not that the Eucharist is the flesh of our savior Jesus Christ, which flesh of our savior Jesus Christ, which flesh of our savior Jesus Christ, which flesh suffered for our sins, and which flesh suffered for our sins, and which flesh suffered for our sins, and which the father of his goodness raised up.

the father of his goodness raised up. the father of his goodness raised up. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. They therefore that gain say the good They therefore that gain say the good They therefore that gain say the good gift of God perish by their gift of God perish by their gift of God perish by their questionings. But it were expedient for questionings. But it were expedient for questionings. But it were expedient for them to have love that they may also them to have love that they may also them to have love that they may also rise again. It is therefore meat that ye rise again. It is therefore meat that ye rise again. It is therefore meat that ye should abstain from such and not speak should abstain from such and not speak should abstain from such and not speak of them either privately or in public, of them either privately or in public, of them either privately or in public, but should give heed to the prophets and but should give heed to the prophets and but should give heed to the prophets and especially to the gospel wherein the especially to the gospel wherein the especially to the gospel wherein the passion is shown unto us and the passion is shown unto us and the passion is shown unto us and the resurrection is accomplished. End of resurrection is accomplished. End of resurrection is accomplished. End of chapter 7. Chapter 8. But shun divisions chapter 7. Chapter 8. But shun divisions chapter 7. Chapter 8. But shun divisions as the beginning of evils. Do ye all as the beginning of evils. Do ye all as the beginning of evils. Do ye all follow your bishop as Jesus Christ follow your bishop as Jesus Christ follow your bishop as Jesus Christ followed the father and the presbyatory followed the father and the presbyatory followed the father and the presbyatory as the apostles and to the deacons pay as the apostles and to the deacons pay as the apostles and to the deacons pay respect as to God's commandment. Let no respect as to God's commandment. Let no respect as to God's commandment. Let no man do ought of things pertaining to the man do ought of things pertaining to the man do ought of things pertaining to the church apart from the bishop. Let that church apart from the bishop. Let that church apart from the bishop. Let that be held a valid eukarist which is under be held a valid eukarist which is under be held a valid eukarist which is under the bishop or one to whom he shall have the bishop or one to whom he shall have the bishop or one to whom he shall have committed it. Wheresoever the bishop committed it. Wheresoever the bishop committed it. Wheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the people be, shall appear, there let the people be, shall appear, there let the people be, even as where Jesus may be, there is the even as where Jesus may be, there is the even as where Jesus may be, there is the universal church. It is not lawful apart universal church. It is not lawful apart universal church. It is not lawful apart from the bishop, either to baptize or to from the bishop, either to baptize or to from the bishop, either to baptize or to hold a love feast. But whatsoever he hold a love feast. But whatsoever he hold a love feast. But whatsoever he shall approve, this is well pleasing shall approve, this is well pleasing shall approve, this is well pleasing also to God, that everything which ye do also to God, that everything which ye do also to God, that everything which ye do may be sure and valid. End of chapter 8.

may be sure and valid. End of chapter 8. may be sure and valid. End of chapter 8. Chapter 9. It is reasonable henceforth Chapter 9. It is reasonable henceforth Chapter 9. It is reasonable henceforth that we wake to soberness while we have that we wake to soberness while we have that we wake to soberness while we have still time to repent and turn to God. It still time to repent and turn to God. It still time to repent and turn to God. It is good to recognize God and the bishop. is good to recognize God and the bishop. is good to recognize God and the bishop. He that honorth the bishop is honored of He that honorth the bishop is honored of He that honorth the bishop is honored of God. He that doeth ought without the God. He that doeth ought without the God. He that doeth ought without the knowledge of the bishop renderth service knowledge of the bishop renderth service knowledge of the bishop renderth service to the devil. May all things therefore to the devil. May all things therefore to the devil. May all things therefore abound unto you in grace. For ye are abound unto you in grace. For ye are abound unto you in grace. For ye are worthy. Ye refreshed me in all things worthy. Ye refreshed me in all things worthy. Ye refreshed me in all things and Jesus Christ shall refresh you in my and Jesus Christ shall refresh you in my and Jesus Christ shall refresh you in my absence and in my presence ye cherished absence and in my presence ye cherished absence and in my presence ye cherished me. May God recompense you for whose me. May God recompense you for whose me. May God recompense you for whose sake if ye endure all things ye shall sake if ye endure all things ye shall sake if ye endure all things ye shall attain unto him. End of chapter 9 attain unto him. End of chapter 9 attain unto him. End of chapter 9 chapter 10. Pho and Reyes Agathopus who chapter 10. Pho and Reyes Agathopus who chapter 10. Pho and Reyes Agathopus who followed me in the cause of God. ye did followed me in the cause of God. ye did followed me in the cause of God. ye did well to receive as ministers of Christ well to receive as ministers of Christ well to receive as ministers of Christ God, who also give thanks to the Lord God, who also give thanks to the Lord God, who also give thanks to the Lord for you, because ye refreshed them in for you, because ye refreshed them in for you, because ye refreshed them in every way. Nothing shall be lost to you. every way. Nothing shall be lost to you. every way. Nothing shall be lost to you. My spirit is devoted for you, as also My spirit is devoted for you, as also My spirit is devoted for you, as also are my bonds, which ye despised not, are my bonds, which ye despised not, are my bonds, which ye despised not, neither were ashamed of them, nor shall neither were ashamed of them, nor shall neither were ashamed of them, nor shall he, who is perfect faithfulness, be he, who is perfect faithfulness, be he, who is perfect faithfulness, be ashamed of you, even Jesus Christ. End ashamed of you, even Jesus Christ. End ashamed of you, even Jesus Christ. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11.

of chapter 10. Chapter 11. of chapter 10. Chapter 11. Your prayer sped forth unto the church Your prayer sped forth unto the church Your prayer sped forth unto the church which is in Antioch of Syria whence which is in Antioch of Syria whence which is in Antioch of Syria whence coming a prisoner in most godly bonds I coming a prisoner in most godly bonds I coming a prisoner in most godly bonds I salute all men though I am not worthy to salute all men though I am not worthy to salute all men though I am not worthy to belong to it being the very last of them belong to it being the very last of them belong to it being the very last of them by the divine will was this vouch safe by the divine will was this vouch safe by the divine will was this vouch safe to me not of my own complicity but by to me not of my own complicity but by to me not of my own complicity but by God's grace which I pray may be given to God's grace which I pray may be given to God's grace which I pray may be given to me perfectly that through your prayers I me perfectly that through your prayers I me perfectly that through your prayers I may attain unto God. Therefore, that may attain unto God. Therefore, that may attain unto God. Therefore, that your work may be perfected both on earth your work may be perfected both on earth your work may be perfected both on earth and in heaven. It is meat that your and in heaven. It is meat that your and in heaven. It is meat that your church should appoint for the honor of church should appoint for the honor of church should appoint for the honor of God, an ambassador of God, that he may God, an ambassador of God, that he may God, an ambassador of God, that he may go as far as Syria, and congratulate go as far as Syria, and congratulate go as far as Syria, and congratulate them, because they are at peace, and them, because they are at peace, and them, because they are at peace, and have recovered their proper stature, and have recovered their proper stature, and have recovered their proper stature, and their proper bulk hath been restored to their proper bulk hath been restored to their proper bulk hath been restored to them. It seemed to me therefore a them. It seemed to me therefore a them. It seemed to me therefore a fitting thing that ye should send one of fitting thing that ye should send one of fitting thing that ye should send one of your own people with a letter, that he your own people with a letter, that he your own people with a letter, that he might join with them in giving glory for might join with them in giving glory for might join with them in giving glory for the calm which by God's will had the calm which by God's will had the calm which by God's will had overtaken them. And because they were overtaken them. And because they were overtaken them. And because they were already reaching a haven through your already reaching a haven through your already reaching a haven through your prayers, seeing ye are perfect, let your prayers, seeing ye are perfect, let your prayers, seeing ye are perfect, let your counselss also be perfect. For if ye counselss also be perfect. For if ye counselss also be perfect. For if ye desire to do well, God is ready to grant desire to do well, God is ready to grant desire to do well, God is ready to grant the means. End of chapter 11. Chapter the means. End of chapter 11. Chapter the means. End of chapter 11. Chapter 12. The love of the brethren which are 12. The love of the brethren which are 12. The love of the brethren which are in Trrowass saluteth you from whence in Trrowass saluteth you from whence in Trrowass saluteth you from whence also I write to you by the hand of Burus also I write to you by the hand of Burus also I write to you by the hand of Burus whom ye sent with me jointly with the whom ye sent with me jointly with the whom ye sent with me jointly with the Ephesians your brethren. He hath Ephesians your brethren. He hath Ephesians your brethren. He hath refreshed me in all ways and I would refreshed me in all ways and I would refreshed me in all ways and I would that all imitated him for he is an

that all imitated him for he is an that all imitated him for he is an example of the ministry of God. The example of the ministry of God. The example of the ministry of God. The divine grace shall requite him in all divine grace shall requite him in all divine grace shall requite him in all things. I salute your godly bishop in things. I salute your godly bishop in things. I salute your godly bishop in your venerable presbyteratory and my your venerable presbyteratory and my your venerable presbyteratory and my fellow servants the deacons and all of fellow servants the deacons and all of fellow servants the deacons and all of you severally and in a body in the name you severally and in a body in the name you severally and in a body in the name of Jesus Christ and in his flesh and of Jesus Christ and in his flesh and of Jesus Christ and in his flesh and blood in his passion and resurrection blood in his passion and resurrection blood in his passion and resurrection which was both carnal and spiritual in which was both carnal and spiritual in which was both carnal and spiritual in the unity of God and of yourselves. the unity of God and of yourselves. the unity of God and of yourselves. Grace to you mercy peace patience Grace to you mercy peace patience Grace to you mercy peace patience always. End of chapter 12 chapter 13. I always. End of chapter 12 chapter 13. I always. End of chapter 12 chapter 13. I salute the households of my brethren salute the households of my brethren salute the households of my brethren with their wives and children and the with their wives and children and the with their wives and children and the virgins who are called widows. I bid you virgins who are called widows. I bid you virgins who are called widows. I bid you farewell in the power of the father. Pho farewell in the power of the father. Pho farewell in the power of the father. Pho who is with me saluteth you. I salute who is with me saluteth you. I salute who is with me saluteth you. I salute the household of Gavia and I pray that the household of Gavia and I pray that the household of Gavia and I pray that she may be grounded in faith and love she may be grounded in faith and love she may be grounded in faith and love both of flesh and of spirit. I salute a both of flesh and of spirit. I salute a both of flesh and of spirit. I salute a name very dear to me and Daphnes the name very dear to me and Daphnes the name very dear to me and Daphnes the incomparable and udicness and all by incomparable and udicness and all by incomparable and udicness and all by name. Fair ye well in the grace of God.

name. Fair ye well in the grace of God. name. Fair ye well in the grace of God. End of chapter 13. And also the end of End of chapter 13. And also the end of End of chapter 13. And also the end of the epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnians. The Epistle of Ignatius to Smyrnians. The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp. Shorter Polycarp. Shorter Polycarp. Shorter Recension. Lightfoot version. This is a Recension. Lightfoot version. This is a Recension. Lightfoot version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox LibriVox recording. All LibriVox LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For recordings are in the public domain. For recordings are in the public domain. For more information and to find out how you more information and to find out how you more information and to find out how you can volunteer, please visit can volunteer, please visit can volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. librivox.org. Recording by Sam Stinson. Chapter0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter0. Ignatius, who is also Chapter0. Ignatius, who is also Theopherus, unto Polycarp, who is bishop Theopherus, unto Polycarp, who is bishop Theopherus, unto Polycarp, who is bishop of the Church of the Smyrnians, or of the Church of the Smyrnians, or of the Church of the Smyrnians, or rather who hath for his bishop God the rather who hath for his bishop God the rather who hath for his bishop God the Father and Jesus Christ, abundant Father and Jesus Christ, abundant Father and Jesus Christ, abundant greeting. End of chapter 0. Chapter 1. greeting. End of chapter 0. Chapter 1. greeting. End of chapter 0. Chapter 1. Welcoming thy godly mind which is Welcoming thy godly mind which is Welcoming thy godly mind which is grounded as it were on an immovable grounded as it were on an immovable grounded as it were on an immovable rock. I give exceeding glory that it rock. I give exceeding glory that it rock. I give exceeding glory that it hath been vouch safe me to see thy hath been vouch safe me to see thy hath been vouch safe me to see thy blameless face whereof I would fain have blameless face whereof I would fain have blameless face whereof I would fain have joy in God. I exhort thee in the grace joy in God. I exhort thee in the grace joy in God. I exhort thee in the grace wherewith thou art clothed to press wherewith thou art clothed to press wherewith thou art clothed to press forward in thy course and to exhort all forward in thy course and to exhort all forward in thy course and to exhort all men that they may be saved. Vindicate men that they may be saved. Vindicate men that they may be saved. Vindicate thine office in all diligence of flesh thine office in all diligence of flesh thine office in all diligence of flesh and of spirit. Have a care for union and of spirit. Have a care for union and of spirit. Have a care for union than which there is nothing better. Bear than which there is nothing better. Bear than which there is nothing better. Bear all men as the Lord also beareth thee.

all men as the Lord also beareth thee. all men as the Lord also beareth thee. Suffer all men in love as also thou Suffer all men in love as also thou Suffer all men in love as also thou doest. Give thyself to unceasing doest. Give thyself to unceasing doest. Give thyself to unceasing prayers. Ask for larger wisdom than thou prayers. Ask for larger wisdom than thou prayers. Ask for larger wisdom than thou hast. Be watchful and keep thy spirit hast. Be watchful and keep thy spirit hast. Be watchful and keep thy spirit from slumbering. Speak to each man from slumbering. Speak to each man from slumbering. Speak to each man severally after the manner of God. Bear severally after the manner of God. Bear severally after the manner of God. Bear the maladies of all as a perfect the maladies of all as a perfect the maladies of all as a perfect athlete. Where there is more toil, there athlete. Where there is more toil, there athlete. Where there is more toil, there is much gain. End of chapter 1. Chapter is much gain. End of chapter 1. Chapter is much gain. End of chapter 1. Chapter 2. If thou lovest good scholars, this is 2. If thou lovest good scholars, this is 2. If thou lovest good scholars, this is not thankworthy in thee. Rather, bring not thankworthy in thee. Rather, bring not thankworthy in thee. Rather, bring the more pestilent to submission by the more pestilent to submission by the more pestilent to submission by gentleness. All wounds are not healed by gentleness. All wounds are not healed by gentleness. All wounds are not healed by the same sav. Allay sharp pains by the same sav. Allay sharp pains by the same sav. Allay sharp pains by fermentations. Be thou prudent as the fermentations. Be thou prudent as the fermentations. Be thou prudent as the serpent in all things, and guileless serpent in all things, and guileless serpent in all things, and guileless always as the dove. Therefore art thou always as the dove. Therefore art thou always as the dove. Therefore art thou made of flesh and spirit, that thou made of flesh and spirit, that thou made of flesh and spirit, that thou mayest humor the things which appear mayest humor the things which appear mayest humor the things which appear before thine eyes. And as for the before thine eyes. And as for the before thine eyes. And as for the invisible things, pray thou that they invisible things, pray thou that they invisible things, pray thou that they may be revealed unto thee, that thou may be revealed unto thee, that thou may be revealed unto thee, that thou mayest be lacking in nothing, but mayest mayest be lacking in nothing, but mayest mayest be lacking in nothing, but mayest abound in every spiritual gift. The abound in every spiritual gift. The abound in every spiritual gift. The season requireth thee, as pilots require season requireth thee, as pilots require season requireth thee, as pilots require winds, or as a stormtossed mariner a winds, or as a stormtossed mariner a winds, or as a stormtossed mariner a haven, that it may attain unto God. Be haven, that it may attain unto God. Be haven, that it may attain unto God. Be sober as God's athlete. The prize is sober as God's athlete. The prize is sober as God's athlete. The prize is incorruption and life eternal concerning incorruption and life eternal concerning incorruption and life eternal concerning which thou also art persuaded. In all which thou also art persuaded. In all which thou also art persuaded. In all things I am devoted to thee. I and my things I am devoted to thee. I and my things I am devoted to thee. I and my bonds which thou didest cherish. End of bonds which thou didest cherish. End of bonds which thou didest cherish. End of chapter 2. Chapter 3. Let not those that

chapter 2. Chapter 3. Let not those that chapter 2. Chapter 3. Let not those that seem to be plausible and yet teach seem to be plausible and yet teach seem to be plausible and yet teach strange doctrine dismay thee. Stand thou strange doctrine dismay thee. Stand thou strange doctrine dismay thee. Stand thou firm as an anvil when it is smitten. It firm as an anvil when it is smitten. It firm as an anvil when it is smitten. It is the part of a great athlete to is the part of a great athlete to is the part of a great athlete to receive blows and be victorious. receive blows and be victorious. receive blows and be victorious. But especially must we for God's sake But especially must we for God's sake But especially must we for God's sake endure all things that he also may endure all things that he also may endure all things that he also may endure us. Be thou more diligent than endure us. Be thou more diligent than endure us. Be thou more diligent than thou art. Mark the seasons. Await him thou art. Mark the seasons. Await him thou art. Mark the seasons. Await him that is above every season. The eternal, that is above every season. The eternal, that is above every season. The eternal, the invisible, who became visible for the invisible, who became visible for the invisible, who became visible for our sake, the impalpable, the our sake, the impalpable, the our sake, the impalpable, the impassible, who suffered for our sake, impassible, who suffered for our sake, impassible, who suffered for our sake, who endured in all ways for our sake. who endured in all ways for our sake. who endured in all ways for our sake. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. Let not End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. Let not End of chapter 3. Chapter 4. Let not widows be neglected after the Lord. Be widows be neglected after the Lord. Be widows be neglected after the Lord. Be thou their protector. Let nothing be thou their protector. Let nothing be thou their protector. Let nothing be done without thy consent. Neither do done without thy consent. Neither do done without thy consent. Neither do thou anything without the consent of thou anything without the consent of thou anything without the consent of God, as indeed thou doest not. Be God, as indeed thou doest not. Be God, as indeed thou doest not. Be steadfast. Let meetings be held more steadfast. Let meetings be held more steadfast. Let meetings be held more frequently. Seek out all men by name. frequently. Seek out all men by name. frequently. Seek out all men by name. Despise not slaves, whether men or Despise not slaves, whether men or Despise not slaves, whether men or women, yet let not these again be puffed women, yet let not these again be puffed women, yet let not these again be puffed up, but let them serve the more up, but let them serve the more up, but let them serve the more faithfully to the glory of God, that faithfully to the glory of God, that faithfully to the glory of God, that they may obtain a better freedom from they may obtain a better freedom from they may obtain a better freedom from God. Let them not desire to be set free God. Let them not desire to be set free God. Let them not desire to be set free at the public cost, lest they be found at the public cost, lest they be found at the public cost, lest they be found slaves of lust. End of chapter 4, slaves of lust. End of chapter 4, slaves of lust. End of chapter 4, chapter 5. Flee evil arts, or rather chapter 5. Flee evil arts, or rather chapter 5. Flee evil arts, or rather hold thou discourse about these. Tell my hold thou discourse about these. Tell my hold thou discourse about these. Tell my sisters to love the Lord and to be sisters to love the Lord and to be sisters to love the Lord and to be content with their husbands in flesh and content with their husbands in flesh and content with their husbands in flesh and in spirit. In like manner also charge my

in spirit. In like manner also charge my in spirit. In like manner also charge my brothers in the name of Jesus Christ to brothers in the name of Jesus Christ to brothers in the name of Jesus Christ to love their wives as the Lord loved the love their wives as the Lord loved the love their wives as the Lord loved the church. If anyone is able to abide in church. If anyone is able to abide in church. If anyone is able to abide in chastity to the honor of the flesh of chastity to the honor of the flesh of chastity to the honor of the flesh of the Lord, let him so abide without the Lord, let him so abide without the Lord, let him so abide without boasting. If he boast, he is lost. And boasting. If he boast, he is lost. And boasting. If he boast, he is lost. And if it be known beyond the bishop, he is if it be known beyond the bishop, he is if it be known beyond the bishop, he is polluted. It becometh men and women too polluted. It becometh men and women too polluted. It becometh men and women too when they marry to unite themselves with when they marry to unite themselves with when they marry to unite themselves with the consent of the bishop that the the consent of the bishop that the the consent of the bishop that the marriage may be after the Lord and not marriage may be after the Lord and not marriage may be after the Lord and not after concapisence. Let all things be after concapisence. Let all things be after concapisence. Let all things be done to the honor of God. End of chapter done to the honor of God. End of chapter done to the honor of God. End of chapter 5, chapter 6. Give ye heed to the bishop 5, chapter 6. Give ye heed to the bishop 5, chapter 6. Give ye heed to the bishop that God also may give heed to you. I am that God also may give heed to you. I am that God also may give heed to you. I am devoted to those who are subject to the devoted to those who are subject to the devoted to those who are subject to the bishop, the presbbittors, the deacons. bishop, the presbbittors, the deacons. bishop, the presbbittors, the deacons. May it be granted me to have my portion May it be granted me to have my portion May it be granted me to have my portion with them in the presence of God. Toil with them in the presence of God. Toil with them in the presence of God. Toil together one with another, struggle together one with another, struggle together one with another, struggle together, run together, suffer together, together, run together, suffer together, together, run together, suffer together, lie down together, rise up together as lie down together, rise up together as lie down together, rise up together as God's stewards and assessors and God's stewards and assessors and God's stewards and assessors and ministers. Please the captain in whose ministers. Please the captain in whose ministers. Please the captain in whose army ye serve, from whom also ye will army ye serve, from whom also ye will army ye serve, from whom also ye will receive your pay. Let none of you be receive your pay. Let none of you be receive your pay. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism abide found a deserter. Let your baptism abide found a deserter. Let your baptism abide with you as your shield, your faith as with you as your shield, your faith as with you as your shield, your faith as your helmet, your love as your spear, your helmet, your love as your spear, your helmet, your love as your spear, your patience as your body armor. Let your patience as your body armor. Let your patience as your body armor. Let your works be your deposits, that ye may your works be your deposits, that ye may your works be your deposits, that ye may receive your assets due to you. Be ye receive your assets due to you. Be ye receive your assets due to you. Be ye therefore long-suffering one with therefore long-suffering one with therefore long-suffering one with another in gentleness, as God is with another in gentleness, as God is with another in gentleness, as God is with you. May I have joy of you always. End

you. May I have joy of you always. End you. May I have joy of you always. End of chapter 6. Chapter 7. Seeing that the of chapter 6. Chapter 7. Seeing that the of chapter 6. Chapter 7. Seeing that the church which is in Antioch of Syria hath church which is in Antioch of Syria hath church which is in Antioch of Syria hath peace, as it hath been reported to me peace, as it hath been reported to me peace, as it hath been reported to me through your prayers, I myself also have through your prayers, I myself also have through your prayers, I myself also have been the more comforted since God hath been the more comforted since God hath been the more comforted since God hath banished my care. If so be, I may banished my care. If so be, I may banished my care. If so be, I may through suffering attain unto God, that through suffering attain unto God, that through suffering attain unto God, that I may be found a disciple through your I may be found a disciple through your I may be found a disciple through your intercession. It becometh thee, most intercession. It becometh thee, most intercession. It becometh thee, most blessed Polycarp, to call together a blessed Polycarp, to call together a blessed Polycarp, to call together a godly council, and to elect someone godly council, and to elect someone godly council, and to elect someone among you, who is very dear to you, and among you, who is very dear to you, and among you, who is very dear to you, and zealous also, who shall be fit to bear zealous also, who shall be fit to bear zealous also, who shall be fit to bear the name of God's courier, to appoint the name of God's courier, to appoint the name of God's courier, to appoint him, I say, that he may go to Syria, and him, I say, that he may go to Syria, and him, I say, that he may go to Syria, and glorify your zealous love unto the glory glorify your zealous love unto the glory glorify your zealous love unto the glory of of of God. A Christian hath no authority over God. A Christian hath no authority over God. A Christian hath no authority over himself, but giveth his time to God. himself, but giveth his time to God. himself, but giveth his time to God. This is God's work and yours also when This is God's work and yours also when This is God's work and yours also when ye shall complete it. For I trust in the ye shall complete it. For I trust in the ye shall complete it. For I trust in the divine grace that ye are ready for an divine grace that ye are ready for an divine grace that ye are ready for an act of welloing which is meat for God. act of welloing which is meat for God. act of welloing which is meat for God. Knowing the fervor of your sincerity, I Knowing the fervor of your sincerity, I Knowing the fervor of your sincerity, I have exhorted you in a short letter. End have exhorted you in a short letter. End have exhorted you in a short letter. End of chapter 7. Chapter 8. Since I have of chapter 7. Chapter 8. Since I have of chapter 7. Chapter 8. Since I have not been able to write to all the not been able to write to all the not been able to write to all the churches by reason of my sailing churches by reason of my sailing churches by reason of my sailing suddenly from Trrowass to Neapolis as suddenly from Trrowass to Neapolis as suddenly from Trrowass to Neapolis as the divine will enjointh, thou shalt the divine will enjointh, thou shalt the divine will enjointh, thou shalt write to the churches in front as one write to the churches in front as one write to the churches in front as one possessing the mind of God to the intent possessing the mind of God to the intent possessing the mind of God to the intent that they also may do this same thing.

that they also may do this same thing. that they also may do this same thing. Let those who are able send messengers Let those who are able send messengers Let those who are able send messengers and the rest letters by the persons who and the rest letters by the persons who and the rest letters by the persons who are sent by thee, that ye may be are sent by thee, that ye may be are sent by thee, that ye may be glorified by an ever memorable deed. For glorified by an ever memorable deed. For glorified by an ever memorable deed. For this is worthy of thee. I salute all by this is worthy of thee. I salute all by this is worthy of thee. I salute all by name and especially the wife of name and especially the wife of name and especially the wife of Epitrophus with her whole household and Epitrophus with her whole household and Epitrophus with her whole household and her childrens. I salute Atalus my her childrens. I salute Atalus my her childrens. I salute Atalus my beloved. I salute him that shall be beloved. I salute him that shall be beloved. I salute him that shall be appointed to go to Syria. Grace shall be appointed to go to Syria. Grace shall be appointed to go to Syria. Grace shall be with him always and with Polycarp who with him always and with Polycarp who with him always and with Polycarp who sendeth him. I bid you farewell always sendeth him. I bid you farewell always sendeth him. I bid you farewell always in our God Jesus Christ in whom abide ye in our God Jesus Christ in whom abide ye in our God Jesus Christ in whom abide ye in the unity and supervision of God. I in the unity and supervision of God. I in the unity and supervision of God. I salute else a name very dear to me. Fair salute else a name very dear to me. Fair salute else a name very dear to me. Fair ye well in the Lord. End of chapter 8. ye well in the Lord. End of chapter 8. ye well in the Lord. End of chapter 8. And also the end of the epistle of And also the end of the epistle of And also the end of the epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp.