THE
EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO POLYCARP(1): Syriac Version
Ignatius, who is [also called] Theophorus, to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, or
rather, who has as his own bishop God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ:
[wishes] abundance of happiness.
CHAP. I.
BECAUSE thy mind is acceptable to me, inasmuch as it is established in God,
as on a rock which is immoveable, I glorify God the more exceedingly that I
have been counted worthy of [seeing] thy face, which I longed after in God.
Now I beseech thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to add [speed]
to thy course, and that thou ever pray for all men that they may be saved,
and that thou demand(2) things which are befitting, with all assiduity both
of the flesh and spirit. Be studious of unity, than which nothing is more
precious. Bear with all men, even as our Lord beareth with thee. Show
patience(3) with all men in love, as [indeed] thou doest. Be stedfast in
prayer. Ask for more understanding than that which thou [already] hast. Be
watchful, as possessing a spirit which sleepeth not. Speak with every man
according to the will of God. Bear the infirmities of all men as a perfect
athlete; for where the labour is great, the gain is also great.
CHAP. II.
If thou lovest the good disciples only, thou hast no grace; [but] rather
subdue those that are evil by gentleness. All [sorts of] wounds are not
healed by the same medicine. Mitigate [the pain of] cutting(4) by
tenderness. Be wise as the serpent in everything, and innocent, with respect
to those things which are requisite, even as the dove. For this reason thou
art [composed] of both flesh and spirit, that thou mayest entice s those
things which are visible before thy face, and mayest ask, as to those which
are concealed from thee, that they [too] may be revealed to thee, in order
that thou be deficient in nothing, and mayest abound in all gifts. The time
demands, even as a pilot does a ship, and as one who stands exposed to the
tempest does a haven, that thou shouldst be worthy of God. Be thou watchful
as an athlete of God. That which is promised to us is life eternal, which
cannot be corrupted, of which things thou art also persuaded. In everything
I will be instead(6) of thy soul, and my bonds which thou hast loved.
CHAP. III.
Let not those who seem to be somewhat, and teach strange doctrines, strike
thee with apprehension; but stand thou in the truth, as an athlete(7) who is
smitten, for it is [the part] of a great athlete to be smitten, and [yet]
conquer. More especially is it fitting that we should bear everything for
the sake of God, that He also may bear us. Be [still] more diligent than
thou yet art. Be discerning of the times. Look for Him that is above the
times, Him who has no times, Him who is invisible, Him who for our sakes
became visible, Him who is impalpable, Him who is impassible, Him who for
our sakes suffered, Him who endured everything in every form for our sakes.
CHAP. IV.
Let not the widows be overlooked; on account of(8) our Lord be thou their
guardian, and let nothing be done without thy will; also do thou nothing
without the will of God, as indeed thou doest not. Stand rightly. Let there
be frequent(9) assemblies: ask every man [to them] by his name. Despise not
slaves, either male or female; but neither let them be contemptuous, but let
them labour the more as for the glory of God, that they may be counted
worthy of a more precious freedom, which is of God. Let them not desire to
be set free out of the common [fund], lest they be found the slaves of lust.
CHAP. V.
Flee wicked arts; but all the more discourse regarding them. Speak to my
sisters, that they love in our Lord, and that their husbands be sufficient
for them in the flesh and spirit. Then, again, charge my brethren in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, as our Lord His
Church. If any man is able in power to continue in purity,(1) to the honour
of the flesh of our Lord, let him continue so without boasting; if he
boasts, he is undone; if he become known apart from the bishop, he has
destroyed himself.(2) It is becoming, therefore, to men and women who marry,
that they marry with the counsel of the bishop, that the marriage may be in
our Lord, and not in lust. Let everything, therefore, be [done] for the
honour of God. CHAP. VI.
Look ye to the bishop, that God also may look upon you. I will be instead of
the souls of those who are subject to the bishop, and the presbyters, and
the deacons; with them may I have a portion in the presence of God! Labour
together with one another, act as athletes(3) together, run together, suffer
together, sleep together, rise together. As stewards of God, and of His
household,(4) and His servants, please Him and serve Him, that ye may
receive from Him the wages [promised]. Let none of you be rebellious. Let
your baptism be to you as armour, and faith as a spear, and love as a
helmet, and patience as a panoply. Let your treasures be your good works,
that ye may receive the gift of God, as is just. Let your spirit be
long-suffering towards each other with meekness, even as God [is] toward
you. As for me, I rejoice in you at all times.
CHAP. VII.
The Christian has not power over himself, but is [ever] ready to be subject
to God.(5)
CHAP. VIII.
I salute him who is reckoned worthy to go to
Antioch in my stead, as I commanded thee.(5)
