Introductory Note to the Spurious Epistles of Ignatius
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Text edited by Rev. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson and
first published by T&T Clark in Edinburgh in 1867. Additional
introductionary material and notes provided for the American
edition by A. Cleveland Coxe, 1886.
To the following introductory note of the translators nothing need be
prefixed, except a grateful acknowledgment of the value of their labours and
of their good judgment in giving us even these spurious writings for
purposes of comparison. They have thus placed the materials for a complete
understanding of the whole subject, before students who have a mind to
subject it to a thorough and candid examination.
The following is the original Introductory Notice:
We formerly stated that eight out of the fifteen Epistles bearing the name
of Ignatius are now universally admitted to be spurious. None of them are
quoted or referred to by any ancient writer previous to the sixth century.
The style, moreover, in which they are written, so different from that of
the other Ignatian letters, and allusions which they contain to heresies and
ecclesiastical arrangements of a much later date than that of their
professed author, render it perfectly certain that they are not the
authentic production of the illustrious bishop of Antioch.
We cannot tell when or by whom these Epistles were fabricated. They have
been thought to betray the same hand as the longer and interpolated form of
the seven Epistles which are generally regarded as genuine. And some have
conceived that the writer who gave forth to the world the Apostolic
Constitutions under the name of Clement, was probably the author of these
letters falsely ascribed to Ignatius, as well as of the longer recension of
the seven Epistles which are mentioned by Eusebius.
It was a considerable time before editors in modern times began to
discriminate between the true and the false in the writings attributed to
Ignatius. The letters first published under his name were those three which
exist only in Latin. These came forth in 1495 at Paris, being appended to a
life of Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. Some three years later, eleven
Epistles, comprising those mentioned by Eusebius, and four others, were
published in Latin, and passed through four or five editions. In 1536, the
whole of the professedly Ignatian letters were published at Cologne in a
Latin version; and this collection also passed through several editions. It
was not till 1557 that the Ignatian Epistles appeared for the first time in
Greek at Dillingen. After this date many editions came forth, in which the
probably genuine were still mixed up with the certainly spurious, the three
Latin letters, only being rejected as destitute of authority. Vedelius of
Geneva first made the distinction which is now universally accepted, in an
edition of these Epistles which he published in 1623; and he was followed by
Archbishop Usher and others, who entered more fully into that critical
examination of these writings which has been continued down even to our own
day.
The reader will have no difficulty in detecting the internal grounds on
which these eight letters are set aside as spurious. The difference of style
from the other Ignatian writings will strike him even in perusing the
English version which we have given, while it is of course much more marked
in the original. And other decisive proofs present themselves in every one
of the Epistles. In that to the Tarsians there is found a plain allusion to
the Sabellian heresy, which did not arise till after the middle of the third
century. In the Epistle to the Antiochians there is an enumeration of
various Church officers, who were certainly unknown at the period when
Ignatius lived. The Epistle to Hero plainly alludes to Manichæan errors, and
could not therefore have been written before the third century. There are
equally decisive proofs of spuriousness to be found in the Epistle to the
Philippians, such as the references it contains to the Patripassian heresy
originated by Praxeas in the latter part of the second century, and the
ecclesiastical feasts, etc., of which it makes mention. The letter to Maria
Cassobolita is of a very peculiar style, utterly alien from that of the
other Epistles ascribed to Ignatius. And it is sufficient simply to glance
at the short Epistles to St. John and the Virgin Mary, in order to see that
they carry the stamp of imposture on their front; and, indeed, no sooner
were they published than by almost universal consent they were rejected.
But though the additional Ignatian letters here given are confessedly
spurious, we have thought it not improper to present them to the English
reader in an appendix to our first volume. [1176] We have done so, because
they have been so closely connected with the name of the bishop of Antioch,
and also because they are in themselves not destitute of interest. We have,
moreover, the satisfaction of thus placing for the first time within the
reach of one acquainted only with our language, all the materials that have
entered into the protracted agitation of the famous Ignatian controversy.
Footnotes
[1176] [Spurious writings, if they can be traced to antiquity, are always
useful. Sometimes they are evidence of facts, always of opinions, ideas and
fancies of their date; and often they enable us to identify the origin of
corruptions. Even interpolations prove what later partisans would be glad to
find, if they could, in early writers. They bear unwilling testimony to the
absence of genuine evidence in favour of their assumptions.]
.
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Tarsians
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church which is at Tarsus,
saved in Christ, worthy of praise, worthy of remembrance, and worthy of
love: Mercy and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, be
ever multiplied.
Chapter I. His own sufferings: exhortation to stedfastness.
From Syria even unto Rome I fight with beasts: not that I am devoured by
brute beasts, for these, as ye know, by the will of God, spared Daniel, but
by beasts in the shape of men, in whom the merciless wild beast himself lies
hid, and pricks and wounds me day by day. But none of these hardships "move
me, neither count I my life dear unto myself," [1177] in such a way as to
love it better than the Lord. Wherefore I am prepared for [encountering]
fire, wild beasts, the sword or the cross, so that only I may see Christ my
Saviour and God, who died for me. I therefore, the prisoner of Christ, who
am driven along by land and sea, exhort you: "stand fast in the faith,"
[1178] and be ye steadfast, "for the just shall live by faith;" [1179] be ye
unwavering, for "the Lord causes those to dwell in a house who are of one
and the same character." [1180]
Footnotes
[1177] Acts xx. 24.
[1178] 1 Cor. xvi. 13.
[1179] Hab. ii. 4; Gal. iii. 11.
[1180] Ps. lxviii. 7 (after the LXX).
Chapter II. Cautions against false doctrine.
I have learned that certain of the ministers of Satan have wished to disturb
you, some of them asserting that Jesus was born [only [1181] ] in
appearance, was crucified in appearance, and died in appearance; others that
He is not the Son the Creator, and others that He is Himself God over all.
[1182] Others, again, hold that He is a mere man, and others that this flesh
is not to rise again, so that our proper course is to live and partake of a
life of pleasure, for that this is the chief good to beings who are in a
little while to perish. A swarm of such evils has burst in upon us. [1183]
But ye have not "given place by subjection to them, no, not for one hour."
[1184] For ye are the fellow-citizens as well as the disciples of Paul, who
"fully preached the Gospel from Jerusalem, and round about unto
Illyricum," [1185] and bare about "the marks of Christ" in his flesh. [1186]
Footnotes
[1181] Some omit this.
[1182] That is, as appears afterwards from chap. v., so as to have no
personality distinct from the Father.
[1183] The translation is here somewhat doubtful.
[1184] Gal. ii. 5.
[1185] Rom. xv. 19.
[1186] Gal. vi. 17.
Chapter III. The true doctrine respecting Christ.
Mindful of him, do ye by all means know that Jesus the Lord was truly born
of Mary, being made of a woman; and was as truly crucified. For, says he,
"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of the Lord Jesus."
[1187] And He really suffered, and died, and rose again. For says [Paul],
"If Christ should become passible, and should be the first to rise again
from the dead." [1188] And again, "In that He died, He died unto sin once:
but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God." [1189] Otherwise, what advantage
would there be in [becoming subject to] bonds, if Christ has not died? what
advantage in patience? what advantage in [enduring] stripes? And why such
facts as the following: Peter was crucified; Paul and James were slain with
the sword; John was banished to Patmos; Stephen was stoned to death by the
Jews who killed the Lord? But, [in truth,] none of these sufferings were in
vain; for the Lord was really crucified by the ungodly.
Footnotes
[1187] Gal. vi. 14.
[1188] Acts xxvi. 23 (somewhat inaccurately rendered in English version).
[1189] Rom. vi. 10.
Chapter IV. Continuation.
And [know ye, moreover], that He who was born of a woman was the Son of God,
and He that was crucified was "the first-born of every creature," [1190] and
God the Word, who also created all things. For says the apostle, "There is
one God, the Father, of whom are all things; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom are all things." [1191] And again, "For there is one God, and one
Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus;" [1192] and, "By Him
were all things created that are in heaven, and on earth, visible and
invisible; and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist."
[1193]
Footnotes
[1190] Col. i. 15.
[1191] 1 Cor. viii. 6.
[1192] 1 Tim. ii. 5.
[1193] Col. i. 16, 17.
Chapter V. Refutation of the previously mentioned errors.
And that He Himself is not God over all, and the Father, but His Son, He
[shows when He] says, "I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my
God and your God." [1194] And again, "When all things shall be subdued unto
Him, then shall He also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things
under Him, that God may be all in all." [1195] Wherefore it is one [Person]
who put all things under, and who is all in all, and another [Person] to
whom they were subdued, who also Himself, along with all other things,
becomes subject [to the former].
Footnotes
[1194] John xx. 17.
[1195] 1 Cor. xv. 28.
Chapter VI. Continuation.
Nor is He a mere man, by whom and in whom all things were made; for "all
things were made by Him." [1196] "When He made the heaven, I was present
with Him; and I was there with Him, forming [the world along with Him], and
He rejoiced in me daily." [1197] And how could a mere man be addressed in
such words as these: "Sit Thou at My right hand?" [1198] And how, again,
could such an one declare: "Before Abraham was, I am?" [1199] And, "Glorify
Me with Thy glory which I had before the world was?" [1200] What man could
ever say, "I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of
Him that sent Me?" [1201] And of what man could it be said, "He was the true
Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world: He was in the
world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came
unto His own, and His own received Him not?" [1202] How could such a one be
a mere man, receiving the beginning of His existence from Mary, and not
rather God the Word, and the only-begotten Son? For "in the beginning was
the Word, and the Word was with God, [1203] and the Word was God." [1204]
And in another place, "The Lord created Me, the beginning of His ways, for
His ways, for His works. Before the world did He found Me, and before all
the hills did He beget Me." [1205]
Footnotes
[1196] John i. 3.
[1197] Prov. viii. 27, 30.
[1198] Ps. cx. 1.
[1199] John viii. 58.
[1200] John xvii. 5.
[1201] John vi. 38.
[1202] John i. 9, 10, 11.
[1203] John i. 1.
[1204] Some insert here John i. 3.
[1205] Prov. viii. 22, 23, 25.
Chapter VII. Continuation.
And that our bodies are to rise again, He shows when He says, "Verily I say
unto you, that the hour cometh, in the which all that are in the graves
shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live."
[1206] And [says] the apostle, "For this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." [1207] And that we
must live soberly and righteously, he [shows when he] says again, "Be not
deceived: neither adulterers, nor effeminate persons, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, nor fornicators, nor revilers, nor drunkards, nor
thieves, can inherit the kingdom of God." [1208] And again, "If the dead
rise not, then is not Christ raised; our preaching therefore is vain, and
your faith is also vain: ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that are
fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in
Christ, we are of all men most miserable. If the dead rise not, let us eat
and drink, for to-morrow we die." [1209] But if such be our condition and
feelings, wherein shall we differ from asses and dogs, who have no care
about the future, but think only of eating, and of indulging [1210] such
appetites as follow after eating? For they are unacquainted with any
intelligence moving within them.
Footnotes
[1206] John v. 25, 28.
[1207] 1 Cor. xv. 53.
[1208] 1 Cor. vi. 9.
[1209] 1 Cor. xv. 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 32.
[1210] Literally, "coming also to the appetite of those things after
eating." The text is doubtful.
Chapter VIII. Exhortations to holiness and good order.
May I have joy of you in the Lord! Be ye sober. Lay aside, every one of you,
all malice and beast-like fury, evil-speaking, calumny, filthy speaking,
ribaldry, whispering, arrogance, drunkenness, lust, avarice, vainglory,
envy, and everything akin to these. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." [1211] Ye
presbyters, be subject to the bishop; ye deacons, to the presbyters; and ye,
the people, to the presbyters and the deacons. Let my soul be for theirs who
preserve this good order; and may the Lord be with them continually!
Footnotes
[1211] Rom. xiii. 14.
Chapter IX. Exhortations to the discharge of relative duties
Ye husbands, love your wives; and ye wives, your husbands. Ye children,
reverence your parents. Ye parents, "bring up your children in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord." [1212] Honour those [who continue] in
virginity, as the priestesses of Christ; and the widows [that persevere] in
gravity of behaviour, as the altar of God. Ye servants, wait upon your
masters with [respectful] fear. Ye masters, issue orders to your servants
with tenderness. Let no one among you be idle; for idleness is the mother of
want. I do not enjoin these things as being a person of any consequence,
although I am in bonds [for Christ]; but as a brother, I put you in mind of
them. The Lord be with you!
Footnotes
[1212] Eph. vi. 4.
Chapter X. Salutations.
May I enjoy your prayers! Pray ye that may attain to Jesus. I commend unto
you the Church which is at Antioch. The Churches of Philippi, [1213] whence
also I write to you, salute you. Philo, your deacon, to whom also I give
thanks as one who has zealously ministered to me in all things, salutes you.
Agathopus, the deacon from Syria, who follows me in Christ, salutes you.
"Salute ye one another with a holy kiss." [1214] I salute you all, both male
and female, who are in Christ. Fare ye well in body, and soul, and in one
Spirit; and do not ye forget me. The Lord be with you!
Footnotes
[1213] Literally, "of the Philippians."
[1214] 1 Pet. v. 14.
.
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Antiochians
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church sojourning in Syria,
which has obtained mercy from God, and been elected by Christ, and which
first [1215] received the name Christ, [wishes] happiness in God the Father,
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter I. Cautions against error.
The Lord has rendered my bonds light and easy since I learnt that you are in
peace, that you live in all harmony both of the flesh and spirit. "I
therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, [1216] beseech you, that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called," [1217] guarding against those
heresies of the wicked one which have broken in upon us, to the deceiving
and destruction of those that accept of them; but that ye give heed to the
doctrine of the apostles, and believe both the law and the prophets: that ye
reject every Jewish and Gentile error, and neither introduce a multiplicity
of gods, nor yet deny Christ under the pretence of [maintaining] the unity
of God.
Footnotes
[1216] Literally, "in the Lord."
[1217] Eph. iv. 1.
Chapter II. The true doctrine respecting God and Christ.
For Moses, the faithful servant of God, when he said, "The Lord thy God is
one Lord," [1218] and thus proclaimed that there was only one God, did yet
forthwith confess also our Lord when he said, "The Lord rained upon Sodom
and Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the Lord." [1219] And again, "And God
[1220] said, Let Us make man after our image: and so God made man, after the
image of God made He him." [1221] And further "In the image of God made He
man." [1222] And that [the Son of God] was to be made man [Moses shows when]
he says, "A prophet shall the Lord raise up unto you of your brethren, like
unto me." [1223]
Footnotes
[1218] Deut. vi. 4; Mark xii. 29.
[1219] Gen. xix. 24.
[1220] The ms. has "Lord."
[1221] Gen. i. 26, 27.
[1222] Gen. v. 1, Gen. ix. 6.
[1223] Deut. xviii. 15; Acts iii. 22, Acts vii. 37.
Chapter III. The same continued.
The prophets also, when they speak as in the person of God, [saying,] "I am
God, the first [of beings], and I am also the last, [1224] and besides Me
there is no God," [1225] concerning the Father of the universe, do also
speak of our Lord Jesus Christ. "A Son," they say, has been given to us, on
whose shoulder the government is from above; and His name is called the
Angel of great counsel, Wonderful, Counsellor, the strong and mighty God."
[1226] And concerning His incarnation, "Behold, a virgin shall be with
Child, and shall bring forth a Son; and they shall call his name
Immanuel." [1227] And concerning the passion, "He was led as a sheep to the
slaughter; and as a lamb before her shearers is dumb, I also was an innocent
lamb led to be sacrificed." [1228]
Footnotes
[1224] Literally, "after these things."
[1225] Isa. xliv. 6.
[1226] Isa. ix. 6.
[1227] Isa. vii. 14; Matt. i. 23.
[1228] Isa. liii. 7; Jer. xi. 19.
Chapter IV. Continuation.
The Evangelists, too, when they declared that the one Father was "the only
true God," [1229] did not omit what concerned our Lord, but wrote: "In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The
same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without
Him was not anything made that was made." [1230] And concerning the
incarnation: "The Word," says [the Scripture], "became flesh, and dwelt
among us." [1231] And again: "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham." [1232] And those very apostles, who
said "that there is one God," [1233] said also that "there is one Mediator
between God and men." [1234] Nor were they ashamed of the incarnation and
the passion. For what says [one]? "The man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself"
[1235] for the life and salvation of the world.
Footnotes
[1229] John xvii. 3.
[1230] John i. 1.
[1231] John i. 14.
[1232] Matt. i. 1.
[1233] 1 Cor. viii. 4, 6; Gal. iii. 20.
[1234] Eph. iv. 5, 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5.
[1235] 1 Tim. ii. 5.
Chapter V. Denunciation of false teachers.
Whosoever, therefore, declares that there is but one God, only so as to take
away the divinity of Christ, is a devil, [1236] and an enemy of all
righteousness. He also that confesseth Christ, yet not as the Son of the
Maker of the world, but of some other unknown [1237] being, different from
Him whom the law and the prophets have proclaimed, this man is an instrument
of the devil. And he that rejects the incarnation, and is ashamed of the
cross for which I am in bonds, this man is antichrist. [1238] Moreover, he
who affirms Christ to be a mere man is accursed, according to the
[declaration of the] prophet, [1239] since he puts not his trust in God, but
in man. Wherefore also he is unfruitful, like the wild myrtle-tree.
Footnotes
[1236] Comp. John vi. 70. Some read, "the son of the devil."
[1237] Or, "that cannot be known."
[1238] Comp. 1 John ii. 22, 1 John iv. 3; 2 John 7.
[1239] Jer. xvii. 5.
Chapter VI. Renewed cautions.
These things I write to you, thou new olive-tree of Christ, not that I am
aware you hold any such opinions, but that I may put you on your guard, as a
father does his children. Beware, therefore, of those that hasten to work
mischief, those "enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction,
whose glory is in their shame." [1240] Beware of those "dumb dogs," those
trailing serpents, those scaly [1241] dragons, those asps, and basilisks,
and scorpions. For these are subtle wolves, [1242] and apes that mimic the
appearance of men.
Footnotes
[1240] Phil. iii. 18, 19.
[1241] The text is here doubtful.
[1242] Literally, "fox-like thoes," lynxes being perhaps intended.
Chapter VII. Exhortation to consistency of conduct.
Ye have been the disciples of Paul and Peter; do not lose what was committed
to your trust. Keep in remembrance Euodias, [1243] your deservedly-blessed
pastor, into whose hands the government over you was first entrusted by the
apostles. Let us not bring disgrace upon our Father. Let us prove ourselves
His true-born children, and not bastards. Ye know after what manner I have
acted among you. The things which, when present, I spoke to you, these same,
when absent, I now write to you. "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ,
let him be Anathema." [1244] Be ye followers of me. [1245] My soul be for
yours, when I attain to Jesus. Remember my bonds. [1246]
Footnotes
[1243] Some think that this is the same person as the Euodias referred to by
St. Paul, Phil. iv. 2; but, as appears from the Greek (ver. 3, haitines),
the two persons there mentioned were women.
[1244] 1 Cor. xvi. 22.
[1245] Comp. 1 Cor. iv. 16.
[1246] Comp. Col. iv. 18.
Chapter VIII. Exhortations to the presbyters and others.
Ye presbyters, "feed the flock which is among you," [1247] till God shall
show who is to hold the rule over you. For "I am now ready to be offered,"
[1248] that I "may win Christ." [1249] Let the deacons know of what dignity
they are, and let them study to be blameless, that they may be the followers
of Christ. Let the people be subject to the presbyters and the deacons. Let
the virgins know to whom they have consecrated themselves.
Footnotes
[1247] 1 Pet. v. 2.
[1248] 2 Tim. iv. 6.
[1249] Phil. iii. 8.
Chapter IX. Duties of husbands, wives, parents, and children.
Let the husbands love their wives, remembering that, at the creation, one
woman, and not many, was given to one man. Let the wives honour their
husbands, as their own flesh; and let them not presume to address them by
their names. [1250] Let them also be chaste, reckoning their husbands as
their only partners, to whom indeed they have been united according to the
will of God. Ye parents, impart a holy training to your children. Ye
children, "honour your parents, that it may be well with you." [1251]
Footnotes
[1250] Comp. 1 Pet. iii. 6.
[1251] Eph. vi. 1, 3.
Chapter X. Duties of masters and servants.
Ye masters, do not treat your servants with haughtiness, but imitate patient
Job, who declares, "I did not despise [1252] the cause [1253] of my
man-servant, or of my maid-servant, when they contended with me. For what in
that case shall I do when the Lord makes an inquisition regarding me?"
[1254] And you know what follows. Ye servants, do not provoke your masters
to anger in anything, lest ye become the authors of incurable mischiefs to
yourselves.
Footnotes
[1252] Literally, "If I did despise."
[1253] Or, "judgment."
[1254] Job xxxi. 13, 14.
Chapter XI. Inculcation of various moral duties.
Let no one addicted to idleness eat, [1255] lest he become a wanderer about,
and a whoremonger. Let drunkenness, anger, envy, reviling, clamour, and
blasphemy "be not so much as named among you." [1256] Let not the widows
live a life of pleasure, lest they wax wanton against the word. [1257] Be
subject to Cæsar in everything in which subjection implies no [spiritual]
danger. Provoke not those that rule over you to wrath, that you may give no
occasion against yourselves to those that seek for it. But as to the
practice of magic, or the impure love of boys, or murder, it is superfluous
to write to you, since such vices are forbidden to be committed even by the
Gentiles. I do not issue commands on these points as if I were an apostle;
but, as your fellow-servant, I put you in mind of them.
Footnotes
[1255] Comp. 2 Thess. iii. 10.
[1256] Eph. v. 3.
[1257] 1 Tim. v. 6, 11.
Chapter XII. Salutations.
I salute the holy presbytery. I salute the sacred deacons, and that person
most dear to me, [1258] whom may I behold, through the Holy Spirit,
occupying my place when I shall attain to Christ. My soul be in place of
his. I salute the sub-deacons, the readers, the singers, the doorkeepers,
the labourers, [1259] the exorcists, the confessors. [1260] I salute the
keepers of the holy gates, the deaconesses in Christ. I salute the virgins
betrothed to Christ, of whom may I have joy in the Lord Jesus. [1261] I
salute the people of the Lord, from the smallest to the greatest, and all my
sisters in the Lord.
Footnotes
[1258] Literally, "the name desirable to me," referring to Hero the deacon.
[1259] A class of persons connected with the Church, whose duty it was to
bury the bodies of the martyrs and others.
[1260] Such as voluntarily confessed Christ before Gentile rulers.
[1261] Some insert here a clause referring to widows.
Chapter XIII. Salutations continued.
I salute Cassian and his partner in life, and their very dear children.
Polycarp, that most worthy bishop, who is also deeply interested in you,
salutes you; and to him I have commended you in the Lord. The whole Church
of the Smyrnæans, indeed, is mindful of you in their prayers in the Lord.
Onesimus, the pastor of the Ephesians, salutes you. Damas, [1262] the bishop
of Magnesia, salutes you. Polybius, bishop of the Trallians, salutes you.
Philo and Agathopus, the deacons, my companions, salute you, "Salute one
another with a holy kiss." [1263]
Footnotes
[1262] Or, as some read, "Demas."
[1263] 2 Cor. xiii. 12.
Chapter XIV. Conclusion.
I write this letter to you from Philippi. May He who is alone unbegotten,
keep you stedfast both in the spirit and in the flesh, through Him who was
begotten before time [1264] began! And may I behold you in the kingdom of
Christ! I salute him who is to bear rule over you in my stead: may I have
joy of him in the Lord! Fare ye well in God, and in Christ, being
enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
Footnotes
[1264] Literally, "before ages."
[1215] Comp. Acts xi. 26.
.
The Epistle of Ignatius to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Hero, the deacon of Christ, and
the servant of God, a man honoured by God, and most dearly loved as well as
esteemed, who carries Christ and the Spirit within him, and who is mine own
son in faith and love: Grace, mercy, and peace from Almighty God, and from
Christ Jesus our Lord, His only-begotten Son, "who gave Himself for our
sins, that He might deliver us from the present evil world," [1265] and
preserve us unto His heavenly kingdom.
Chapter I. Exhortations to earnestness and moderation.
I Exhort thee in God, that thou add [speed] to thy course, and that thou
vindicate thy dignity. Have a care to preserve concord with the saints. Bear
[the burdens of] the weak, that "thou mayest fulfil the law of Christ."
[1266] Devote [1267] thyself to fasting and prayer, but not beyond measure,
lest thou destroy thyself [1268] thereby. Do not altogether abstain from
wine and flesh, for these things are not to be viewed with abhorrence, since
[the Scripture] saith, "Ye shall eat the good things of the earth." [1269]
And again, "Ye shall eat flesh even as herbs." [1270] And again, "Wine
maketh glad the heart of man, and oil exhilarates, and bread strengthens
him." [1271] But all are to be used with moderation, as being the gifts of
God. "For who shall eat or who shall drink without Him? For if anything be
beautiful, it is His; and if anything be good, it is His." [1272] Give
attention to reading, [1273] that thou mayest not only thyself know the
laws, but mayest also explain them to others, as the earnest servant [1274]
of God. "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this
life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; and if a
man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive
lawfully." [1275] I that am in bonds pray that my soul may be in place of
yours.
Footnotes
[1266] Gal. vi. 2.
[1267] Literally, "having leisure for."
[1268] Literally, "cast thyself down."
[1269] Isa. i. 19.
[1270] Gen. ix. 3.
[1271] Ps. civ. 15.
[1272] Eccl. ii. 25 (after LXX.); Zech. ix. 17.
[1273] Comp. 1 Tim. iv. 13.
[1274] Literally, "athlete."
[1275] 2 Tim. ii. 4.
Chapter II. Cautions against false teachers.
Every one that teaches anything beyond what is commanded, though he be
[deemed] worthy of credit, though he be in the habit of fasting, though he
live in continence, though he work miracles, though he have the gift of
prophecy, let him be in thy sight as a wolf in sheep's clothing, [1276]
labouring for the destruction of the sheep. If any one denies the cross, and
is ashamed of the passion, let him be to thee as the adversary himself.
"Though he gives all his goods to feed the poor, though he remove mountains,
though he give his body to be burned," [1277] let him be regarded by thee as
abominable. If any one makes light of the law or the prophets, which Christ
fulfilled at His coming, let him be to thee as antichrist. If any one says
that the Lord is a mere man, he is a Jew, a murderer of Christ.
Footnotes
[1276] Comp. Matt. vii. 15.
[1277] 1 Cor. xiii. 2.
Chapter III. Exhortations as to ecclesiastical duties.
"Honour widows that are widows indeed." [1278] Be the friend of orphans; for
God is "the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of the widows." [1279]
Do nothing without the bishops; for they are priests, and thou a servant of
the priests. They baptize, offer sacrifice, [1280] ordain, and lay on hands;
but thou ministerest to them, as the holy Stephen did at Jerusalem to James
and the presbyters. Do not neglect the sacred meetings [1281] [of the
saints]; inquire after every one by name. "Let no man despise thy youth, but
be thou an example to the believers, both in word and conduct." [1282]
Footnotes
[1278] 1 Tim. v. 3.
[1279] Ps. lxviii. 5.
[1280] The term hierourgeō, which we have translated as above, is one whose
signification is disputed. It occurs once in the New Testament (Rom. xv. 16)
where it is translated in our English version simply "ministering."
Etymologically, it means "to act as a priest," and we have in our
translation followed Hesychius (Cent. iv.), who explains it as meaning "to
offer sacrifice." [The whole passage in the Epistle to the Romans, where
this word occurs may be compared (original Greek) with Mal. i. 11, Heb. v.
1, etc.]
[1281] Specifically, assemblies for the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
[1282] 1 Tim. iv. 12.
Chapter IV. Servants and women are not to be despised.
Be not ashamed of servants, for we possess the same nature in common with
them. Do not hold women in abomination, for they have given thee birth, and
brought thee up. It is fitting, therefore, to love those that were the
authors of our birth (but only in the Lord), inasmuch as a man can produce
no children without a woman. It is right, therefore, that we should honour
those who have had a part in giving us birth. "Neither is the man without
the woman, nor the woman without the man," [1283] except in the case of
those who were first formed. For the body of Adam was made out of the four
elements, and that of Eve out of the side of Adam. And, indeed, the
altogether peculiar birth of the Lord was of a virgin alone. [This took
place] not as if the lawful union [of man and wife] were abominable, but
such a kind of birth was fitting to God. For it became the Creator not to
make use of the ordinary method of generation, but of one that was singular
and strange, as being the Creator.
Footnotes
[1283] 1 Cor. xi. 11.
Chapter V. Various relative duties.
Flee from haughtiness, "for the Lord resisteth the proud." [1284] Abhor
falsehood, for says [the Scripture], "Thou shalt destroy all them that speak
lies." [1285] Guard against envy, for its author is the devil, and his
successor Cain, who envied his brother, and out of envy committed murder.
Exhort my sisters to love God, and be content with their own husbands only.
In like manner, exhort my brethren also to be content with their own wives.
Watch over the virgins, as the precious treasures of Christ. Be
long-suffering, [1286] that thou mayest be great in wisdom. Do not neglect
the poor, in so far as thou art prosperous. For "by alms and fidelity sins
are purged away." [1287]
Footnotes
[1284] Jas. iv. 6; 1 Pet. v. 5.
[1285] Ps. v. 6.
[1286] Prov. xiv. 29.
[1287] Prov. xv. 27 (after LXX.: Prov. xvi. 6 in English version)
Chapter VI Exhortations to purity and caution.
Keep thyself pure as the habitation of God. Thou art the temple of Christ.
Thou art the instrument of the Spirit. Thou knowest in what way I have
brought thee up. Though I am the least of men, do thou seek to follow me, be
thou an imitator of my conduct. I do not glory in the world, but in the
Lord. I exhort Hero, my son; "but let him that glorieth, glory in the
Lord." [1288] May I have joy of thee, my dear son, whose guardian may He be
who is the only unbegotten God, and the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not believe
all persons, do not place confidence in all; nor let any man get the better
of thee by flattery. For many are the ministers of Satan; and "he that is
hasty to believe is light of heart." [1289]
Footnotes
[1288] 1 Cor. i. 31; 2 Cor. x. 17.
[1289] Sirach xix. 4.
Chapter VII. Solemn charge to Hero, as future bishop of Antioch
Keep God in remembrance, and thou shalt never sin. Be not double-minded
[1290] in thy prayers; for blessed is he who doubteth not. For I believe in
the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in His only-begotten Son, that God
will show me, Hero, upon my throne. Add speed, therefore, [1291] to thy
course. I charge thee before the God of the universe, and before Christ, and
in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and of the ministering ranks [of
angels], keep in safety that deposit which I and Christ have committed to
thee, and do not judge thyself unworthy of those things which have been
shown by God [to me] concerning thee. I hand over to thee the Church of
Antioch. I have commended you to Polycarp in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Footnotes
[1290] Comp. Jas. i. 6, 8.
[1291] Comp. Epistle to the Antiochians, chap. xii.
Chapter VIII. Salutations.
The bishops, Onesimus, Bitus, Damas, Polybius, and all they of Philippi
(whence also I have written to thee), salute thee in Christ. Salute the
presbytery worthy of God: salute my holy fellow-deacons, of whom may I have
joy in Christ, both in the flesh and in the spirit. Salute the people of the
Lord, from the smallest to the greatest, every one by name; whom I commit to
thee as Moses did [the Israelites] to Joshua, who was their leader after
him. And do not reckon this which I have said presumptuous on my part; for
although we are not such as they were, yet we at least pray that we may be
so, since indeed we are the children of Abraham. Be strong, therefore, O
Hero, like a hero, and like a man. For from henceforth thou shalt lead
[1292] in and out the people of the Lord that are in Antioch, and so "the
congregation of the Lord shall not be as sheep which have no shepherd."
[1293]
Footnotes
[1292] Comp. Deut. xxxi. 7, 23.
[1293] Num. xxvii. 17.
Chapter IX. Concluding salutations and instructions.
Salute Cassian, my host, and his most serious-minded partner in life, and
their very dear children, to whom may "God grant that they find mercy of the
Lord in that day," [1294] on account of their ministrations to us, whom also
I commend to thee in Christ. Salute by name all the faithful in Christ that
are at Laodicea. Do not neglect those at Tarsus, but look after them
steadily, confirming them in the Gospel. I salute in the Lord, Maris the
bishop of Neapolis, near Anazarbus. Salute thou also Mary my daughter,
distinguished both for gravity and erudition, as also "the Church which is
in her house." [1295] May my soul be in place of hers: she is the very
pattern of pious women. May the Father of Christ, by His only-begotten Son,
preserve thee in good health, and of high repute in all things, to a very
old age, for the benefit of the Church of God! Farewell in the Lord, and
pray thou that I may be perfected.
Footnotes
[1294] 2 Tim. i. 18.
[1295] Col. iv. 15.
[1265] Gal. i. 4.
.
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of God which is at
Philippi, which has obtained mercy in faith, and patience, and love
unfeigned: Mercy and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
"who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe." [1296]
Chapter I. Reason for writing the epistle.
Being mindful of your love and of your zeal in Christ, which ye have
manifested towards us, we thought it fitting to write to you, who display
such a godly and spiritual love to the brethren, [1297] to put you in
remembrance of your Christian course, [1298] "that ye all speak the same
thing, being of one mind, thinking the same thing, and walking by the same
rule of faith," [1299] as Paul admonished you. For if there is one God of
the universe, the Father of Christ, "of whom are all things;" [1300] and one
Lord Jesus Christ, our [Lord], "by whom are all things;" [1301] and also one
Holy Spirit, who wrought [1302] in Moses, and in the prophets and apostles;
and also one baptism, which is administered that we should have fellowship
with the death of the Lord; [1303] and also one elect Church; there ought
likewise to be but one faith in respect to Christ. For "there is one Lord,
one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is through all, and
in all." [1304]
Footnotes
[1297] Literally, "to your brother-loving spiritual love according to
God."
[1298] Literally, "course in Christ."
[1299] 1 Cor. i. 10; Phil. ii. 2, Phil. iii. 16.
[1300] 1 Cor. viii. 6.
[1301] 1 Cor. viii. 6.
[1302] 1 Cor. xii. 11.
[1303] Literally, "which is given unto the death of the Lord."
[1304] Eph. iv. 5.
Chapter II. Unity of the three divine persons.
There is then one God and Father, and not two or three; One who is; and
there is no other besides Him, the only true [God]. For "the Lord thy
God," saith [the Scripture], "is one Lord." [1305] And again, "Hath not one
God created us? Have we not all one Father? [1306] And there is also one
Son, God the Word. For "the only-begotten Son," saith [the Scripture], "who
is in the bosom of the Father." [1307] And again, "One Lord Jesus Christ."
[1308] And in another place, "What is His name, or what His Son's name, that
we may know?" [1309] And there is also one Paraclete. [1310] For "there is
also," saith [the Scripture], "one Spirit," [1311] since "we have been
called in one hope of our calling." [1312] And again, "We have drunk of one
Spirit," [1313] with what follows. And it is manifest that all these gifts
[possessed by believers] "worketh one and the self-same Spirit." [1314]
There are not then either three Fathers, [1315] or three Sons, or three
Paracletes, but one Father, and one Son, and one Paraclete. Wherefore also
the Lord, when He sent forth the apostles to make disciples of all nations,
commanded them to "baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost," [1316] not unto one [person] having three names, nor into
three [persons] who became incarnate, but into three possessed of equal
honour.
Footnotes
[1305] Deut. vi. 4; Mark xii. 29.
[1306] Mal. ii. 10.
[1307] John i. 18.
[1308] 1 Cor. viii. 6.
[1309] Prov. xxx. 4.
[1310] i.e., "Advocate" or "Comforter;" comp. John xiv. 16.
[1311] Eph. iv. 4.
[1312] 1 Cor. xii. 13.
[1313] Eph. iv. 4.
[1314] 1 Cor. xii. 11.
[1315] Comp. Athanasian Creed.
[1316] Matt. xxviii. 19.
Chapter III. Christ was truly born, and died.
For there is but One that became incarnate, and that neither the Father nor
the Paraclete, but the Son only, [who became so] not in appearance or
imagination, but in reality. For "the Word became flesh." [1317] For "Wisdom
builded for herself a house." [1318] And God the Word was born as man, with
a body, of the Virgin, without any intercourse of man. For [it is written],
"A virgin shall conceive in her womb, and bring forth a son." [1319] He was
then truly born, truly grew up, truly ate and drank, was truly crucified,
and died, and rose again. He who believes these things, as they really were,
and as they really took place, is blessed. He who believeth them not is no
less accursed than those who crucified the Lord. For the prince of this
world rejoiceth when any one denies the cross, since he knows that the
confession of the cross is his own destruction. For that is the trophy which
has been raised up against his power, which when he sees, he shudders, and
when he hears of, is afraid.
Footnotes
[1317] John i. 14.
[1318] Prov. ix. 1.
[1319] Isa. vii. 14.
Chapter IV. The malignity and folly of Satan.
And indeed, before the cross was erected, he (Satan) was eager that it
should be so; and he "wrought" [for this end] "in the children of
disobedience." [1320] He wrought in Judas, in the Pharisees, in the
Sadducees, in the old, in the young, and in the priests. But when it was
just about to be erected, he was troubled, and infused repentance into the
traitor, and pointed him to a rope to hang himself with, and taught him [to
die by] strangulation. He terrified also the silly woman, disturbing her by
dreams; and he, who had tried every means to have the cross prepared, now
endeavoured to put a stop to its erection; [1321] not that he was influenced
by repentance on account of the greatness of his crime (for in that case he
would not be utterly depraved), but because he perceived his own destruction
[to be at hand]. For the cross of Christ was the beginning of his
condemnation, the beginning of his death, the beginning of his destruction.
Wherefore, also, he works in some that they should deny the cross, be
ashamed of the passion, call the death an appearance, mutilate and explain
away the birth of the Virgin, and calumniate the [human] nature [1322]
itself as being abominable. He fights along with the Jews to a denial of the
cross, and with the Gentiles to the calumniating of Mary, [1323] who are
heretical in holding that Christ possessed a mere phantasmal body. [1324]
For the leader of all wickedness assumes manifold [1325] forms, beguiler of
men as he is, inconsistent, and even contradicting himself, projecting one
course and then following another. For he is wise to do evil, but as to what
good may be he is totally ignorant. And indeed he is full of ignorance, on
account of his voluntary want of reason: for how can he be deemed anything
else who does not perceive reason when it lies at his very feet?
Footnotes
[1320] Eph. ii. 2.
[1321] [This is the idea worked out by St. Bernard. See my note (supra)
suffixed to the Syriac Epistle to Ephesians.]
[1322] The various Gnostic sects are here referred to, who held that matter
was essentially evil, and therefore denied the reality of our Lord s
incarnation.
[1323] The ms. has mageias, "of magic;" we have followed the emendation
proposed by Faber.
[1324] Literally, "heretical in respect to phantasy."
[1325] Literally, is "various," or "manifold."
Chapter V. Apostrophe to Satan.
For if the Lord were a mere man, possessed of a soul and body only, why dost
thou mutilate and explain away His being born with the common nature of
humanity? Why dost thou call the passion a mere appearance, as if it were
any strange thing happening to a [mere] man? And why dost thou reckon the
death of a mortal to be simply an imaginary death? But if, [on the other
hand,] He is both God and man, then why dost thou call it unlawful to style
Him "the Lord of glory," [1326] who is by nature unchangeable? Why dost thou
say that it is unlawful to declare of the Lawgiver who possesses a human
soul, "The Word was made flesh," [1327] and was a perfect man, and not
merely one dwelling in a man? But how came this magician into existence, who
of old formed all nature that can be apprehended either by the senses or
intellect, according to the will of the Father; and, when He became
incarnate, healed every kind of disease and infirmity? [1328]
Footnotes
[1326] 1 Cor. ii. 8.
[1327] John i. 14.
[1328] Matt. iv. 23, Matt. ix. 35.
Chapter VI. Continuation.
And how can He be but God, who raises up the dead, sends away the lame sound
of limb, cleanses the lepers, restores sight to the blind, and either
increases or transmutes existing substances, as the five loaves and the two
fishes, and the water which became wine, and who puts to flight thy whole
host by a mere word? And why dost thou abuse the nature of the Virgin, and
style her members disgraceful, since thou didst of old display such in
public processions, [1329] and didst order them to be exhibited naked, males
in the sight of females, and females to stir up the unbridled lust of males?
But now these are reckoned by thee disgraceful, and thou pretendest to be
full of modesty, thou spirit of fornication, not knowing that then only
anything becomes disgraceful when it is polluted by wickedness. But when sin
is not present, none of the things that have been created are shameful, none
of them evil, but all very good. But inasmuch as thou art blind, thou
revilest these things.
Footnotes
[1329] Reference seems to be made to obscene heathen practices.
Chapter VII. Continuation: inconsistency of Satan.
And how, again, does Christ not at all appear to thee to be of the Virgin,
but to be God over all, [1330] and the Almighty? Say, then, who sent Him?
Who was Lord over Him? And whose will did He obey? And what laws did He
fulfil, since He was subject neither to the will nor power of any one? And
while you deny that Christ was born, [1331] you affirm that the unbegotten
was begotten, and that He who had no beginning was nailed to the cross, by
whose permission I am unable to say. But thy changeable tactics do not
escape me, nor am I ignorant that thou art wont to walk with slanting and
uncertain [1332] steps. And thou art ignorant who really was born, thou who
pretendest to know everything.
Footnotes
[1330] i.e., so as to have no separate personality from the Father. Comp.
Epistle to the Tarsians, chap. ii.
[1331] Literally, "and taking away Christ from being born."
[1332] Literally, "double."
Chapter VIII. Continuation: ignorance of Satan.
For many things are unknown [1333] to thee; [such as the following]: the
virginity of Mary; the wonderful birth; Who it was that became incarnate;
the star which guided those who were in the east; the Magi who presented
gifts; the salutation of the archangel to the Virgin; the marvellous
conception of her that was betrothed; the announcement of the boy-forerunner
respecting the son of the Virgin, and his leaping in the womb on account of
what was foreseen; the songs of the angels over Him that was born; the glad
tidings announced to the shepherds; the fear of Herod lest his kingdom
should be taken from him; the command to slay the infants; the removal into
Egypt, and the return from that country to the same region; the infant
swaddling-bands; the human registration; the nourishing by means of milk;
the name of father given to Him who did not beget; the manger because there
was not room [elsewhere]; no human preparation [for the Child]; the gradual
growth, human speech, hunger, thirst, journeyings, weariness; the offering
of sacrifices and then also circumcision, baptism; the voice of God over Him
that was baptized, as to who He was and whence [He had come]; the testimony
of the Spirit and the Father from above; the voice of John the prophet when
it signified the passion by the appellation of "the Lamb;" the performance
of divers miracles, manifold healings; the rebuke of the Lord ruling both
the sea and the winds; evil spirits expelled; thou thyself subjected to
torture, and, when afflicted by the power of Him who had been manifested,
not having it in thy power to do anything.
Footnotes
[1333] According to many of the Fathers, Satan was in great ignorance as to
a multitude of points connected with Christ. [See my note at end of the
Syriac Epistle to Ephesians, supra.]
Chapter IX. Continuation: ignorance of Satan.
Seeing these things, thou wast in utter perplexity. [1334] And thou wast
ignorant that it was a virgin that should bring forth; but the angels song
of praise struck thee with astonishment, as well as the adoration of the
Magi, and the appearance of the star. Thou didst revert to thy state of
[wilful] ignorance, because all the circumstances seemed to thee trifling;
[1335] for thou didst deem the swaddling-bands, the circumcision, and the
nourishment by means of milk contemptible: [1336] these things appeared to
thee unworthy of God. Again, thou didst behold a man who remained forty days
and nights without tasting human food, along with ministering angels at
whose presence thou didst shudder, when first of all thou hadst seen Him
baptized as a common man, and knewest not the reason thereof. But after His
[lengthened] fast thou didst again assume thy wonted audacity, and didst
tempt Him when hungry, as if He had been an ordinary man, not knowing who He
was. For thou saidst, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones
be made bread." [1337] Now, this expression, "If thou be the Son," is an
indication of ignorance. For if thou hadst possessed real knowledge, thou
wouldst have understood that the Creator can with equal ease both create
what does not exist, and change that which already has a being. And thou
temptedst by means of hunger [1338] Him who nourisheth all that require
food. And thou temptedst the very "Lord of glory," [1339] forgetting in thy
malevolence that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God." For if thou hadst known that He was the
Son of God, thou wouldst also have understood that He who had kept his
[1340] body from feeling any want for forty days and as many nights, could
have also done the same for ever. Why, then, does He suffer hunger? In order
to prove that He had assumed a body subject to the same feelings as those of
ordinary men. By the first fact He showed that He was God, and by the second
that He was also man.
Footnotes
[1334] Literally, "thou wast dizzy in the head."
[1335] Literally, "on account of the paltry things."
[1336] Literally, "small."
[1337] Matt. iv. 3.
[1338] Or, "the belly."
[1339] 1 Cor. ii. 8.
[1340] Some insert, "corruptible."
Chapter X. Continuation: audacity of Satan.
Darest thou, then, who didst fall "as lightning" [1341] from the very
highest glory, to say to the Lord, "Cast thyself down from hence [1342] [to
Him] to whom the things that are not are reckoned as if they were, [1343]
and to provoke to a display of vainglory Him that was free from all
ostentation? And didst thou pretend to read in Scripture concerning Him:
"For He hath given His angels charge concerning Thee, and in their hands
they shall bear Thee up, lest thou shouldest dash Thy foot against a
stone?" [1344] At the same time thou didst pretend to be ignorant of the
rest, furtively concealing what [the Scripture] predicted concerning thee
and thy servants: "Thou shalt tread upon the adder and the basilisk; the
lion and the dragon shall thou trample under foot." [1345]
Footnotes
[1341] Luke x. 18.
[1342] Matt. iv. 6.
[1343] Comp. Rom. iv. 17.
[1344] Matt. iv. 6.
[1345] Ps. xci. 13.
Chapter XI. Continuation: audacity of Satan.
If, therefore, thou art trodden down under the feet of the Lord, how dost
thou tempt Him that cannot be tempted, forgetting that precept of the
lawgiver, "Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God?" [1346] Yea, thou even
darest, most accursed one, to appropriate the works of God to thyself, and
to declare that the dominion over these was delivered to thee. [1347] And
thou dost set forth thine own fall as an example to the Lord, and dost
promise to give Him what is really His own, if He would fall down and
worship thee. [1348] And how didst thou not shudder, O thou spirit more
wicked through thy malevolence than all other wicked spirits, to utter such
words against the Lord? Through thine appetite [1349] wast thou overcome,
and through thy vainglory wast thou brought to dishonour: through avarice
and ambition dost thou [now] draw on [others] to ungodliness. Thou, O
Belial, dragon, apostate, crooked serpent, rebel against God, outcast from
Christ, alien from the Holy Spirit, exile from the ranks of the angels,
reviler of the laws of God, enemy of all that is lawful, who didst rise up
against the first-formed of men, and didst drive forth [from obedience to]
the commandment [of God] those who had in no respect injured thee; thou who
didst raise up against Abel the murderous Cain; thou who didst take arms
against Job: dost thou say to the Lord, "If Thou wilt fall down and worship
me?" Oh what audacity! Oh what madness! Thou runaway slave, thou
incorrigible [1350] slave, dost thou rebel against the good Lord? Dost thou
say to so great a Lord, the God of all that either the mind or the senses
can perceive, "If Thou wilt fall down and worship me?"
Footnotes
[1346] Deut. vi. 16.
[1347] Luke iv. 6.
[1348] Matt. iv. 9.
[1349] Or, "belly."
[1350] Or, "that always needs whipping."
Chapter XII. The meek reply of Christ.
But the Lord is long-suffering, and does not reduce to nothing him who in
his ignorance dares [to utter] such words, but meekly replies, "Get thee
hence, Satan." [1351] He does not say, "Get thee behind Me," for it is not
possible that he should be converted; but, "Begone, Satan," to the course
which thou hast chosen. "Begone" to those things to which, through thy
malevolence, thou hast been called. For I know Who I am, and by Whom I have
been sent, and Whom it behoves Me to worship. For "thou shall worship the
Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." [1352] I know the one [God]; I
am acquainted with the only [Lord] from whom thou hast become an apostate. I
am not an enemy of God; I acknowledge His pre-eminence; I know the Father,
who is the author of my generation.
Footnotes
[1351] Matt. iv. 10.
[1352] Matt. iv. 10; Deut. vi. 13.
Chapter XIII. Various exhortations and directions.
These things, brethren, out of the affection which I entertain for you, I
have felt compelled to write, exhorting you with a view to the glory of God,
not as if I were a person of any consequence, but simply as a brother. Be ye
subject to the bishop, to the presbyters, and to the deacons. Love one
another in the Lord, as being the images of God. Take heed, ye husbands,
that ye love your wives as your own members. Ye wives also, love your
husbands, as being one with them in virtue of your union. If any one lives
in chastity or continence, let him not be lifted up, lest he lose his
reward. Do not lightly esteem the festivals. Despise not the period of forty
days, for it comprises an imitation of the conduct of the Lord. After the
week of the passion, do not neglect to fast on the fourth and sixth days,
distributing at the same time of thine abundance to the poor. If any one
fasts on the Lord's Day or on the Sabbath, except on the paschal Sabbath
only, he is a murderer of Christ.
Chapter XIV. Farewells and cautions.
Let your prayers be extended to the Church of Antioch, whence also I as a
prisoner am being led to Rome. I salute the holy bishop Polycarp; I salute
the holy bishop Vitalius, and the sacred presbytery, and my fellow-servants
the deacons; in whose stead may my soul be found. Once more I bid farewell
to the bishop, and to the presbyters in the Lord. If any one celebrates the
passover along with the Jews, or receives the emblems of their feast, he is
a partaker with those that killed the Lord and His apostles.
Chapter XV. Salutations. Conclusion.
Philo and Agathopus the deacons salute you. I salute the company of virgins,
and the order of widows; of whom may I have joy! I salute the people of the
Lord, from the least unto the greatest. I have sent you this letter through
Euphanius the reader, a man honoured of God, and very faithful, happening to
meet with him at Rhegium, just as he was going on board ship. Remember my
bonds [1353] that I may be made perfect in Christ. Fare ye well in the
flesh, the soul, and the spirit, while ye think of things perfect, and turn
yourselves away from the workers of iniquity, who corrupt the word of truth,
and are strengthened inwardly by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Footnotes
[1353] Comp. Col. iv. 18.
[1296] 1 Tim. iv. 10.
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