1The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp Shorter and Longer Versions Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of the Smyrnaeans, or rather, who has, as his own bishop, God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: wishes abundance of happiness.
2Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, and a witness for Jesus Christ, to Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of the Smyrnaeans, or rather, who has, as his own bishop, God the Father, and Jesus Christ: wishes abundance of happiness.
3Chapter 1 — Commendation and exhortation.
4Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify His name that I have been thought worthy to behold thy blameless face, which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved.
5Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit.
6Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better.
7Bear with all, even as the Lord does with thee.
8Support all in love, as also thou doest.
9Give thyself to prayer without ceasing.
10Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast.
11Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit.
12Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.
13Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete in the Christian life: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.
14Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify His name that I have been thought worthy to behold thy blameless face, which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved.
15Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit.
16Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better.
17Bear with all even as the Lord does with thee.
18Support all in love, as also thou doest.
19Give thyself to prayer without ceasing.
20Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast.
21Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit.
22Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.
23Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete in the Christian life, even as does the Lord of all.
24For says the Scripture, "He Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses".
25Where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.