The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

From Ignatius, also called Theophorous, Warm greetings to Polycarp, elder of the Church at Smyrna—or rather, he who has God the Father as his high priest over him, together with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Having seen your Godly mind as if anchored to an immoveable rock, I gave exceeding praise to God, that I have been thought worthy to behold your honourable countenance, in which I wish to ever enjoy in God! I entreat you, by the grace with which you are clothed, to press forward in your course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain your position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have on your heart to preserve unity, above which nothing is better. Bear with all, even as the Lord does with you. Support all in love, as also you are doing. Give yourself to prayer without ceasing and for understanding in addition to what you already have. Be watchful, possessing a tireless spirit. Speak to everyone as an individual, just as God does. Bear the infirmities of all on your shoulders as a perfect champion of Christ: where the greater labour, the richer the reward.

If you only love the good disciples, then you will receive no grace on that account; but rather seek with meekness to win over the most troublesome ones. Every wound is not healed with the same remedy. If an attack is severe, bind it with cool and soothing applications. Be wise as a serpent, yet harmless as a dove. For this reason, you are composed of both flesh and spirit—that you may deal wisely with what is before you. Pray that God may reveal the unseen realm to you. In this way, you will lack nothing and abound in the whole treasury of the Spirit. Critical times demand that you partake of God, as a helmsman on a ship relies on the wind, and a mariner tossed by a tempest seeks a safe haven. Be vigilant and sober, as a warrior of God, for the crown set before you is immortality and eternal life, of which you are fully assured. As your recompense, I offer you these chains, which you have cherished.

Do not be dismayed by those who seem so plausible but teach perverse doctrines. Stand firm and immovable, like an anvil under the hammer. It is the mark of a true warrior who endures blows yet prevails victorious. Above all, we must endure all things for God’s sake that He may also bear with us. Strive to be more zealous each day. Learn to recognize the opportune times and await Him who is beyond all time—eternal, invisible, yet for our sake made visible; untouchable and impassible, yet subjected to suffering for us, enduring all things for our sakes.

Do not neglect the widows—next to God, be their guardian. Let nothing be done without your knowledge and consent, and act only according to God’s will, as you already do with steadfastness. Let your assemblies be full; inquire after everyone by name. Do not be overbearing in your manner to slaves, whether male or female; but, conversely, neither should you let them grow arrogant and be puffed up with conceit, but rather they should be more devoted to God’s glory, that they may receive true freedom from Him. Neither should they be preoccupied with being redeemed at the public expense, lest they end up just becoming slaves to their own desires.

Avoid the scheming devices of men at all costs—or better yet, preach publicly against them. Tell my sisters to love the Lord and to be faithful to their husbands in both body and spirit. Likewise, exhort my brothers in the name of Jesus Christ, to love their wives as the Lord loves His Church. If anyone can remain in a state of virgin chastity for the honour of Christ’s body, let him do so without boasting; for if he boasts, it is of no benefit to him and if he thinks he is better than the elders, it will be his undoing. It is seemly for engaged couples to form their union with the blessing of the church’s elders. This is so that they may be married according to God’s will and not driven by lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God.

Pay careful regard to the elders of the church, that God may also pay regard to you. My soul is pledged for those who submit to their elders and ministers in the church. May my portion be with them in attaining to God. Work, strive, run, suffer, rest and rise together, as the servants and ministers of God.

Seek to please the Commander, under whom you serve and from whom you receive your pay; and be sure that no deserter is found in your ranks. Let baptism be your shield, faith your helmet, let love be your spear, and patient endurance your full armour. Let your deeds be as a one who deposits his savings, so that one day you will receive your credits due. Therefore, be patient with one another in humility, as God is patient with you. Now and always, may you be a joy to me!

I have heard that things in the Church in Antioch of Syria have quietened down. Thanks to your prayers, I, too, have become more zealous in firm confidence in God, and may I be found in the resurrection as your disciple. It would be eminently fitting, most worthy Polycarp, for you to convene a council and appoint someone beloved and tireless among you, who may be called a runner of God. Commission him to go to Syria to the glory of God and to the honour of your love. A Christian does not live for himself but is always at the disposal for God’s work. This mission is God’s good work. I trust, through the grace of God, that you are ready for every meritorious action that is appointed to you in the Lord. Given that I know your energetic love of the truth, I have limited myself to this brief exhortation.

It is impossible for me to write ahead to all the churches myself. I ask, therefore, that you write to the churches along the way. Being instructed in the will of God, encourage them to follow the same procedure further along the route. Let those who are able send messengers, and let others send letters through your envoys, so that this action will bring lasting honour to all of you, as you are worthy. Greet everyone by name and Eutropus’s wife, together with her entire household and her children—especially greet Attalus, my beloved. Greet the one who shall be deemed worthy to go to Syria. I wish you all happiness in our God, Jesus Christ. Remain united in Him. Greet Alce, my beloved. Farewell in the Lord.