Chapter VI.--The duties of the Christian flock.
Give ye [1099] heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs [1100] that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbyters, and to the deacons, and may my portion be along with them in God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, [1101] and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge [1102] assigned to you, that ye may receive a worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, as God is towards you. May I have joy of you for ever! [1103]
Give ye [1104] heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs [1105] that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbytery, and to the deacons: may I have my portion with them from God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, [1106] and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye shall receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may obtain for them a most worthy [1107] recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, and God shall be so with you. May I have joy of you for ever! [1108]
[1099] As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.
[1100] Comp. chap. ii. etc.
[1101] Or, "assessors."
[1102] A military reference, simply implying the idea of faithful effort leading to future reward.
[1103] Comp. Ignatius' Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.
[1104] As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.
[1105] Comp. chap. ii. etc.
[1106] Or, "assessors."
[1107] Literally, "worthy of God."
[1108] Comp. Ignatius' Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.
Chapter VII.--Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch.
Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God, [1109] if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. [1110] It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn [1111] council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God; [1112] and to bestow on him this honour that he may go into Syria, and glorify your ever active love to the praise of Christ. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for [1113] the service of God. Now, this work is both God's and yours, when ye shall have completed it to His glory. [1114] For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing, therefore, your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.
Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God, [1115] if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn [1116] council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God; [1117] and to bestow on him the honour of going into Syria, so that, going into Syria, he may glorify your ever active love to the praise of God. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for [1118] the service of God. Now, this work is both God's and yours, when ye shall have completed it. For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.
[1109] Literally, "in freedom from care of God."
[1110] Some read, "in the resurrection."
[1111] Literally, "most befitting God."
[1112] Literally, "God-runner."
[1113] Literally, "at leisure for."
[1114] Literally, "to Him."
[1115] Literally, "in freedom from care of God."
[1116] Literally, "most befitting God."
[1117] Literally, "God-runner."
[1118] Literally, "at leisure for."