A Christian has no power over himself, but gives his time to God. This is the work of God and of yourselves when you complete it. For I believe in the grace of God that you are ready to do the good deeds which are proper for God. I exhort you by no more than these few lines, for I recognise your fervour for the truth.

Since I could not write to all the ChurchesRequest for Polycarp to write to other Churches because of my sudden sailing from Troas to NeapolisThe modern Cavalia, on the coast of Macedonia, between Constantinople and Salonica; the Roman road comes down to the sea there, and is still in fair preservation. as the will of God enjoins, you shall write as one possessing the mind of God to the Churches on the road in front of me, that they also shall treat me in the same way (let those who can send messengers, and the others send letters through those whom you send, that youModern English obscures the fact that this you is plural. The others are singular. may be glorified by a memorable deed), as is worthy of you.

I greet all by name, and the wife of theFinal greetings ProcuratorOr, perhaps, of Epitropus. with the whole house of herself and her children. I greet my beloved Attalus. I greet him who shall be appointed to go to Syria. Grace will be with him through all, and with Polycarp, who sends him.