Epistles

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch. The Apostolic Fathers, Volume 1. Lake, Kirsopp, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1912.

No man who professes faith sins, nor does he hate who has obtained love. The tree is known by its fruits: so they who profess to be of Christ shall be seen by their deeds. For the deed is not in present profession, but is shown by the power of faith, if a man continue to the end.

It is better to be silent and be real, than to[*](Speech and silence) talk and to be unreal. Teaching is good, if the teacher does what he says. There is then one teacher who spoke and it came to pass, and what he has done even in silence is worthy of the Father.