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.

If you love good disciples, it is no credit to you;[*](The need of caring for the weaker brethren) rather bring to subjection by your gentleness the more troublesome. Not all wounds are healed by the same plaster. Relieve convulsions by fomentations.

Be prudent as the serpent in all things and pure as the dove for ever. For this reason you consist of flesh and spirit, that you may deal tenderly

with the things which appear visibly; but pray that the invisible things may be revealed to you, that you may lack nothing and abound in every gift.

The time calls on you to attain unto God, just as pilots require wind, and the storm-tossed sailor seeks a harbour.[*](The general meaning of this passage is fairly clear, but the details are hopelessly obscure. Possibly something has dropped out of the text.) Be sober as God’s athlete. The prize[*](θέμα means a money-prize which was given in some of the Greek games instead of the στέφανος or crown.) is immortality and eternal life, of which you have been persuaded. In all things I am devoted to you,—I and my bonds, which you loved.