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.

And the more anyone sees that the bishop is[*](The silence of the bishop) silent, the more let him fear him. For every one whom the master of the house sends to do his

business ought we to receive as him who sent him. Therefore it is clear that we must regard the bishop as the Lord himself.

Indeed Onesimus himself gives great praise to your good order in God, for you all live according to truth, and no heresy dwells among you; nay, you do not even listen to any unless he speak concerning Jesus Christ in truth.

For there are some who make a practice of[*](Warning against heretical preachers) carrying about the Name with wicked guile, and do certain other things unworthy of God; these you must shun as wild beasts, for they are ravening dogs, who bite secretly, and you must be upon your guard against them, for they are scarcely to be cured.