Epistula ad Philippenses

Polycarp

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

Therefore,[*](The treatment of Valens) brethren, I am deeply sorry for him [*](i.e. Valens) and for his wife, and may the Lord grant them true repentance. Therefore be yourselves also moderate in this matter, and do not regard such men as enemies, but call them back as fallible and straying members, that you may make whole the body of you all. For in doing this you edify yourselves.

For I am confident that you are well versed in[*](The need of forgiveness) the Scriptures,[*](Probably this ought to be regarded as a quotation from the letter of the Philippians to Polycarp.) and from you nothing is hid; but to me this is not granted. Only, as it is said in these Scriptures, Be ye angry and sin not, and Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Blessed is the man who remembers this, and I believe that it is so with you.

Now may God and the Father of our[*](Prayer for blessing) Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal Priest himself, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, build you up in faith and truth, and in all gentleness, and without wrath, and in patience, and in longsuffering, and endurance, and purity, and may he give you lot and part with his saints, and to us with you, and to all under heaven who shall believe in our Lord and God Jesus Christ and in his Father who raised him from the dead.