Epistula ad Philippenses

Polycarp

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

Pray for all the saints. Pray also for the Emperors,[*](Pro regibus is no doubt a translation of ὑπὲρ βασιλέων and βασιλεύς is regularly used as the title of the Emperor.) and for potentates, and princes, and for those who persecute you and hate you, and for the enemies of the Cross that your fruit may be manifest among all men, that you may be perfected in him.

Both you and Ignatius wrote to me that if anyone was going to Syria he should also take your

letters. I will do this if I have a convenient opportunity.[*](Ignatius and the Church in Syria) either mysell or the man whom I am sending as a representative for you and me.

We send you, as you asked, the letters of Ignatius, which were sent to us by him, and others which we had by us. These are subjoined to this letter, and you will be able to benefit greatly from them. For they contain faith, patience, and all the edification which pertains to our Lord. Let us know anything further which you have heard about Ignatius himself and those who are with him.