Chapter 3

1Greets Polycarp on the peace of the church at Antioch: and desires him to write to that and other churches . NOW forasmuch as the church of Antioch in Syria, is, as I am told, [one word illegible.—JBH] through your prayers; I also have been the more comforted and without care in God; if so be that by suffering, I shall attain unto God; that through your prayers I may be found a disciple of Christ.
2It will be very fit, O most worthy Polycarp, to call a select council, and choose some one whom ye particularly love, and who is patient of labour; that he may be the messenger of God; and that going unto Syria, he may glorify your incessant love, to the praise of Christ.
3A Christian has not the power of himself: but must be always at leisure for God's service. Now this work is both God's and your's: when ye shall have perfected it.
4For I trust through the grace of God that ye are ready to every good work that is fitting for you in the Lord.
5Knowing therefore your earnest affection for the truth, I have exhorted you by these short letters.
6But forasmuch as I have not been able to write to all the churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis; (for so is the command of those to whose pleasure I am subject;) do you write to the churches that are near you, as being instructed in the will of God, that they also may do in like manner.
7Let those that are able send messengers; and let the rest send their letters by those who shall be sent by you: that you may be glorified to all eternity, of which you are worthy.
8I salute all by name, particularly the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus my well-beloved.
9I salute him who shall be thought worthy to be sent by you into Syria. Let grace be ever with him, and with Polycarp who sends him.
10I wish you all happiness in our God, Jesus Christ; in whom continue, in the unity and protection of God.
11I salute Alce my well-beloved. Farewell in the Lord. To Polycarp . Footnotes 189:4 of the Smyrnæans. 189:5 Innocent. 189:6 Vid. 1 Cor. vii. 34. 189:7 Be at leisure to, etc. 189:8 Vid. Voss. in loc. aliter Vet. Lat. Interpr. 189:9 The diseases. 189:10 Is much. 190:1 Superfusions. 190:2 Matt. x. 16. 190:3 Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc Collat. cum Coteler. ib. 190:4 Amaze thee. 190:5 Beaten. 190:6 More studious, diligent. 190:7 being well settled. 190:8 Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc. 190:9 Or, trades. 190:10 Vid. Annot. Vossii et Coteler. in loc. 191:1 Observe, from the foregoing verses, that Ignatius here speaks not to Polycarp, but through him to the Church of Smyrna. 191:2 That which is committed to your custody, to keep secure. 191:3 It has been manifested unto me. 191:4 In the security of God. 191:5 Most becoming God. 191:6 Viz. To the Smyrnæans, and this to himself. See Pearson in loc. 191:7 Footmen. Next: The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians