Chapter 3

1Informs them he had heard that the persecution was stopped at Antioch, and directs them to send a messenger hitherto to congratulate with the church . NOW as concerning the church of Antioch which is in Syria, seeing I am told that through your prayers and the bowels which ye have towards it in Jesus Christ, it is in peace; it will become you, as the church of God, to ordain some deacon to go to them thither as the ambassador of God; that he may rejoice with them when they meet together, and glorify God's name.
2Blessed be that man in Jesus Christ, who shall be found worthy of such a ministry; and ye yourselves also shall be glorified.
3Now if you be willing, it is not impossible for you to do this for the grace of God; as also the other neighbouring churches have sent them, some bishops, some priests and deacons.
4As concerning Philo the deacon of Cilicia, a most worthy man, he still ministers unto me in the word of God: together with Rheus of Agathopolis, a singular good person, who has followed me even from Syria, not regarding his life: These also bear witness unto you.
5And I myself give thanks to God for you that you receive them as the Lord shall receive you. But for those that dishonoured them, may they be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ.
6The charity of the brethren that are at Troas salutes you: from whence also I now write by Burrhus, who was sent together with me by those of Ephesus and Smyrna, for respect sake.
7May our Lord Jesus Christ honour them; in whom they hope, both in flesh, and soul, and spirit; in faith, in love, in unity. Farewell in Christ Jesus our common hope. Footnotes 182:8 Inseparably. 182:9 Vid. Vet. Interpr. Lat. 182:10 In. 182:11 Will, order. 182:12 Ministry belonging to the public. 182:13 In. 182:14 Has struck me with wonder. 182:15 Those that speak vain things. 183:1 In. 183:2 Vid. Vossii Annot in loc. 183:3 Evil. 183:4 Cleanliness made by sifting. 183:5 Very much poured out. 183:6 Vid. Voss. in loc. Imperfect. 183:7 Or preached of the Gospel; and hoped in him, and expected him. 183:8 Vid. Voss. in loc. 183:9 Judaism. 183:10 Opinion: council. 184:1 Weak. 184:2 Of some. 184:3 Flesh. 184:4 Repent. 184:5 Who will loose from you. 184:6 Archives, Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. 184:7 Untouched. Next: The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnæans