Epistle to Diognetus 11

1My teachings are not strange, nor are my questions perverse. Rather, having been a disciple of Apostles, I come forward as a teacher of the Gentiles, worthily presenting to those who offer themselves as disciples of the truth the lessons that have been handed down. For who, having been rightly taught and having entered into friendship with the Word, does not seek to learn clearly the lessons openly revealed by the Word to the disciples? The Word appeared to them and declared these lessons, speaking plainly. He was not perceived by the unbelieving, but related them to disciples who, being counted faithful by Him, were taught the mysteries of the Father. For this reason He sent forth the Word, so that He might appear to the world. Though He was dishonored by the people and preached by the Apostles, He was believed in by the Gentiles. This Word, who was from the beginning, who appeared as new and yet was shown to be old, and who is always engendered young in the hearts of saints, He, I say, is eternal. Today He was accounted a Son. Through Him the Church is enriched, and grace is unfolded and multiplied among the saints: grace that gives understanding, reveals mysteries, announces seasons, rejoices over the faithful, and is bestowed on those who seek her—those by whom the pledges of faith are not broken and the boundaries of the fathers are not overstepped. Therefore the fear of the law is sung, the grace of the prophets is recognized, the faith of the gospels is established, the tradition of the apostles is preserved, and the joy of the Church exults. If you do not grieve this grace, you will understand the teachings that the Word delivers through the mouths of those whom He desires, when He wishes. For in everything that, by the will of the commanding Word, we were moved to utter with great effort, we become sharers with you through love for the things revealed to us.