Letters of Ignatius 80

1But I warn you about these things, dearly loved, knowing that you yourselves think this way. Nevertheless, I am watching over you in advance to protect you from wild beasts in human form—people whom you should not only refuse to receive but, if possible, not even meet [them]. Only pray for them, in case they might repent. This is indeed difficult, but Jesus Christ, our true life, has power over it.

2For if our Lord did these things only in appearance, then I too am a prisoner only in appearance. And why, then, have I handed myself over to death, to fire, to the sword, to wild beasts? But close to the sword, close to God; in the company of wild beasts, in the company of God. Only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ, so that we may suffer together with him. I endure everything, since he himself enables me, who is the perfect human being.