Letters of Ignatius 97

1Seeing that the church in Antioch of Syria has peace, as it has been reported to me, through your prayers, I myself also have been the more comforted, since God has banished my care—if indeed through suffering I may attain to God, so that through your intercession I may be found to be a disciple.

2It is fitting for you, most blessed Polycarp, to call together a godly council and choose someone among you who is very dear to you and also zealous, who will be fit to bear the name of God’s courier. Appoint him, I say, so that he may go to Syria and glorify your zealous love to the glory of God.

3A Christian has no authority over himself but gives his time to God. This is God’s work, and yours also, when you shall complete it; for I trust in the divine grace that you are ready for an act of well doing worthy of God. Knowing the fervor of your sincerity, I have exhorted you in a short letter.