First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

142

First Christian Voices

and how it saves all those who walk in it with a pure mind. For He is a Searcher of our thoughts and desires. His breath is in us, and when He pleases He will take it away. I gnatius to P olycarp 5 b : Speak to my sisters, that they should love the Lord and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brothers in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives even as the Lord loves the church. If anyone can continue in a state of purity to the honor of Him who is Lord of the flesh, let him so remain without boasting. If he begins to boast he is undone. If he considers himself greater than the bishop he is ruined. But it is fitting for both men and women who marry to form their union with the approval of the bishop so that their marriage may be according to God and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honor of God. P olycarp to the P hilippians 4: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Tim 6:10). Knowing, therefore, that “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out” (1 Tim 6:7), let us equip ourselves with the armor of righteousness. And let us teach ourselves, first of all, to walk in the commandments of the Lord. Next, also teach your wives to walk in the faith given to them, and in love and purity. They must tenderly love their own husbands in all truth, and love others equally in all chastity. They must train up their children in the knowledge and fear of God. Teach the widows to be discreet in regards to the faith of the Lord. They should pray continually for all, being far from all slandering, evil-speaking, false witnessing,