First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

(Gen 2:23). Envy and strife have overthrown great cities and rooted up mighty nations. i gnatius to the e Phesians 1: Much beloved in God, I have become acquainted with your name which you have obtained by the practice of righteousness according to the faith and love in Christ Jesus our Savior. Being imitators of God, and fanning yourselves into flame by the blood of God, you have completely accomplished the work which we appropriately share. You were eager to see me when you hear d that I came bound from Syria for the common name and hope. I am trusting that through your prayers I will be permitted to fight with beasts at Rome, so that by martyrdom I may indeed become the disciple of Him who “gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph 5:2). I received, therefore, your whole congregation in the name of God through Onesimus, a man of inexpressible love and your bishop in the flesh. I implore you by Jesus Christ to love like him and seek to be like him. Blessed be He who has permitted you who are worthy to have such an excellent bishop. i gnatius to the s myrnaeans 12 a : The love of the friends at Troas greets you, from where also I write to you by Burrhus, who you sent with me together with the Ephesians, your friends, and who has in all things refreshed me. And I wish that all may imitate him as being an example of God’s ministry. Grace will reward him in all things.