Part 19
If any one preaches the one God of the law and the prophets, but denies Christ to be the Son of God, he is a liar, even as also is his father the devil,[1186] and is a Jew falsely-so-called, being possessed of[1187] mere carnal circumcision. If any one confesses Christ Jesus the Lord, but denies the God of the law and of the prophets, saying that the Father of Christ is not the Maker of heaven and earth, he has not continued in the truth any more than his father the devil, and is a disciple of Simon Magus, not of the Holy Spirit. If any one says there is one God, and also confesses Christ Jesus, but thinks the Lord to be a mere man, and not the only-begotten[1188] God, and Wisdom, and the Word of God, and deems Him to consist merely of a soul and body, such an one is a serpent, that preaches deceit and error for the destruction of men. And such a man is poor in understanding, even as by name he is an Ebionite.[1189] If any one confesses the truths mentioned,[1190] but calls lawful wedlock, and the procreation of children, destruction and pollution, or deems certain kinds of food abominable, such an one has the apostate dragon dwelling within him. If any one confesses the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and praises the creation, but calls the incarnation merely an appearance, and is ashamed of the passion, such an one has denied the faith, not less than the Jews who killed Christ. If any one confesses these things, and that God the Word did dwell in a human body, being within it as the Word, even as the soul also is in the body, because it was God that inhabited it, and not a human soul, but affirms that unlawful unions are a good thing, and places the highest happiness[1191] in pleasure, as does the man who is falsely called a Nicolaitan, this person can neither be a lover of God, nor a lover of Christ, but is a corrupter of his own flesh, and therefore void of the Holy Spirit, and a stranger to Christ. All such persons are but monuments and sepulchres of the dead, upon which are written only the names of dead men. Flee, therefore, the wicked devices and snares of the spirit which now worketh in the children of this world,[1192] lest at any time being overcome,[1193] ye grow weak in your love. But be ye all joined together[1194] with an undivided heart and a willing mind, “being of one accord and of one judgment,”[1195] being always of the same opinion about the same things, both when you are at ease and in danger, both in sorrow and in joy. I thank God, through Jesus Christ, that I have a good conscience in respect to you, and that no one has it in his power to boast, either privately or publicly, that I have burdened any one either in much or in little. And I wish for all among whom I have spoken, that they may not possess that for a testimony against them.
CHAP. VII.—_I have exhorted you to unity._
SHORTER.
For though some would have deceived me according to the flesh, yet the Spirit, as being from God, is not deceived. For it knows both whence it comes and whither it goes,[1196] and detects the secrets [of the heart]. For, when I was among you, I cried, I spoke with a loud voice: Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. Now, some suspected me of having spoken thus, as knowing beforehand the division caused by some among you.[1197] But He is my witness, for whose sake I am in bonds, that I got no intelligence from any man.[1198] But the Spirit proclaimed these words: Do nothing without the bishop; keep your bodies[1199] as the temples of God;[1200] love unity; avoid divisions; be the followers of Jesus Christ, even as He is of His Father.
LONGER.
For though some would have deceived me according to the flesh, yet my spirit is not deceived; for I have received it from God. For it knows both whence it comes and whither it goes, and detects the secrets [of the heart]. For when I was among you, I cried, I spoke with a loud voice—the word is not mine, but God’s—Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. But if ye suspect that I spake thus, as having learned beforehand the division caused by some among you, He is my witness, for whose sake I am in bonds, that I learned nothing of it from the mouth of any man. But the Spirit made an announcement to me, saying as follows: Do nothing without the bishop; keep your bodies[1201] as the temples of God; love unity; avoid divisions; be ye followers of Paul, and of the rest of the apostles, even as they also were of Christ.
CHAP. VIII.—_The same continued._
SHORTER.
I therefore did what belonged to me, as a man devoted to[1202] unity. For where there is division and wrath, God doth not dwell. To all them that repent, the Lord grants forgiveness, if they turn in penitence to the unity of God, and to communion with the bishop.[1203] I trust [as to you] in the grace of Jesus Christ, who shall free you from every bond. And I exhort you to do nothing out of strife, but according to the doctrine of Christ. When I heard some saying, If I do not find it in the ancient[1204] Scriptures, I will not believe the gospel; on my saying to them, It is written, they answered me, That remains to be proved. But to me Jesus Christ is in the place of all that is ancient: His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith[1205] which is by Him, are undefiled monuments of antiquity; by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified.
LONGER.
I therefore did what belonged to me, as a man devoted to unity; adding this also, that where there is diversity of judgment, and wrath, and hatred, God does not dwell. To all them that repent, God grants forgiveness, if they with one consent return to the unity of Christ, and communion with the bishop.[1206] I trust to the grace of Jesus Christ, that He will free you from every bond of wickedness.[1207] I therefore exhort you that ye do nothing out of strife,[1208] but according to the doctrine of Christ. For I have heard some saying, If I do not find the gospel in the archives, I will not believe it. To such persons I say that my archives are Jesus Christ, to disobey whom is manifest destruction. My authentic archives are His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which bears on these things, by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified. He who disbelieves the gospel disbelieves everything along with it. For the archives ought not to be preferred to the Spirit.[1209] “It is hard to kick against the pricks;”[1210] it is hard to disbelieve Christ; it is hard to reject the preaching of the apostles.
CHAP. IX.—_The Old Testament is good: the New Testament is better._
SHORTER.
The priests[1211] indeed are good, but the High Priest is better; to whom the holy of holies has been committed, and who alone has been entrusted with the secrets of God. He is the door of the Father, by which enter in Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the prophets, and the apostles, and the church. All these have for their object the attaining to the unity of God. But the gospel possesses something transcendent [above the former dispensation], viz. the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, His passion and resurrection. For the beloved prophets announced Him,[1212] but the gospel is the perfection of immortality.[1213] All these things are good together, if ye believe in love.
LONGER.
The priests[1214] indeed, and the ministers of the word, are good; but the High Priest is better, to whom the holy of holies has been committed, and who alone has been entrusted with the secrets of God. The ministering powers of God are good. The Comforter is holy, and the Word is holy, the Son of the Father, by whom He made all things, and exercises a providence over them all. This is the Way[1215] which leads to the Father, the Rock,[1216] the Defence,[1217] the Key, the Shepherd,[1218] the Sacrifice, the Door[1219] of knowledge, through which have entered Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, Moses and all the company of the prophets, and these pillars of the world, the apostles, and the spouse of Christ, on whose account He poured out His own blood, as her marriage portion, that He might redeem her. All these things tend towards the unity of the one and only true God. But the gospel possesses something transcendent [above the former dispensation], viz. the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, His passion, and the resurrection itself. For those things which the prophets announced, saying, “Until He come for whom it is reserved, and He shall be the expectation of the Gentiles,”[1220] have been fulfilled in the gospel, [our Lord saying,] “Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”[1221] All then are good together, the law, the prophets, the apostles, the whole company [of others] that have believed through them: only if we love one another.
CHAP. X.—_Congratulate the inhabitants of Antioch on the close of the persecution._
SHORTER.
Since, according to your prayers, and the compassion which ye feel in Christ Jesus, it is reported to me that the church which is at Antioch in Syria possesses peace, it will become you, as a church of God, to elect a deacon to act as the ambassador of God [for you] to [the brethren there], that he may rejoice along with them when they are met together, and glorify the name [of God]. Blessed is he in Jesus Christ, who shall be deemed worthy of such a ministry; and ye too shall be glorified. And if ye are willing, it is not beyond your power to do this, for the sake of[1222] God; as also the nearest churches have sent, in some cases bishops, and in others presbyters and deacons.
LONGER.
Since, according to your prayers, and the compassion which ye feel in Christ Jesus, it is reported to me that the church which is at Antioch in Syria possesses peace, it will become you, as a church of God, to elect a bishop to act as the ambassador of God [for you] to [the brethren] there, that it may be granted them to meet together, and to glorify the name of God. Blessed is he in Christ Jesus, who shall be deemed worthy of such a ministry; and if ye be zealous [in this matter], ye shall receive glory in Christ. And if ye are willing, it is not altogether beyond your power to do this, for the sake of[1223] God; as also the nearest churches have sent, in some cases bishops, and in others presbyters and deacons.
CHAP. XI.—_Thanks and salutation._
SHORTER.
Now, as to Philo the deacon, of Cilicia, a man of reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Rheus Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding[1224] his life,—these bear witness in your behalf; and I myself give thanks to God for you, that ye have received them, even as the Lord you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect.[1225] May the Lord Jesus Christ honour them, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and faith, and love, and concord! Fare ye well in Christ Jesus, our common hope.
LONGER.
Now, as to Philo the deacon, a man of Cilicia, of high reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Gaius and Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding[1226] his life,—these also bear testimony in your behalf. And I myself give thanks to God for you, because ye have received them: and the Lord will also receive you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ, “who wisheth not the death of the sinner, but his repentance.”[1227] The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus,[1228] who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect:[1229] whom the Lord Jesus Christ will requite, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and spirit, and faith, and love, and concord. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, in the Holy Ghost.
Footnote 1139:
Or, “inseparably.”
Footnote 1140:
Or, “inseparably.”
Footnote 1141:
Comp. Matt. vii. 25.
Footnote 1142:
The bishop previously referred to.
Footnote 1143:
Comp. Gal. i. 1.
Footnote 1144:
Literally, “all.”
Footnote 1145:
Comp. Gal. i. 1.
Footnote 1146:
Luke i. 6.
Footnote 1147:
Comp. 2 Tim. iii. 6.
Footnote 1148:
Jer. xxiii. 15.
Footnote 1149:
Comp. Matt. vii. 15.
Footnote 1150:
Comp. 2 Tim. iii. 6.
Footnote 1151:
_i.e._ heretical.
Footnote 1152:
2 Tim. ii. 26.
Footnote 1153:
_i.e._ heretical.
Footnote 1154:
Comp. Song of Sol. ii. 15.
Footnote 1155:
Comp. 1 Cor. v. 11.
Footnote 1156:
Deut. xiii. 6, 8.
Footnote 1157:
Ps. cxix. 21.
Footnote 1158:
1 Thess. iv. 5.
Footnote 1159:
1 Tim. ii. 4.
Footnote 1160:
Matt. v. 45.
Footnote 1161:
Matt. v. 48.
Footnote 1162:
Literally, “into.”
Footnote 1163:
Eph. iv. 5.
Footnote 1164:
Tit. ii. 14; 1 Pet. ii. 9.
Footnote 1165:
Eph. v. 22.
Footnote 1166:
1 Cor. vii. 22.
Footnote 1167:
There was a prevalent opinion among the ancient Christian writers, that all these holy men lived a life of celibacy.
Footnote 1168:
Or, “it is not because, etc., that I have mentioned these.”
Footnote 1169:
Eph. vi. 4.
Footnote 1170:
Prov. xxiii. 24.
Footnote 1171:
Job xxxi. 13, 15.
Footnote 1172:
Gal. iii. 28.
Footnote 1173:
1 Sam. xviii. 18; 2 Sam. vii. 18.
Footnote 1174:
Phil. ii. 25.
Footnote 1175:
Literally, “have proclaimed in reference to the gospel.”
Footnote 1176:
In Christ.
Footnote 1177:
Literally, “people-deceiving.”
Footnote 1178:
Comp. Ps. li. 12 (LXX.).
Footnote 1179:
Literally, “teaching.”
Footnote 1180:
Or, “wrought.”
Footnote 1181:
Literally, “Judaism.”
Footnote 1182:
Literally, “oppressed.”
Footnote 1183:
Or, “will.”
Footnote 1184:
Some render, “come together into the same place.”
Footnote 1185:
Apparently by attempting to impose the yoke of Judaism.
Footnote 1186:
Comp. John viii. 44.
Footnote 1187:
Literally, “beneath.”
Footnote 1188:
Comp. the reading sanctioned by the ancient authorities, John i. 18.
Footnote 1189:
From a Hebrew word meaning “poor.”
Footnote 1190:
Or, “these things.”
Footnote 1191:
Literally, “the end of happiness.”
Footnote 1192:
Comp. Eph. ii. 2.
Footnote 1193:
Literally, “oppressed.”
Footnote 1194:
Some render, “come together into the same place.”
Footnote 1195:
Phil. ii. 2.
Footnote 1196:
John iii. 8.
Footnote 1197:
Some translate, “as foreseeing the division to arise among you.”
Footnote 1198:
Literally, “did not know from human flesh.”
Footnote 1199:
Literally, “your flesh.”
Footnote 1200:
Comp. 1 Cor. iii. 16, vi. 19.
Footnote 1201:
Literally, “your flesh.”
Footnote 1202:
Literally, “prepared for.”
Footnote 1203:
Literally, “to the assembly of the bishop.”
Footnote 1204:
The meaning here is very doubtful. Some read ἐν τοῖς ἀρχαίοις, as translated above; others prefer ἐν τοῖς ἀρχείοις, as in the longer recension.
Footnote 1205:
_i.e._ the system of Christian doctrine.
Footnote 1206:
Literally, “to the assembly of the bishop.”
Footnote 1207:
Comp. Isa. lviii. 6.
Footnote 1208:
Phil. ii. 3.
Footnote 1209:
Or, “the archives of the Spirit are not exposed to all.”
Footnote 1210:
Acts xxvi. 14.
Footnote 1211:
_i.e._ the Jewish priests.
Footnote 1212:
Literally, “proclaimed as to Him.”
Footnote 1213:
The meaning is doubtful. Comp. 2 Tim. i. 10.
Footnote 1214:
_i.e._ the Jewish priests.
Footnote 1215:
John xiv. 6.
Footnote 1216:
1 Cor. x. 4.
Footnote 1217:
Literally, “the hedge.”
Footnote 1218:
John x. 11.
Footnote 1219:
John x. 9.
Footnote 1220:
Gen. xlix. 10.
Footnote 1221:
Matt. xxviii. 19.
Footnote 1222:
Literally, “for the name of.”
Footnote 1223:
Literally, “for the name of.”
Footnote 1224:
Literally, “bidding farewell to.”
Footnote 1225:
Or, “for the sake of honour.”
Footnote 1226:
Literally, “bidding farewell to.”
Footnote 1227:
Comp. Ezek. xviii. 23, 32, xxxiii. 11; 2 Pet. iii. 9.
Footnote 1228:
The MS. has “Burgus.”
Footnote 1229:
Or, “for the sake of honour.”
THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE SMYRNÆANS.
SHORTER.
_Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of God the Father, and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has through mercy obtained every kind of gift, which is filled with faith and love, and is deficient in no gift, most worthy of God, and adorned with holiness:[1230] the church which is at Smyrna, in Asia, wishes abundance of happiness, through the immaculate Spirit and word of God._
LONGER.
_Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of God the most high Father, and His beloved Son Jesus Christ, which has through mercy obtained every kind of gift, which is filled with faith and love, and is deficient in no gift, most worthy of God, and adorned with holiness: the church which is at Smyrna, in Asia, wishes abundance of happiness, through the immaculate Spirit and word of God._
CHAP. I.—_Thanks to God for your faith._
SHORTER.
I glorify God, even Jesus Christ, who has given you such wisdom. For I have observed that ye are perfected in an immoveable faith, as if ye were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the flesh and in the spirit, and are established in love through the blood of Christ, being fully persuaded with respect to our Lord, that He was truly of the seed of David according to the flesh,[1231] and the Son of God according to the will and power[1232] of God; that He was truly born of a virgin, was baptized by John, in order that all righteousness might be fulfilled[1233] by Him; and was truly, under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, nailed [to the cross] for us in His flesh. Of this fruit[1234] we are by His divinely-blessed passion, that He might set up a standard[1235] for all ages, through His resurrection, to all His holy and faithful [followers], whether among Jews or Gentiles, in the one body of His church.
LONGER.
I glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by Him has given you such wisdom. For I have observed that ye are perfected in an immoveable faith, as if ye were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the flesh and in the spirit, and are established in love through the blood of Christ, being fully persuaded, in very truth, with respect to our Lord Jesus Christ, that He was the Son of God, “the first-born of every creature,”[1236] God the Word, the only-begotten Son, and was of the seed of David according to the flesh,[1237] by the Virgin Mary; was baptized by John, that all righteousness might be fulfilled[1238] by Him; that He lived a life of holiness without sin, and was truly, under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, nailed [to the cross] for us in His flesh. From whom we also derive our being,[1239] from His divinely-blessed passion, that He might set up a standard for the ages, through His resurrection, to all His holy and faithful [followers], whether among Jews or Gentiles, in the one body of His church.
CHAP. II.—_Christ’s true passion._
SHORTER.
Now, He suffered all these things for our sakes, that we might be saved. And He suffered truly, even as also He truly raised up himself, not, as certain unbelievers maintain, that He only seemed to suffer, as they themselves only seem to be [Christians]. And as they believe, so shall it happen unto them, when they shall be divested of their bodies, and be mere evil spirits.[1240]
LONGER.
Now, He suffered all these things for us; and He suffered them really, and not in appearance only, even as also He truly rose again. But not, as some of the unbelievers, who are ashamed of the formation of man, and the cross, and death itself, affirm, that in appearance only, and not in truth, He took a body of the Virgin, and suffered only in appearance, forgetting, as they do, Him who said, “The Word was made flesh;”[1241] and again, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up;”[1242] and once more, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.”[1243] The Word therefore did dwell in flesh, for “Wisdom built herself an house.”[1244] The Word raised up again His own temple on the third day, when it had been destroyed by the Jews fighting against Christ. The Word, when His flesh was lifted up, after the manner of the brazen serpent in the wilderness, drew all men to himself for their eternal salvation.[1245]
CHAP. III.—_Christ was possessed of a body after His resurrection._
SHORTER.
For I know that after His resurrection also He was still possessed of flesh,[1246] and I believe that He is so now. When, for instance, He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, “Lay hold, handle me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit.”[1247] And immediately they touched Him, and believed, being convinced both by His flesh and spirit. For this cause also they despised death, and were found its conquerors.[1248] And after His resurrection He did eat and drink with them, as being possessed of flesh, although spiritually He was united to the Father.
LONGER.
And I know that He was possessed of a body not only in His being born and crucified, but I also know that He was so after His resurrection, and believe that He is so now. When, for instance, He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, “Lay hold, handle me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit.”[1249] “For a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”[1250] And He says to Thomas, “Reach hither thy finger into the print of the nails, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side;”[1251] and immediately they believed that He was Christ. Wherefore Thomas also says to Him, “My Lord, and my God.”[1252] And on this account also did they despise death, for it were too little to say, indignities and stripes. Nor was this all; but also after He had shown himself to them, that He had risen indeed, and not in appearance only, He both ate and drank with them during forty entire days. And thus was He, with the flesh, received up in their sight unto Him that sent Him, being with that same flesh to come again, accompanied by glory and power. For, say the [holy] oracles, “This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, in like manner as ye have seen Him go unto heaven.”[1253] But if they say that He will come at the end of the world without a body, how shall those “see Him that pierced Him,”[1254] and when they recognise Him, “mourn for themselves?”[1255] For incorporeal beings have neither form nor figure, nor the aspect[1256] of an animal possessed of shape, because their nature is in itself simple.
CHAP. IV.—_Beware of these heretics._
SHORTER.