Ignatius of Antioch, Theophorus: EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS Complete

Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (Shorter and Longer Versions)

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Page 4

Chapter III. — Pray rather that I may attain to martyrdom.

Ye have never envied any one; ye have taught others. Now I desire that those things may be confirmed [by your conduct], which in your instructions ye enjoin [on others]. Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but [truly] will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one. For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. [838] "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [839] For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with [840] the Father, is all the more revealed [in His glory]. Christianity is not a thing [841] of silence only, but also of [manifest] greatness.

Ye have never envied any one; ye have taught others. Now I desire that those things may be confirmed [by your conduct], which in your instructions ye enjoin [on others]. Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but [truly] will, so that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really found to be one. For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [842] The Christian is not the result [843] of persuasion, but of power. [844] When he is hated by the world, he is beloved of God. For says [the Scripture], "If ye were of this world, the world would love its own; but now ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it: continue in fellowship with me." [845]


[838] Some read, "good."

[839] 2 Cor. iv. 18. This quotation is not found in the old Latin version of the shorter recension.

[840] Or, "in."

[841] Literally, "work."

[842] 2 Cor. iv. 18. This quotation is not found in the old Latin version of the shorter recension.

[843] Literally, "work."

[844] The meaning is here doubtful.

[845] John xv. 19.

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