Ignatius to the Philadelphians VIII
Source: Ignatius to the Philadelphians (shorter recension; trans. Roberts-Donaldson, 1885) (Ignatius to the Philadelphians VIII) · father
I therefore did what belonged to me, as a man devoted to 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. 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 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 which is by Him, are undefiled monuments of antiquity; by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified.
Witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15)
- manuscript_tradition: Middle Recension — Codex Mediceus Laurentianus 57.7 (10-11th cent)
- translation: Lightfoot, Apostolic Fathers Part II (1885)
- translation: Roberts-Donaldson Ante-Nicene Fathers vol. 1
- citation_tradition: Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians — cites Ignatius's letters by name