Letter 3

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians Greeting. Ignatius, also called Theophorus, addresses the holy Church at Tralles in Asia, beloved of God the Father through Jesus Christ, extending greetings and wishes for abundant happiness. Chapter 1. Acknowledgment of their excellence. The author commends the recipients for possessing "an unblameable and sincere mind in patience," noting their bishop Polybius has demonstrated their virtue and good character through his visit to Smyrna. Chapter 2. Be subject to the bishop, etc. This section emphasizes submission to church leadership. Members should obey their bishop as they would Christ, remain subject to the presbytery, and respect deacons as ministers of God's mysteries rather than mere administrators of physical provisions. Chapter 3. Honour the deacons, etc. The passage instructs reverence for deacons as Christ's appointments, bishops as Christ himself, and presbyters as God's council and apostolic assembly, stating "Apart from these, there is no Church." Chapter 4. I have need of humility. Despite spiritual knowledge, the author practices restraint and humility, acknowledging the danger of pride while expressing desire for suffering if worthy. Chapter 5. I will not teach you profound doctrines. The writer declines to discuss heavenly mysteries and angelic hierarchies, explaining that such advanced doctrine might harm spiritually immature believers. Chapter 6. Abstain from the poison of heretics. Recipients are urged to avoid heretical teachings, which mix Christ's message "with their own poison," using appealing language to lead people astray. Chapter 7. The same continued. Guidance emphasizes remaining unified with Christ, the bishop, presbytery, and deacons, warning that those operating outside these structures lack spiritual purity. Chapter 8. Be on your guard against the snares of the devil. The author cautions against Satan's deceptions while encouraging faith, love, and harmony among members, warning against behavior that might cause outsiders to blaspheme God's name. Chapter 9. Reference to the history of Christ. This chapter reaffirms orthodox Christology: Christ descended from David, was born of Mary, truly suffered and died under Pontius Pilate, and truly rose again. Chapter 10. The reality of Christ's passion. The author defends Christ's actual suffering against docetic claims, asking why he endures imprisonment if Christ's passion was merely apparent. Chapter 11. Avoid the deadly errors of the Docetae. The passage warns against rejecting Christ's incarnation and passion, comparing heretical teachings to "evil offshoots" producing death-bearing fruit. Chapter 12. Continue in unity and love. Greetings from the Smyrnan churches accompany encouragement for continued harmony, prayer, and mutual support, particularly toward strengthening the bishop's ministry. Chapter 13. Conclusion. Final exhortations for continued submission to leadership, undivided love for one another, and prayers for the Syrian church complete the epistle.