Letter 5

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians Greeting. Ignatius, also called Theophorus, addresses the Church of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ at Philadelphia in Asia, which has obtained mercy and is established in harmony with God, rejoicing in the passion of our Lord and filled with mercy through his resurrection. He salutes them in the blood of Jesus Christ, especially those in unity with the bishop, presbyters, and deacons appointed according to the mind of Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit. Chapter 1. Praise of the bishop. The bishop obtained his ministry through the love of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, not through personal ambition or human approval. Ignatius admires his meekness and notes that "his silence is able to accomplish more than those who vainly talk." The bishop harmonizes with God's commandments like a harp with its strings, and his virtue, stability, and freedom from anger reflect God's infinite meekness. Chapter 2. Maintain union with the bishop. As children of light and truth, the faithful should flee division and wicked doctrines, following the shepherd like sheep. Many wolves appear credible but lead astray those running toward God through "pernicious pleasure," yet they shall have no place among the united community. Chapter 3. Avoid schismatics. Keep away from evil plants that Jesus Christ does not tend, as they are not the Father's planting. Ignatius commends the Philadelphia church for its purity and unity with the bishop. Those returning to church unity through repentance shall belong to God and live according to Jesus Christ. Followers of schismatics shall not inherit the kingdom of God, and those following strange opinions do not align with Christ's passion. Chapter 4. Have but one Eucharist, etc. Maintain one Eucharist, representing one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ and one cup showing the unity of His blood. There is one altar, one bishop with presbytery and deacons, so that all actions accord with God's will. Chapter 5. Pray for me. Ignatius expresses love for the Philadelphians and concern for their safety, acknowledging Jesus Christ as his focus while remaining imperfect despite his bonds. He requests their prayers to perfect him so he may attain his allotted portion. He urges them to love the prophets who proclaimed the Gospel and placed their hope in Christ, as they are "holy men, worthy of love and admiration" bearing witness from Jesus Christ. Chapter 6. Do not accept Judaism. Those preaching Jewish law should not be heeded. It is preferable to receive Christian doctrine from a circumcised man rather than Judaism from an uncircumcised one. However, those not speaking of Jesus Christ are "like monuments and sepulchres of the dead" with only human names inscribed. Flee the wicked devices of the world's prince, maintain undivided hearts, and join together in unity. Chapter 7. I have exhorted you to unity. Though some attempted deception, the Spirit from God discerns and reveals secrets of the heart. When present among them, Ignatius proclaimed loudly: "Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons." The Spirit commanded: do nothing without the bishop, keep bodies as God's temples, love unity, avoid divisions, follow Jesus Christ as He follows His Father. Chapter 8. The same continued. Ignatius devoted himself to unity, knowing God does not dwell where division and wrath exist. The Lord grants forgiveness to the repentant who turn to God's unity and communion with the bishop. When certain ones demanded ancient Scripture proof for the Gospel, Ignatius responded that Jesus Christ replaces all antiquity: "His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which is by Him, are undefiled monuments of antiquity." Chapter 9. The Old Testament is good: the New Testament is better. Though priests are good, the High Priest is better, entrusted with the holy of holies and God's secrets. He is the Father's door through which Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the prophets, apostles, and Church enter, all aiming at God's unity. The Gospel possesses something transcendent -- the appearance, passion, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel is "the perfection of immortality." All things are good together if believed in love. Chapter 10. Congratulate the Antiochans on the close of the persecution. Since the Church at Antioch in Syria possesses peace through their prayers and compassion in Christ Jesus, the Philadelphia church should elect a deacon as God's ambassador to them, so he may rejoice with them when gathered and glorify God's name. Chapter 11. Thanks and salutation. Philo the deacon of Cilicia, a man of reputation ministering in God's word, and Rheus Agathopus, an elect man who followed from Syria without regard for his life, bear witness on behalf of Philadelphia. May Lord Jesus Christ honor them in flesh, soul, faith, love, and concord. Farewell in Christ Jesus, the common hope.