Letter 6

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans Greeting. Ignatius, also called Theophorus, addresses "the Church of God the Father, and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has through mercy obtained every kind of gift" at Smyrna in Asia, wishing them "abundance of happiness, through the immaculate Spirit and word of God." Chapter 1. Thanks to God for your faith. The author expresses gratitude for the church's steadfast belief, noting they are "perfected in an immoveable faith, as if you were nailed to the cross" and "established in love through the blood of Christ." He affirms Christ's true humanity, descent from David, virgin birth, baptism by John, crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and Herod, and resurrection as the foundation for all believers. Chapter 2. Christ's true passion. Christ "suffered truly, even as also He truly raised up Himself," contrary to heretics who claim He "only seemed to suffer." The author warns that false believers "shall be divested of their bodies, and be mere evil spirits." Chapter 3. Christ was possessed of a body after His resurrection. The author asserts Christ possessed flesh after resurrection, recounting how He appeared to Peter's companions, inviting them to "Lay hold, handle Me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit." After resurrection, Christ "ate and drank with them, as being possessed of flesh." Chapter 4. Beware of these heretics. The author cautions against "beasts in the shape of men," advising believers to avoid them while praying for their repentance. He questions the credibility of those denying Christ's reality, asking "why have I also surrendered myself to death, to fire, to the sword, to the wild beasts?" if these events were merely apparent. Chapter 5. Their dangerous errors. Certain individuals "deny Him, or rather have been denied by Him, being the advocates of death rather than of the truth." These heretics reject prophetic witness, Mosaic law, and the Gospel. The author refuses naming them "inasmuch as they are unbelievers" until they repent. Chapter 6. Unbelievers in the blood of Christ shall be condemned. "Both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels, and rulers, both visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, shall, in consequence, incur condemnation." The author emphasizes that "faith and love" surpass all else, and condemns those lacking "care for the widow, or the orphan, or the oppressed." Chapter 7. Let us stand aloof from such heretics. Heretics "abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins." The author advises remaining apart from such persons and heeding "the prophets, and above all, to the Gospel," while avoiding divisions. Chapter 8. Let nothing be done without the bishop. Believers should "follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father" and respect presbyters and deacons. "Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop." Only the bishop or his appointee should administer the Eucharist, and "Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be." Chapter 9. Honour the bishop. Believers should exercise "repentance towards God" and reverence both God and the bishop. "He who honours the bishop has been honoured by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop, does serve the devil." The author thanks the community for their support. Chapter 10. Acknowledgment of their kindness. The author commends the church for receiving Philo and Rheus Agathopus, "servants of Christ our God," and for refreshing them. He assures them these kindnesses "shall not be lost to you." Chapter 11. Request to them to send a messenger to Antioch. Coming "bound with chains, most acceptable to God," the author greets the church at Antioch in Syria. He requests that Smyrna elect a worthy delegate to journey to Syria, congratulating them on their restored peace and offering support through prayers. Chapter 12. Salutations. The author conveys greetings from Troas and commends Burrhus, sent by Ephesians, as a model minister. He salutes the bishop, presbytery, deacons, and all believers "in the name of Jesus Christ, and in His flesh and blood, in His passion and resurrection." Chapter 13. Conclusion. Final greetings extend to families, wives, children, and widows. The author invokes God's strength through the Holy Ghost and offers personal salutations to named individuals, concluding with "Fare well in the grace of God."