Letter 360: Theodore Studite, Letter 360; Greek heading: Τιμοθέῳ τέκνῳ.

Patiently endure, endure the Lord, my beloved child Timothy; for it is written: if we endure, we shall also reign together with him [2 Timothy 2:12]. How great the promise, that you should be shown forth as a king in the heavens, fulfilling the martyrdom of his confession! And let what has been said not sound foreign to you: he made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, says the Theologian and apostle [John, in Revelation 1:6]. And why do I say this? God has also commanded that the human being become god; I said, you are gods, and all of you sons of the Most High [Psalm 82:6]. So then, he who does not die to sin, nor fall into impiety, has received the dignity. Therefore let us stand firm, brother, and let us never die, so that we may be designated gods and kings. Set against these things are imprisonments, afflictions, distresses, famines, fire, sword, ten thousand deaths, yet nothing that can separate us from the love of God [cf. Romans 8:35-39]; let the impious make use of whatever instruments of punishment they wish. In me there is no strength at all, but only utter helplessness arising from my sins, yet the word of the truth has shown what is sought; and you, by the grace of Christ, have both made a beginning of it and are most eager, as I hear. But pray also concerning me, the wretched one, that I may be made eager to come after you. He who is with me greets you.