The Apostolic Fathers

Epistle to the Magnesians (Long Version)

by Ignatius
15 chapters Read aloud, 15 min With the Greek text word study in 15 of 15 paragraphs
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Chapter 4: Some Act Wickedly Without the Bishop's Approval

It is fitting, then, not only to be called Christians, but to be so in reality. For it is not the being called so, but the being really so, that renders a man blessed. To those who indeed talk of the bishop, but do all things without him, will He who is the true and first Bishop, and the only High Priest by nature, declare, “Why call ye Me Lord, and do not the things which I say?” For such persons seem to me not possessed of a good conscience, but to be simply dissemblers and hypocrites.