The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Short Version)

I have become acquainted with your name, beloved in God, which you have acquired by the habit of righteousness, according to the faith and love in Jesus Christ our Savior. Being the followers of God, and motivating yourselves by the blood of God, you have perfectly accomplished the work which was fitting for you. For, on hearing that I came bound from Syria for the common name and hope, trusting through your prayers to be permitted to fight with beasts at Rome, that so by martyrdom I may indeed become the disciple of Him “who gave Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God,” [you hastened to see me]. I received, therefore, your whole multitude in the name of God, through Onesimus, a man of inexpressible love, and your bishop in the flesh, whom I urge you by Jesus Christ to love, and that you would all seek to be like him. And blessed be He who has granted to you, being worthy, to obtain such an excellent bishop.