The Apostolic Fathers

Epistle to the Philadelphians (Short Version)

by Ignatius
11 chapters Read aloud, 7 min With the Greek text word study in 10 of 11 paragraphs
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Chapter 3: Avoid Those Who Cause Division

Keep yourselves away from those evil plants that Jesus Christ does not tend, because they are not the planting of the Father. Not that I have found any division among you, but rather exceeding purity. For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as, in the exercise of repentance, return to the unity of the Church, these too shall belong to God, that they may live according to Jesus Christ. Do not stray, my brothers. If anyone follows someone who creates a schism in the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If anyone adheres to a strange opinion, he does not agree with the passion of Christ.