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
Right-clickPress and hold any paragraph, or tap its ¶ number, for its Greek, notes and slides.

Chapter 9: The Old Testament is Good: The New Testament is Better

The priests indeed are good, but the High Priest is better; to whom the holy of holies has been committed, and who alone has been trusted with the secrets of God. He is the door of the Father, through which Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the prophets, the apostles, and the Church enter. All these aim to achieve the unity of God. But the Gospel has something transcendent above the former dispensation, namely, the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, His passion and resurrection. For the beloved prophets announced Him, but the Gospel is the perfection of immortality. All these things are good together if you believe in love.