Chapters
Epistle to Polycarp (Long Version)
Chapters
More
Chapter 7: Request for Polycarp to Send a Messenger to Antioch.
SINCE I HAVE HEARD THAT THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH: Syria, is at peace because of your prayers, I am more encouraged and can rest without anxiety in God, hoping that through suffering I may attain to God, and, with your prayers, be found a disciple of Christ. It is appropriate, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to gather a very serious council and choose someone you greatly love and know to be active, who can be appointed as the messenger of God, and grant him the honor of going to Syria, so that by going there, he may glorify your ever-active love to the praise of God. A Christian does not have control over themselves but must always be ready for God's service. Now, this work is both God's and yours when you complete it. For I trust that, through grace, you are prepared for every good work related to God. Knowing your energetic love of the truth, I have encouraged you with this brief letter.