Epistle to Polycarp (Short Version)

Seeing that the Church in Antioch, Syria, is at peace, as I have been informed, thanks to your prayers, I am encouraged and at ease in God. If through suffering I may reach God, then through your prayers I may be found a true disciple of Christ. It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to gather a very solemn council and choose someone you truly love and know to be active, to become God's messenger; and to give him the honor of going to Syria to glorify your constant love to the praise of Christ. A Christian does not have control over themselves but must always be ready to serve God. This work is both God’s and yours once you complete it for His glory. 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 urged you through this brief letter.