Epistle to Polycarp (Syriac Version)

YOUR MIND IS ACCEPTABLE TO ME: as it is grounded in God, like an immovable rock. I glorify God all the more for considering me worthy to see your face, which I have longed for in God. Now I ask you, by the grace you are clothed in, to hasten your journey and always pray for all people that they may be saved, and seek things that are fitting, with diligence in both body and spirit. Value unity, as nothing is more precious. Be patient with everyone, just as our Lord is patient with you. Show love and patience to all, as you already do. Be steadfast in prayer. Seek more understanding than you already have. Stay watchful, as one who has a spirit that does not sleep. Speak with everyone according to the will of God. Support the weaknesses of all people as a perfect athlete does; for where the effort is great, the reward is also great.

IF YOU LOVE ONLY THE GOOD DISCIPLES: you have no grace; instead, win over those who are evil with gentleness. Not all wounds are healed by the same medicine. Ease the pain of cutting with tenderness. Be wise as the serpent in everything, and innocent with respect to what is necessary, like the dove. You are made of both flesh and spirit for this reason, so you may attract what is visible before you and ask for what is hidden to be revealed, allowing you to lack nothing and abound in all gifts. The time demands, just as a pilot needs a ship and one facing a storm needs a harbor, that you should be worthy of God. Be vigilant as an athlete of God. What is promised to us is eternal life, which cannot be corrupted, and in this you are convinced. In everything, I will be instead of your soul and my bonds which you have loved.

Do not let those who seem important and teach strange doctrines intimidate you; instead, stand firm in the truth, like an athlete who is struck, for it is the mark of a great athlete to be struck and still conquer. It is especially fitting that we endure everything for the sake of God, so that He may also support us. Be even more diligent than you currently are. Be discerning of the times. Seek Him who is beyond time, who has no time, who is invisible, who became visible for us, who is beyond touch, who is beyond suffering, who for our sake endured suffering, and who endured everything in every form for us.

Do not overlook the widows; for the sake of our Lord, be their guardian, and let nothing be done without your will; likewise, do nothing without the will of God, as you already do. Stand firm. Hold frequent gatherings: invite each person by name. Do not look down on slaves, whether male or female; nor let them be disrespectful, but let them work harder for the glory of God, so they may be deemed worthy of a more valuable freedom, which is from God. Let them not seek to be freed from the common fund, lest they become slaves to desire.

Flee from wicked practices; but discuss them even more. Speak to my sisters, encouraging them to love our Lord, and that their husbands be sufficient for them in both body and spirit. Also, instruct my brothers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they love their wives as our Lord loves His Church. If any man is able to remain pure, honoring the body of our Lord, let him do so without boasting; if he boasts, he is ruined; if he becomes known without the bishop's approval, he has destroyed himself. It is appropriate, therefore, for men and women who marry to do so with the bishop's advice, ensuring the marriage is in our Lord, and not driven by lust. Let everything be done for the honor of God.

LOOK TO THE BISHOP: so that God may also look upon you. I will stand in for the souls of those who are subject to the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons; may I have a share with them in the presence of God! Work together with one another, compete together, run together, endure together, rest together, rise together. As stewards of God, of His household, and His servants, please Him and serve Him, so that you may receive the promised wages from Him. Let none of you be rebellious. Let your baptism be your armor, faith be your spear, love be your helmet, and patience be your complete protection. Let your treasures be your good works, so that you may receive the gift of God, as is deserved. Let your spirit be long-suffering towards each other with meekness, just as God is towards you. As for me, I rejoice in you at all times.

THE CHRISTIAN DOES NOT HAVE POWER OVER THEMSELVES: but is always ready to be subject to God.

I SALUTE THE ONE WHO IS CONSIDERED WORTHY TO GO TO ANTIOCH IN MY PLACE: as I instructed you.