Polycarp to the Philippians
A short letter from Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of the apostle John, to the church at Philippi. It is full of echoes of the Gospels and of the letters of Paul, Peter and John.
GreekLake edition, 1912
English, LakeThe Apostolic Fathers, 1912
Modern EnglishSermonIndex
Greeting
Πολύκαρπος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ πρεσβύτεροι τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ τῇ παροικούσῃ Φιλίππους: ἔλεος ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη παρὰ θεοῦ παντοκράτορος καὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν πληθυνθείη.
GreetingPolycarp and the Elders with him to the Church of God sojourning in Philippi; mercy and peace from God Almighty and Jesus Christ our Saviour be multiplied to you.
Polycarp and the elders with him, to the church of God that lives as a stranger in Philippi. May mercy and peace be multiplied to you from almighty God and from Jesus Christ our Savior.
Translator’s note. The greeting echoes 1 Peter 1:2 (“may grace and peace be multiplied to you”) and Jude 2 (“may mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you”).
Chapter 1
Συνεχάρην ὑμῖν μεγάλως ἐν τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, δεξαμένοις τὰ μιμήματα τῆς ἀληθοῦς ἀγάπης καὶ προπέμψασιν, ὡς ἐπέβαλεν ὑμῖν, τοὺς ἐνειλημένους τοῖς ἁγιοπρεπέσιν δεσμοῖς, ἅτινά ἐστιν διαδήματα τῶν ἀληθῶς ὑπὸ θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν ἐκλελεγμένων:
The hospitality of the PliilippiansI rejoice greatly with you in our Lord Jesus Christ that you have followed the pattern of true love, and have helped on their way, as opportunity was given you, those who were bound in chains, which become the saints, and are the diadems of those who have been truly chosen by God and our Lord.
I rejoiced greatly with you in our Lord Jesus Christ that you welcomed those who are living copies of true love. As was fitting for you, you helped them on their way, bound as they were in chains fit for saints. These chains are the crowns of those truly chosen by God and our Lord.
Translator’s note. The prisoners were probably Ignatius of Antioch and his companions, who passed through Philippi on their way to Rome. Polycarp names Ignatius, Zosimus and Rufus in chapter 9.
καὶ ὅτι ἡ βεβαία τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν ῥίζα, ἐξ ἀρχαίων καταγγελλομένη χρόνων, μέχρι νῦν διαμένει καὶ καρποφορεῖ εἰς τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ὃς ὑπέμεινεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν ἕως θανάτου καταντῆσαι, ὃν ἤγειρεν ὁ θεός, λύσας τὰς ὠδῖνας τοῦ ᾅδου:
Their faithI rejoice also that your firmly rooted faith, which was famous in past years, still flourishes and bears fruit unto our Lord Jesus Christ, who endured for our sins, even to the suffering of death, whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of Hades,
I also rejoice that the firm root of your faith, which has been spoken of since early times, still lasts and bears fruit for our Lord Jesus Christ. For our sins he endured even to the point of death, and God raised him up, having loosed the pains of Hades.
Translator’s note. Polycarp is echoing Acts 2:24. The word for “pains” (ōdines) is also used of birth pangs. Most manuscripts of Acts read “the pains of death,” but Polycarp has “the pains of Hades,” a reading also found in some manuscripts of Acts.
Scripture: Acts 2:24
εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἰδόντες πιστεύετε χαρᾷ ἀνεκλαλήτῳ καὶ δεδοξασμένῃ, εἰς ἣν πολλοὶ ἐπιθυμοῦσιν εἰσελθεῖν, εἰδότες, ὅτι χάριτί ἐστε σεσωσμένοι, οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων, ἀλλὰ θελήματι θεοῦ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.
in whom, though you did not see him, you believed in unspeakable and glorified joy,—into which joy many desire to come, knowing that by grace ye are saved, not by works but by the will of God through Jesus Christ.
You have not seen him, yet you believe in him with a joy that cannot be put into words and is full of glory, a joy that many long to enter. For you know that you have been saved by grace, not by works, but by the will of God through Jesus Christ.
Translator’s note. Polycarp echoes 1 Peter 1:8 (“though you have not seen him… you rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory”) and Ephesians 2:8–9 (“by grace you have been saved… not a result of works”).
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9
Chapter 2
Διὸ ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας ὑμῶν δουλεύσατε τῷ θεῷ ἐν φόβῳ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ, ἀπολιπόντες τὴν κενὴν ματαιολογίαν καὶ τὴν τῶν πολλῶν πλάνην, πιστεύσαντες εἰς τὸν ἐγείραντα τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν καὶ δόντα αὐτῷ δόξαν καὶ θρόνον ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ: ᾧ ὑπετάγη τὰ πάντα ἐπουράνια καὶ ἐπίγεια, ᾧ πᾶσα πνοὴ λατρεύει, ὃς ἔρχεται κριτὴς ζώντων καὶ νεκρῶν, οὖ τὸ αἷμα ἐκζητήσει ὁ θεὸς ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων αὐτῷ.
Exhortation to virtueWherefore girding up your loins serve God in fear and truth, putting aside empty vanity and vulgar error, believing on him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead and gave him glory, and a throne on his right hand, to whom are subject all things in heaven and earth, whom all breath serves, who is coming as the Judge of the living and of the dead, whose blood God will require from them who disobey him.
So then, prepare for action and serve God in fear and truth. Leave behind empty talk and the error of the crowd. Believe in the one who raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead and gave him glory and a throne at his right hand. All things in heaven and on earth are subject to him, and everything that breathes worships him. He is coming as judge of the living and the dead, and God will hold those who disobey him accountable for his blood.
Translator’s note. “Prepare for action” is literally “gird up your loins,” as in 1 Peter 1:13. Polycarp also echoes 1 Peter 1:21 (God “raised him from the dead and gave him glory”), Philippians 2:10, Psalm 150:6 (“everything that breathes”), and Acts 10:42 and 2 Timothy 4:1 (“judge of the living and the dead”).
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:21; Philippians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Romans 8:11
ὁ δὲ ἐγείρας αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐγερεῖ, ἐὰν ποιῶμεν αὐτοῦ τὸ θέλημα καὶ πορευώμεθα ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀγαπῶμεν ἃ ἠγάπησεν, ἀπεχόμενοι πάσης ἀδικίας, πλεονεξίας, φιλαργυρίας, καταλαλιᾶς,ψευδομαρτυρίας: μὴ ἀποδιδόντες κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἢ λοιδορίαν ἀντὶ λοιδορίας ἢ γρόνθον ἀντὶ γρόνθον ἢ κατάραν ἀντὶ κατάρας:
The hope of resurrectionNow he who raised him from the dead will also raise us up if we do his will, and walk in his commandments and love the things which he loved, refraining from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness, rendering not evil for evil, or railing for railing, or blow for blow, or curse for curse,
The one who raised him from the dead will also raise us, if we do his will, walk in his commandments, and love what he loved. We must keep away from all injustice, greed, love of money, slander, and false witness, not paying back evil for evil, or insult for insult, or blow for blow, or curse for curse.
Translator’s note. Compare 2 Corinthians 4:14 and 1 Peter 3:9 (“do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling”).
μνημονεύοντες δὲ ὧν εἶπεν ὁ κύριος διδάσκων: Μὴ κρίνετε, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε: ἀφίετε, καὶ ἀφεθήσεται ὑμῖν: ἐλεᾶτε, ἵνα ἐλεηθῆτε: ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε, ἀντιμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν: καὶ ὅτι μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ καὶ οἱ διωκόμενοι ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης, ὅτι αὑτῶν ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ.
The Lord’s teachingbut remembering what the Lord taught when he said, Judge not that ye be not judged, forgive and it shall be forgiven unto you, be merciful that ye may obtain mercy, with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again, and, Blessed are the poor, and they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Remember what the Lord taught when he said: “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Show mercy, so that you will receive mercy. The measure you use will be measured back to you.” And also: “Blessed are the poor and those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for the kingdom of God is theirs.”
Translator’s note. Polycarp seems to quote from memory. His wording is close to Matthew 7:1–2, Matthew 5:7, Luke 6:36–38, and Matthew 5:3, 10. A similar cluster of sayings appears in 1 Clement 13:2. “Blessed are the poor” without “in spirit,” and “kingdom of God” rather than Matthew’s “kingdom of heaven,” are closer to Luke 6:20, though Luke has “yours is the kingdom.”
Scripture: Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:36-38; Luke 6:20; Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:10
Chapter 3
Ταῦτα, ἀδελφοί, οὐκ ἐμαυτῷ ἐπιτρέψας γράφω ὑμῖν περὶ τῆς δικαιοσύνης, ἀλλ’ ἐπεὶ ὑμεῖς προεπεκαλέσασθέ με.
Polycarp’s reason for writing: the invitation of the PhilippiansThese things, brethren, I write to you concerning righteousness, not at my own instance, but because you first invited me.
Brothers, I am writing this to you about righteousness, not because I took it on myself, but because you first invited me.
οὔτε γὰρ ἐγὼ οὔτε ἄλλος ὅμοιος ἐμοὶ δύναται κατακολουθῆσαι τῇ σοφίᾳ τοῦ μακαρίου καὶ ἐνδόξου Παύλου, ὃς γενόμενος ἐν ὑμῖν κατὰ πρόσωπον τῶν τότε ἀνθρώπων ἐδίδαξεν ἀκριβῶς καὶ βεβαίως τὸν περὶ ἀληθείας λόγον, ὃς καὶ ἀπὼν ὑμῖν ἔγραψεν ἐπιστολάς, εἰς ἃς ἐὰν ἐγκύπτητε, δυνηθήσεσθε οἰκοδομεῖσθαι εἰς τὴν δοθεῖσαν ὑμῖν πίστιν:
For neither am I, nor is any other like me, able to follow the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul, who when he was among you in the presence of the men of that time taught accurately and stedfastly the word of truth, and also when he was absent wrote letters to you, from the study of which you will be able to build yourselves up into the faith given you;
Neither I nor anyone like me can match the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul. When he was among you, in the presence of the people of that time, he taught the word of truth accurately and firmly. When he was away, he wrote you letters, and if you study them closely you will be able to build yourselves up in the faith that was given to you.
Translator’s note. Polycarp speaks of Paul’s “letters” (plural) to the Philippians, though the New Testament has only one. Scholars debate whether he means more than one letter, or uses the plural loosely.
ἥτις ἐστὶν μήτηρ πάντων ἡμῶν, ἐπακολουθούσης τῆς ἐλπίδος, προαγούσης τῆς ἀγάπης τῆς εἰς θεὸν καὶ Χριστὸν καὶ εἰς τὸν πλησίον. ἐὰν γάρ τις τούτων ἐντὸς ᾖ, πεπλήρωκεν ἐντολὴν δικαιοσύνης: ὁ γὰρ ἔχων ἀγάπην μακράν ἐστιν πάσης ἁμαρτίας.
which is the mother of us all when faith follows, and love of God and Christ and neighbour goes before. For if one be in this company lie has fulfilled the command of righteousness, for he who has love is far from all sin.
That faith is the mother of us all, with hope following after and love leading the way, love for God, for Christ, and for our neighbor. If anyone lives within these, he has fulfilled the commandment of righteousness, for the one who has love is far from all sin.
Translator’s note. “Mother of us all” echoes Galatians 4:26. Note that the Greek has hope following and love leading.
Chapter 4
Ἀρχὴ δὲ πάντων χαλεπῶν φιλαργυρία. εἰδότες οὖν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ’ οὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι ἔχομεν, ὁπλισώμεθα τοῖς ὅπλοις τῆς δικαιοσύνης καὶ διδάξωμεν ἑαυτοὺς πρῶτον πορεύεσθαι ἐν τῇ ἐντολῇ τοῦ κυριοῦ:
Exhortations to virtueBut the beginning of all evils is the love of money. Knowing therefore that we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it, let us arm ourselves with the armour of righteousness, and let us first of all teach ourselves to walk in the commandment of the Lord;
The beginning of all troubles is the love of money. Since we know that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it, let us arm ourselves with the weapons of righteousness, and let us first teach ourselves to walk in the commandment of the Lord.
Translator’s note. Polycarp echoes 1 Timothy 6:10 and 6:7, though where Paul calls the love of money the “root” of all evils, Polycarp says “beginning.” “Weapons of righteousness” recalls 2 Corinthians 6:7.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-7
ἔπειτα καὶ τὰς γυναῖκας ἡμῶν ἐν τῇ δοθείσῃ αὐταῖς πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ καὶ ἁγνείᾳ στεργούσας τοὺς ἑαυτῶν ἄνδρας ἐν πάσῃ ἀληθείᾳ καὶ ἀγαπώσας πάντας ἐξ ἴσου ἐν πάσῃ ἐγκρατείᾳ, καὶ τὰ τέκνα παιδεύειν τὴν παιδείαν τοῦ φόβου τοῦ θεοῦ:
next teach our wives to remain in the faith given to them, and in love and purity, tenderly loving their husbands in all truth, and loving all others equally in all chastity, and to educate their children in the fear of God.
Then let us teach our wives to live in the faith, love, and purity given to them, to love their own husbands with complete faithfulness, and to love everyone else equally with complete self-control, and to bring up their children in the instruction of the fear of God.
τὰς χήρας σωφρονούσας περὶ τὴν τοῦ κυρίου πίστιν, ἐντυγχανούσας ἀδιαλείπτως περὶ πάντων, μακρὰν οὔσας πάσης διαβολῆς, καταλαλιᾶς, ψευδομαρτυρίας, φιλαργυρίας καὶ παντὸς κακοῦ, γινωσκούσας ὅτι εἰσὶ θυσιαστήριον θεοῦ καὶ ὅτι πάντα μωμοσκοπεῖται, καὶ λέληθεν αὐτὸν οὐδὲν οὔτε λογισμῶν οὔτε ἐννοιῶν οὔτε τι τῶν κρυπτῶν τῆς καρδίας.
Let us teach the widows to be discreet in the faith of the Lord, praying ceaselessly for all men, being far from all slander, evil speaking, false witness, love of money, and all evil, knowing that they are an altar of God, and that all offerings are tested, and that nothing escapes him of reasonings or thoughts, or of the secret things of the heart.
Let us teach the widows to be sensible in the faith of the Lord, to pray constantly for everyone, and to stay far from all slander, gossip, false witness, love of money, and every kind of evil. They should know that they are God’s altar, and that every offering is examined for blemishes. Nothing escapes him, no reasoning, no thought, no secret of the heart.
Translator’s note. Widows were supported by the church’s gifts. Polycarp probably calls them “God’s altar” because those gifts, and the widows’ prayers, were seen as offerings to God.
Chapter 5
Εἰδότες, οὖν, ὅτι θεὸς οὐ μυκτηρίζεται, ὀφείλομεν ἀξίως τῆς ἐντολῆς αὐτοῦ καὶ δόξης περιπατεῖν.
Christian obligations to a virtuous lifeKnowing then that God is not mocked we ought to walk worthily of his commandment and glory.
Since we know that God is not mocked, we ought to live in a way that is worthy of his commandment and his glory.
Translator’s note. “God is not mocked” quotes Galatians 6:7.
ὁμοίως διάκονοι ἄμεμπτοι κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὡς θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ διάκονοι καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώπων: μὴ διάβολοι, μὴ δίλογοι, ἀφιλάργυροι, ἐγκρατεῖς περὶ πάντα, εὔσπλαγχνοι, ἐπιμελεῖς, πορευόμενοι κατὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ κυρίου, ὃς ἐγένετο διάκονος πάντων: ᾧ ἐὰν εὐαρεστήσωμεν ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι, ἀποληψόμεθα καὶ τὸν μέλλοντα, καθὼς ὑπέσχετο ἡμῖν ἐγεῖραι ἡμᾶς ἐκ νεκρῶν, καὶ ὅτι ἐὰν πολιτευσώμεθα ἀξίως αὐτοῦ, καὶ συμβασιλεύσομεν αὐτῷ, εἴγε πιστεύομεν.
Likewise must the deacons be blameless; before his righteousness, as the servants of God and Christ and not of man, not slanderers, not double-tongued, not lovers of money, temperate in all things, compassionate, careful, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who was the servant of all. For if we please him in this present world we shall receive from him that which is to come; even as he promised us to raise us from the dead, and that if we are worthy citizens of his community, we shall also reign with him, if we have but faith.
In the same way, deacons must be blameless before his righteousness, as servants of God and of Christ and not of men. They must not be slanderers or double-tongued, not lovers of money, but self-controlled in everything, compassionate, diligent, and walking in the truth of the Lord, who became the servant of all. If we please him in this present age, we will receive the age to come, just as he promised to raise us from the dead. And if we live as citizens worthy of him, we will also reign with him, provided that we believe.
Translator’s note. “Deacon” (diakonos) means “servant.” Polycarp plays on this when he calls Christ “the servant (diakonos) of all” (compare Mark 9:35; 10:45). The list echoes 1 Timothy 3:8. “Live as citizens worthy” recalls Philippians 1:27, and “reign with him” recalls 2 Timothy 2:12.
ὁμοίως καὶ νεώτεροι ἄμεμπτοι ἐν πᾶσιν, πρὸ παντὸς προνοοῦντες ἁγνείας καὶ χαλιναγωγοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ παντὸς κακοῦ. καλὸν γὰρ τὸ ἀνακόπτεσθαι ἀπὸ τῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, ὅτι πᾶσα ἐπιθυμία κατὰ τοῦ πνεύματος στρατεύεται, καὶ οὔτε πόρνοι οὔτε μαλακοὶ οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται βασιλείαν θεοῦ κληρονομήσουσιν, οὔτε οἱ ποιοῦντες τὰ ἄτοπα. διὸ δέον ἀπέχεσθαι ἀπὸ πάντων τούτων, ὑποτασσομένους τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις καὶ διακόνοις ὡς θεῷ καὶ Χριστῷ: τὰς παρθένους ἐν ἀμώμῳ καὶ ἁγνῇ συνειδήσει περιπατεῖν.
Likewise also let the younger men be blameless in all things; caring above all for purity, and curbing themselves from all evil; for it is good to be cut off from the lust of the things in the world, because every lust warreth against the Spirit, and neither fornicators nor the effeminate nor sodomites shall inherit the Kingdom of God, nor they who do iniquitous things. Wherefore it is necessary to refrain from all these things, and to be subject to the presbyters and deacons as to God and Christ. The virgins must walk with a blameless and pure conscience.
In the same way, the younger men must be blameless in everything, giving first thought to purity and keeping a tight rein on themselves against every evil. It is good to be cut off from the desires that are in the world, because every desire wages war against the Spirit. Neither the sexually immoral, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, will inherit the kingdom of God, nor will those who do what is wicked. So it is necessary to keep away from all these things and to be subject to the elders and deacons as to God and Christ. The young unmarried women should live with a blameless and pure conscience.
Translator’s note. “Younger men” translates neōteroi, and “young unmarried women” is literally “virgins” (parthenous). The letter mentions elders and deacons at Philippi but never a bishop.
Scripture: Galatians 5:17
Chapter 6
Καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι δὲ εὔσπλαγχνοι, εἰς πάντας ἐλεήμονες, ἐπιστρέφοντες τὰ ἀποπεπλανημένα, ἐπισκεπτόμενοι πάντας ἀσθενεῖς, μὴ ἀμελοῦντες χήρας ἢ ὀρφανοῦ ἢ πένητος ἀλλὰ προνοοῦντες ἀεὶ τοῦ καλοῦ ἐνώπιον θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων, ἀπεχόμενοι πάσης ὀργῆς, προσωποληψίας, κρίσεως ἀδίκου, μακρὰν ὄντες πάσης φιλαργυρίας, μὴ ταχέως πιστεύοντες κατά τινος, μὴ ἀπότομοι ἐν κρίσει, εἰδότες ὅτι πάντες ὀφειλέται ἐσμὲν ἁμαρτίας.
The duties of the presbytersAnd let the presbyters also be compassionate. merciful to all, bringing back those that have wandered, caring for all the weak, neglecting neither widow, nor orphan nor poor, but ever providing for that which is good before God and man, refraining from all wrath, respect of persons, unjust judgment, being far from all love of money, not quickly believing evil of any, not hasty in judgment, knowing that we all owe the debt of sin.
The elders also must be compassionate and merciful to all. They must bring back those who have wandered, visit all who are sick, and never neglect a widow, an orphan, or a poor person. They must always give thought to what is good in the sight of God and of people. They must keep away from all anger, favoritism, and unjust judgment, and stay far from all love of money. They must not be quick to believe a charge against anyone, and not be harsh in judging, knowing that we all owe a debt because of sin.
Translator’s note. “Give thought to what is good in the sight of God and of people” echoes Proverbs 3:4 (Greek version), which Paul also uses in Romans 12:17 and 2 Corinthians 8:21.
εἰ οὖν δεόμεθα τοῦ κυρίου, ἵνα ἡμῖν ἀφῇ, ὀφείλομεν καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφιέναι: ἀπέναντι γὰρ τῶν τοῦ κυρίου καὶ θεοῦ ἐσμὲν ὀφθαλμῶν, καὶ πάντας δεῖ παραστῆναι τῷ βήματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ ἕκαστον ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ λόγον δοῦναι.
ForgivenessIf then we pray the Lord to forgive us, we also ought to forgive, for we stand before the eyes of the Lord and of God, and we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and each must give an account of himself.
So if we ask the Lord to forgive us, we ought to forgive as well. For we live before the eyes of the Lord and God, and all of us must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and each one must give an account of himself.
Translator’s note. Compare Matthew 6:12–14, Romans 14:10–12, and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Scripture: Romans 14:10; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10
οὕτως οὖν δουλεύσωμεν αὐτῷ μετὰ φόβου καὶ πάσης εὐλαβείας, καθὼς αὐτὸς ἐνετείλατο καὶ οἱ εὐαγγελισάμενοι ἡμᾶς ἀπόστολοι καὶ οἱ προφῆται, οἱ προκηρύξαντες τὴν ἔλευσιν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν: ζηλωταὶ περὶ τὸ καλόν, ἀπεχόμενοι τῶν σκανδάλων καὶ τῶν ψευδαδέλφων καὶ τῶν ἐν ὑποκρίσει φερόντων τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίον, οἵτινες ἀποπλανῶσι κενοὺς ἀνθρώπους.
The service of GodSo then let us serve him with fear and all reverence, as he himself commanded us, and as did the Apostles, who brought us the Gospel, and the Prophets who foretold the coming of our Lord. Let us be zealous for good, refraining from offence, and from the false brethren, and from those who bear the name of the Lord in hypocrisy, wdio deceive empty-minded men.
So let us serve him with fear and complete reverence, as he himself commanded, and as did the apostles who preached the gospel to us and the prophets who announced beforehand the coming of our Lord. Let us be zealous for what is good, and keep away from causes of stumbling, from false brothers, and from those who hypocritically carry the name of the Lord and lead empty people astray.
Chapter 7
Πᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν μὴ ὁμολογῇ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐν σαρκὶ ἐληλυθέναι, ἀντιχριστός ἐστιν: καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ ὁμολογῇ τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ σταυροῦ, ἐκ τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστίν: καὶ ὃς ἂν μεθοδεύῃ τὰ λόγια τοῦ κυρίου πρὸς τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας καὶ λέγῃ μήτε ἀνάστασιν μήτε κρίσιν, οὗτος πρωτότοκος ἐστι τοῦ σατανᾶ.
Warning against heresyFor eyeryone who does not confess that Jesus Christ lias come in the flesh is an anti-Christ; and whosoever does not confess the testimony of the Cross is of the devil: and whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord for his own lusts, and says that there is neither resurrection nor judgment,—this man is the first-born of Satan.
For everyone who does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is an antichrist. Whoever does not confess the testimony of the cross is of the devil. Whoever twists the sayings of the Lord to suit his own desires and says there is no resurrection and no judgment is the firstborn of Satan.
Translator’s note. Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.3.4) reports that Polycarp, on meeting the heretic Marcion, called him “the firstborn of Satan.”
Scripture: 1 John 4:2
διὸ ἀπολιπόντες τὴν ματαιότητα τῶν πολλῶν καὶ τὰς ψευδοδιδασκαλίας ἐπὶ τὸν ἐξ ἀρχῆς ἡμῖν παραδοθέντα λόγον ἐπιστρέψωμεν, νήφοντες πρὸς τὰς εὐχὰς καὶ προσκαρτεροῦντες νηστείαις, δεήσεσιν αἰτούμενοι τὸν παντεπόπτην θεὸν μὴ εἰσενεγκεῖν ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ κύριος: Τὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής.
Wherefore, leaving the foolishness of the crow d, and their false teaching, let us turn back to the word which was delivered to us in the beginning, watching unto prayer and persevering in fasting, beseeching the all-seeing God in our supplications to lead us not into temptation, even as the Lord said, The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
So let us leave behind the emptiness of the crowd and their false teachings, and turn back to the word that was handed down to us from the beginning. Let us stay alert in prayer and persevere in fasting, asking the all-seeing God in our prayers not to lead us into temptation, as the Lord said: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Translator’s note. Compare 1 Peter 4:7 (“be sober for prayer”), Matthew 6:13, and Matthew 26:41 / Mark 14:38.
Scripture: Matthew 26:41
Chapter 8
Ἀδιαλείπτως οὖν προσκαρτερῶμεν τῇ ἐλπίδι ἡμῶν καὶ τῷ ἀρραβῶνι τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἡμῶν, ὅς ἐστι Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς, ὃς ἀνήνεγκεν ἡμῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας τῷ ἰδίῳ σώματι ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον, ὃς ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἐποίησεν, οὐδὲ εὑρέθη δόλος ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ: ἀλλὰ δἰ ἡμᾶς, ἵνα ζήσωμεν ἐν αὐτῷ, πάντα ὑπέμεινεν.
PerseveranceLet us then persevere unceasingly in our hope. and in the pledge of our righteousness, that is in Christ Jesus, who bare our sins in his own body on the tree, who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, but for our sakes, that we might live in him, he endured all things.
Let us then hold on without ceasing to our hope and to the pledge of our righteousness, who is Christ Jesus. He carried our sins in his own body on the tree. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. Yet for our sake, so that we might live in him, he endured everything.
Translator’s note. Quoting 1 Peter 2:24 and 2:22 (which itself draws on Isaiah 53:9).
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 2:22
μιμηταὶ οὖν γενώμεθα τῆς ὑπομονῆς αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐὰν πάσχωμεν διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, δοξάζωμεν αὐτόν. τοῦτον γὰρ ἡμῖν τὸν ὑπογραμμὸν ἔθηκε δἰ ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ ἡμεῖς τοῦτο ἐπιστεύσαμεν.
Let us then be imitators of his endurance, and if we suffer for his name’s sake let us glorify him. For this is the example which he gave us in himself, and this is what we have believed.
So let us become imitators of his endurance, and if we suffer for his name, let us glorify him. For this is the example he set for us in himself, and this is what we have believed.
Translator’s note. Compare 1 Peter 2:21 and 4:16. “Example” translates the same Greek word used in 1 Peter 2:21.
Chapter 9
Παρακαλῶ οὖν πάντας ὑμᾶς, πειθαρχεῖν τῷ λόγῳ τῆς δικαιοσύνης καὶ ἀσκεῖν πᾶσαν ὑπομονήν, ἣν καὶ εἴδατε κατ’ ὀφθαλμοὺς οὐ μόνον ἐν τοῖς μακαρίοις Ἰγνατίῳ καὶ Ζωσίμῳ καὶ Ῥούφῳ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν ἄλλοις τοῖς ἐξ ὑμῶν καὶ ἐν αὐτῷ Παύλῳ καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς ἀποστόλοις:
The examples of the martyrsNow I beseech you all to obey the word of righteousness, and to endure with all the endurance which you also saw before your eyes, not only in the blessed Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself, and in the other Apostles;
I urge all of you, then, to obey the word of righteousness and to practice every kind of endurance. You saw this endurance with your own eyes, not only in the blessed Ignatius, Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others from among you, and in Paul himself and the other apostles.
Translator’s note. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was taken through Philippi as a prisoner on his way to martyrdom in Rome. Zosimus and Rufus are otherwise unknown. They were probably fellow prisoners who passed through Philippi with him.
πεπεισμένους ὅτι οὗτοι πάντες οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, ἀλλ’ ἐν πίστει καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ, καὶ ὅτι εἰς τὸν ὀφειλόμενον αὐτοῖς τόπον εἰσὶ παρὰ τῷ κυρίῳ, ᾧ καὶ συνέπαθον. οὐ γὰρ τὸν νῦν ἠγάπησαν αἰῶνα, ἀλλὰ τὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἀποθανόντα καὶ δἰ ἡμᾶς ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἀναστάντα.
being persuaded that all of these ran not in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are with the Lord in the place which is their due, with whom they also suffered. For they did not love this present world but him who died on our behalf, and was raised by God for our sakes.
Be convinced that all of these did not run in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are now in the place due to them, with the Lord, with whom they also suffered. For they did not love this present age, but the one who died for us and was raised by God for our sake.
Translator’s note. “Did not run in vain” echoes Philippians 2:16 and Galatians 2:2. “Love this present age” echoes 2 Timothy 4:10.
Chapter 10
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
Perseverance in philanthropy and good works.Stand fast therefore in these things and follow the example of the Lord, firm and unchangeable in faith, loving the brotherhood, affectionate to one another, joined together in the truth, forestalling one another in the gentleness of the Lord, despising no man.
So stand firm in these things and follow the example of the Lord: firm and unchanging in faith, lovers of the brotherhood, caring for one another, united in the truth, going ahead of one another in the gentleness of the Lord, and despising no one.
Translator’s note. The Greek manuscripts break off at the end of chapter 9, and chapter 13 survives in Greek only because Eusebius quotes it. Chapters 10 to 12 and 14 survive only in an ancient Latin translation, and this rendering follows the Latin.
Scripture: John 15:17; Romans 13:8
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
When you can do good defer it not, for almsgiving sets free from death; be ye all subject one to the other, having your conversation blameless among the Gentiles, that you may receive praise for your good works and that the Lord be not blasphemed in you.
When you are able to do good, do not put it off, because giving to the poor frees from death. All of you, be subject to one another, keeping your conduct beyond reproach among the Gentiles, so that you may receive praise for your good works and the Lord may not be spoken against because of you.
Translator’s note. Compare 1 Peter 5:5 and 2:12.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:12
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
But woe to him through whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed. Therefore teach sobriety to all and show it forth in your own lives.
But woe to the one through whom the name of the Lord is spoken against. So teach everyone to live soberly, as you do yourselves.
Translator’s note. Compare Isaiah 52:5 and Romans 2:24.
Chapter 11
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
ValensI am deeply sorry for Valens, who was once made a presbyter among you, that he so little understands the place which was given to him. I advise, therefore, that you keep from avarice, and be pure and truthful. Keep yourselves from all evil.
I am very sorry for Valens, who was once made an elder among you, that he so little understands the position that was given to him. So I urge you to keep away from greed and to be pure and truthful. Keep away from every evil.
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
Against avariceFor how may he who cannot attain self-control in these matters enjoin it on another? If any man does not abstain from avarice he will be defiled by idolatry, and shall be judged as if he were among the Gentiles who know not the judgment of God. Or do we not know that the saints shall judge the world? as Paul teaches.
If someone cannot manage himself in these things, how can he teach others? Anyone who does not keep away from greed will be defiled by idolatry and will be judged as if he were among the Gentiles, who do not know the judgment of the Lord. Or do we not know that the saints will judge the world, as Paul teaches?
Translator’s note. Linking greed with idolatry follows Colossians 3:5 and Ephesians 5:5. “The saints will judge the world” quotes 1 Corinthians 6:2.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:2
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
But I have neither perceived nor heard any such thing among you, among whom the blessed Paul laboured, who are praised in the beginning of his Epistle. For concerning you he boasts in all the Churches who then alone had known the Lord, for we had not yet known him.
I have noticed nothing of this kind among you, and have heard nothing, among you in whose midst the blessed Paul worked, you who are praised at the beginning of his letter. He boasts about you in all the churches, which at that time were the only ones that knew the Lord, for we had not yet come to know him.
Translator’s note. The Latin of “you who are praised at the beginning of his letter” is obscure, and “praised” is supplied. It may refer to Paul’s thanksgiving in Philippians 1:3–11. For Paul boasting of a church among the churches, compare 2 Thessalonians 1:4.
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
The treatment of Valens; i.e. ValensTherefore, brethren, I am deeply sorry for him and for his wife, and may the Lord grant them true repentance. Therefore be yourselves also moderate in this matter, and do not regard such men as enemies, but call them back as fallible and straying members, that you may make whole the body of you all. For in doing this you edify yourselves.
So, brothers, I am very sorry for him and for his wife. May the Lord grant them true repentance. Be sober-minded about this yourselves, and do not treat such people as enemies, but call them back as weak members who have gone astray, so that you may save the whole body of you all. By doing this you build yourselves up.
Translator’s note. Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:15: “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
Chapter 12
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
The need of forgivenessFor I am confident that you are well versed in the Scriptures, and from you nothing is hid; but to me this is not granted. Only, as it is said in these Scriptures, Be ye angry and sin not, and Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Blessed is the man who remembers this, and I believe that it is so with you.
I am confident that you are well trained in the holy Scriptures and that nothing is hidden from you, though this has not been granted to me. Only, as it is said in these Scriptures: “Be angry and do not sin,” and “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Blessed is the one who remembers this, and I believe that this is true of you.
Translator’s note. Both sayings appear together in Ephesians 4:26. The first is also Psalm 4:4. Polycarp introduces them as “these Scriptures,” so if the Latin reflects his wording, he is calling Paul’s letter Scripture. That makes this one of the earliest such references outside the New Testament itself (compare 2 Peter 3:16).
Scripture: Ephesians 4:26
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
Prayer for blessingNow may God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal Priest himself, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, build you up in faith and truth, and in all gentleness, and without wrath, and in patience, and in longsuffering, and endurance, and purity, and may he give you lot and part with his saints, and to us with you, and to all under heaven who shall believe in our Lord and God Jesus Christ and in his Father who raised him from the dead.
May God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal high priest himself, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, build you up in faith and truth, in all gentleness, without anger, in patience, in long-suffering, in endurance, and in purity. May he give you a share and a portion among his saints, and give the same to us with you, and to everyone under heaven who will believe in our Lord and God Jesus Christ and in his Father, who raised him from the dead.
Translator’s note. Calling Jesus the eternal “high priest” (Latin pontifex) echoes the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 6:20; 7:24–25). “Who raised him from the dead” echoes Galatians 1:1.
Scripture: Galatians 1:1
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
Pray for all the saints. Pray also for the Emperors, and for potentates, and princes, and for those who persecute you and hate you, and for the enemies of the Cross that your fruit may be manifest among all men, that you may be perfected in him.
Pray for all the saints. Pray also for kings, authorities, and rulers, and for those who persecute you and hate you, and for the enemies of the cross, so that your fruit may be plain to all and that you may be made complete in him.
Translator’s note. This combines several New Testament commands: prayer for kings and all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2), prayer for persecutors (Matthew 5:44), and the phrase “enemies of the cross,” which Paul used in his own letter to the Philippians (Philippians 3:18).
Scripture: Luke 6:27
Chapter 13
Ἐγράψατέ μοι καὶ ὑμεῖς καὶ Ἰγνάτιος, ἵν᾽, ἐάν τις ἀπέρχηται εἰς Συρίαν, καὶ τὰ παῤ ὑμῶν ἀποκομίσῃ γράμματα: ὅπερ ποιήσω,ἐὰν λάβω καιρὸν εὔθετον, εἴτε ἐγώ, εἴτε ὄν πέμπω πρεσβεύσοντα καὶ περὶ ὑμῶν.
Ignatius and the Church in SyriaBoth you and Ignatius wrote to me that if anyone was going to Syria he should also take your letters. I will do this if I have a convenient opportunity. either mysell or the man whom I am sending as a representative for you and me.
You and Ignatius both wrote to me that if anyone is going to Syria, he should also carry your letter. I will do that if I find a suitable opportunity, either myself or someone I send as a representative, on your behalf as well.
Translator’s note. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch in Syria, had asked the churches to send messengers or letters to Antioch to share in its joy once peace had been restored there (Ignatius, To the Smyrnaeans 11; To Polycarp 7–8).
τὰς ἐπιστολὰς Ἰγνατίου τὰς πεμφθείσας ἡμῖν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἄλλας, ὅσας εἴχομεν παῤ ἡμῖν, ἐπέμψαμεν ὑμῖν, καθὼς ἐνετείλασθε: αἵτινες ὑποτεταγμέναι εἰσὶν τῇ ἐπιστολῇ ταύτῃ, ἐξ ὧν μεγάλα ὠφεληθῆναι δυνήσεσθε. περιέχουσι γὰρ πίστιν καὶ ὑπομονὴν καὶ πᾶσαν οἰκοδομὴν τὴν εἰς τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν ἀνήκουσαν. [Greek lost here; only the Latin survives]
We send you, as you asked, the letters of Ignatius, which were sent to us by him, and others which we had by us. These are subjoined to this letter, and you will be able to benefit greatly from them. For they contain faith, patience, and all the edification which pertains to our Lord. Let us know anything further which you have heard about Ignatius himself and those who are with him.
As you asked, we are sending you the letters of Ignatius that he sent to us, and the others we had with us. They are attached to this letter, and you will be able to benefit greatly from them. They contain faith, endurance, and all the building up that belongs to our Lord. Let us know whatever reliable news you have learned about Ignatius himself and those who are with him.
Translator’s note. Many scholars think Polycarp’s collection of Ignatius’s letters helped preserve them for later generations, but this cannot be proved.
Chapter 14
The Greek of this passage is lost. Only an ancient Latin translation survives (the digital edition prints it in garbled form, so it is not shown here).
Final greetingsI have written this to you by Crescens, whom I commended to you when I was present, and now commend again. For he has behaved blamelessly among us, and I believe that he will do the same with you. His sister shall be commended to you when she comes to you. Farewell in the Lord Jesus Christ in grace, with all who are yours. Amen.
I have written this to you through Crescens, whom I recently recommended to you and now recommend again. He has lived blamelessly among us, and I believe he will do the same among you. His sister will be recommended to you when she comes to you. Farewell in the Lord Jesus Christ, in grace, with all who are yours. Amen.
Translator’s note. The Latin phrase in praesenti is unclear; it is usually taken to mean “recently” or “up to now.”
Sources. Greek text: Kirsopp Lake’s edition (Loeb Classical Library, 1912), digitized by the Perseus Project and the First Thousand Years of Greek project (CC BY-SA 4.0). English (Lake): Kirsopp Lake’s 1912 translation, from the Perseus Digital Library. Modern English: prepared for SermonIndex with AI, working from the Greek with Lake’s English as a cross-check, and released under CC BY-SA 4.0. Where our wording departs from Lake’s, a translator’s note says so.
⚑ Greek flags mark places where the digital Greek looks like a typing or scanning error. Scripture lines list the Bible passages in Lake’s apparatus and link to the BSB. They are read from the printed apparatus by machine, and a reference is shown only when the verse’s wording matches the passage, so some real parallels are left out. Psalm numbers are converted from the Greek numbering and link to the chapter. Please report any error.