Chapter VII.—Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch.

Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God,^11091109    Literally, “in freedom from care of God.” if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ].^11101110    Some read, “in the resurrection.” It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn^11111111    Literally, “most befitting God.” council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;^11121112    Literally, “God-runner.” and to bestow on him this honour that he may go into Syria, and glorify your ever active love to the praise of Christ. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for^11131113    Literally, “at leisure for.” the service of God. Now, this work is both God’s and yours, when ye shall have completed it to His glory.^11141114    Literally, “to Him.” For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing, therefore, your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.

Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God,^11151115    Literally, “in freedom from care of God.” if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn^11161116    Literally, “most befitting God.” council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;^11171117    Literally, “God-runner.” and to bestow on him the honour of going into Syria, so that, going into Syria, he may glorify your ever active love to the praise of God. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for^11181118    Literally, “at leisure for.” the service of God. Now, this work is both God’s and yours, when ye shall have completed it. For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.