Inasmuch as I have not been able to write to all the Churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will [1119] [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] thou, as being acquainted with the purpose [1120] of God, wilt write to the adjacent Churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messengers, [1121] and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by thee, that thou [1122] mayest be glorified by a work [1123] which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed thou art worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue ye in the unity and under the protection of God, [1124] I salute Alce, my dearly beloved. [1125] Fare ye well in the Lord. Inasmuch, therefore, as I have not been able to write to all Churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will [1126] [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] thou, as being acquainted with the purpose [1127] of God, wilt write to the adjacent Churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messenger, and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by thee, that thou mayest be glorified by a work [1128] which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed thou art worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue ye in the unity and under the protection of God. I salute Alce, my dearly beloved. [1129] Amen. Grace [be with you]. Fare ye well in the Lord. Footnotes: [1119] Some suppose the reference to be to the soldiers, or perhaps to God Himself. [1120] Or, "as possessed of the judgment." [1121] Literally, "men on foot." [1122] Some have the plural "ye" here. [1123] Literally, "an eternal work." [1124] Some propose to read, "and of the bishop." [1125] Literally, "name desired by me." [1126] Some suppose the reference to be to the soldiers, or perhaps to God Himself. [1127] Or, "as possessed of the judgment." [1128] Literally, "an eternal work." [1129] Literally, "name desired by me." |
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