This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
Additional proofing was done by Curtis A. Weyant
1 Ignatius commends the brethren for sending Onesimus and other members of the church to him. 8 Exhorts them to unity; 13 by a due subjection to their bishop;
IGNATIUS, who is also calledTheophorus, to the church whichis at Ephesus in Asia; mostdeservedly happy: being blessedthrough the greatness and fullnessof God the Father, and predestinatedbefore the world began; that itshould be always unto an enduringand unchangeable glory; united andchosen through his true passion,according to the will of the Father,and Jesus Christ our God; allhappiness, by Jesus Christ,and his undefiled grace.
2 I have heard of your namemuch beloved in God; which yehave very justly attained by ahabit of righteousness, accordingto the faith and love which is inJesus Christ our Saviour.
3 How that being followers ofGod, and stirring up yourselvesby the blood of Christ ye haveperfectly accomplished the workthat was con-natural unto you.
4 For hearing that I came boundfrom Syria, for the common nameand hope, trusting through yourprayers to fight with beasts athome; so that by suffering I maybecome indeed the disciple of himwho gave himself to God, an offeringand sacrifice for us; ye hastenedto see me. I received, therefore,in the name of God, your wholemultitude in Onesimus;
5 Who by: inexpressible love isours, but according to the fleshis our bishop; whom I beseech you,pray Jesus Christ, to love: and thatyou would all strive to be like untohim. And blessed be God, whohas granted unto you, who are soworthy of him, to enjoy such anexcellent bishop.
6 For what concerns my fellowservant Burrhus, and your mostblessed deacon in things pertainingto God; I entreat you that he maytarry longer, both for yours, andyour bishop's honour.
7 And Crocus also worthy ofboth our God and you, whom Ihave received as the patternof your love, has in all thingsrefreshed me, as the Father ofour Lord Jesus Christ shall alsorefresh him; together with Onesim