Chapter VI.—The duties of the Christian flock.

Chapter VI.—The duties of the Christian flock.

Give ye¹⁰⁹⁹As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them. heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs¹¹⁰⁰Comp. chap. ii. etc. that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbyters, and to the deacons, and may my portion be along with them in God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates,¹¹⁰¹Or, “assessors.” and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge¹¹⁰²A military reference, simply implying the idea of faithful effort leading to future reward. assigned to you, that ye may receive a worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, as God is towards you. May I have joy of you for ever!¹¹⁰³Comp. Ignatius’ Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.

Give ye¹¹⁰⁴As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them. heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs¹¹⁰⁵Comp. chap. ii. etc. that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbytery, and to the deacons: may I have my portion with them from God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates,¹¹⁰⁶Or, “assessors.” and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye shall receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may obtain for them a most worthy¹¹⁰⁷Literally, “worthy of God.” recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, and God shall be so with you. May I have joy of you for ever!¹¹⁰⁸Comp. Ignatius’ Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.