The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians
Chapter I.—Praise of the Philippians.
Chapter II.—An exhortation to virtue.
Chapter III.—Expressions of personal unworthiness.
Chapter IV.—Various exhortations.
Chapter V.—The duties of deacons, youths, and virgins.
Chapter VI.—The duties of presbyters and others.
Chapter VII.—Avoid the Docetæ, and persevere in fasting and prayer.
Chapter VIII.—Persevere in hope and patience.
Chapter IX.—Patience inculcated.
Chapter X.—Exhortation to the practice of virtue.
Chapter XI.—Expression of grief on account of Valens.
Chapter XII.—Exhortation to various graces.
Both you and Ignatius75 Comp. Ep. of Ignatius to Polycarp, chap. viii. wrote to me, that if any one went [from this] into Syria, he should carry your letter76 Or, “letters.” with him; which request I will attend to if I find a fitting opportunity, either personally, or through some other acting for me, that your desire may be fulfilled. The Epistles of Ignatius written by him77 Reference is here made to the two letters of Ignatius, one to Polycarp himself, and the other to the church at Smyrna. to us, and all the rest [of his Epistles] which we have by us, we have sent to you, as you requested. They are subjoined to this Epistle, and by them ye may be greatly profited; for they treat of faith and patience, and all things that tend to edification in our Lord. Any78 Henceforth, to the end, we have only the Latin version. more certain information you may have obtained respecting both Ignatius himself, and those that were79 The Latin version reads “are,” which has been corrected as above. with him, have the goodness to make known80 Polycarp was aware of the death of Ignatius (chap. ix.), but was as yet apparently ignorant of the circumstances attending it. [Who can fail to be touched by these affectionate yet entirely calm expressions as to his martyred friend and brother? Martyrdom was the habitual end of Christ’s soldiers, and Polycarp expected his own; hence his restrained and temperate words of interest.] to us.
14.1 Dubious (Out of Order)