# To the Smyrnaeans

- Author: [Ignatius of Antioch](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/ignatius-of-antioch/)
- Latin title: *Ad Smyrnaeos*
- Date: ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) (disputed)
- Source: Kirsopp Lake, ed. and trans., The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 1, LCL 24 (London: Heinemann; New York: Macmillan, 1912), 172–277 (Greek text: K. Lake, The Apostolic Fathers (LCL, 1912-1913), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Translation: Claude, from the original text; each passage below gives the model and date
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/
- Passages: 29

## To the Smyrnaeans, inscription

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/0/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:250–252
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius greets the church at Smyrna.

### Greek text

Ἰγνάτιος, ὁ καὶ Θεοφόρος, ἐκκλησίᾳ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ ἠγαπημένου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἠλεημένῃ ἐν παντὶ χαρίσματι, πεπληρωμένῃ ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ, ἀνυστερήτῳ οὔσῃ παντὸς χαρίσματος, θεοπρεπεστάτῃ καὶ ἁγιοφόρῳ, τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Σμύρνῃ τῆς Ἀσίας, ἐν ἀμώμῳ πνεύματι καὶ λόγῳ θεοῦ πλεῖστα χαίρειν.

### English translation (Claude)

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of God the Father and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has received mercy in every spiritual gift, is filled with faith and love, lacks no spiritual gift, is most godly and bears holiness, which is at Smyrna in Asia: abundant greetings in a blameless spirit and in the word of God.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 1:7: allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 0 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/0/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 1.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/1/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:252
- Also in: PG 5:708a–708b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius praises the Smyrnaeans' firm faith in Christ's true birth and baptism.

### Greek text

Δοξάζω Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν θεὸν τὸν οὕτως ὑμᾶς σοφίσαντα· ἐνόησα γὰρ ὑμᾶς κατηρτισμένους ἐν ἀκινήτῳ πίστει, ὥσπερ καθηλωμένους ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ σαρκί τε καὶ πνεύματι καὶ ἡδρασμένους ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἐν τῷ αἵματι Χριστοῦ, πεπληροφορημένους εἰς τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν, ἀληθῶς ὄντα ἐκ γένους Δαυεὶδ κατὰ σάρκα, υἱὸν θεοῦ κατὰ θέλημα καὶ δύναμιν θεοῦ, γεγεννημένον ἀληθῶς ἐκ παρθένου, βεβαπτισμένον ὑπὸ Ἰωάννου, ἵνα πληρωθῇ πᾶσα δικαιοσύνη ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ·

### English translation (Claude)

I glorify Jesus Christ, the God who has made you so wise. For I have observed that you are established in unshakable faith, nailed, as it were, to the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh and spirit, and firmly set in love by the blood of Christ, fully convinced about our Lord, that he is truly of the family of David according to the flesh, Son of God according to the will and power of God, truly born of a virgin, baptized by John so that all righteousness might be fulfilled by him,

### Scripture references

- Rom 1:3: allusion, high confidence
- Rom 1:4: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 3:15: allusion, high confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 1.1 (PG 5:708a–708b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/1/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 1.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/1/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:252
- Also in: PG 5:708b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ was truly crucified; through his resurrection he gathers Jews and Gentiles into one church.

### Greek text

ἀληθῶς ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου καὶ Ἡρώδου τετράρχου καθηλωμένον ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐν σαρκί, ἀφʼ οὗ καρποῦ ἡμεῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ θεομακαρίστου αὐτοῦ πάθους, ἵνα ἄρῃ σύσσημον εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας διὰ τῆς ἀναστάσεως εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους καὶ πιστοὺς αὐτοῦ, εἴτε ἐν Ἰουδαίοις εἴτε ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι τῆς ἐκκλησίας αὐτοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

truly nailed for us in the flesh under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch (we are of its fruit, of his divinely blessed suffering), so that through his resurrection he might raise a standard for the ages for his saints and believers, whether among Jews or among Gentiles, in the one body of his church.

### Scripture references

- Isa 5:26: allusion, medium confidence
- Isa 49:22: echo, low confidence
- Eph 2:16: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “We are of its fruit”: believers are the fruit of the cross, pictured as a tree.
- “Raise a standard” (ἄρῃ σύσσημον): a signal raised to gather the nations (Isa 5:26; 49:22).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 1.2 (PG 5:708b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/1/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 2.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/2/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:252–254
- Also in: PG 5:708b–709a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ truly suffered and truly rose, against those who say he only seemed to.

### Greek text

Ταῦτα γὰρ πάντα ἔπαθεν διʼ ἡμᾶς, ἵνα σωθῶμεν· καὶ ἀληθῶς ἔπαθεν, ὡς καὶ ἀληθῶς ἀνέστησεν ἑαυτόν, οὐχ ὥσπερ ἄπιστοί τινες λέγουσιν, τὸ δοκεῖν αὐτὸν πεπονθέναι, αὐτοὶ τὸ δοκεῖν ὄντες· καὶ καθὼς φρονοῦσιν, καὶ συμβήσεται αὐτοῖς, οὖσιν ἀσωμάτοις καὶ δαιμονικοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

For he suffered all these things for our sake, so that we might be saved; and he truly suffered, just as he also truly raised himself, not, as some unbelievers say, that he suffered only in appearance (it is they who exist only in appearance!). And as they think, so it will happen to them: they will be bodiless and demon-like.

### Scripture references

- John 10:18: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Raised himself”: compare John 2:19; 10:18.
- “In appearance” (τὸ δοκεῖν): see the note on Ign. Trall. 10.1.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 2.1 (PG 5:708b–709a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/2/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 3.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/3/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:254
- Also in: PG 5:709a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ remained in the flesh after his resurrection.

### Greek text

Ἐγὼ γὰρ καὶ μετὰ τὴν ἀνάστασιν ἐν σαρκὶ αὐτὸν οἶδα καὶ πιστεύω ὄντα.

### English translation (Claude)

For I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the resurrection.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 3.1 (PG 5:709a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/3/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 3.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/3/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:254
- Also in: PG 5:709a–709b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The risen Christ invited the disciples to touch him, proving he was not a ghost.

### Greek text

καὶ ὅτε πρὸς τοὺς περὶ Πέτρον ἦλθεν, ἔφη αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε, ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ δαιμόνιον ἀσώματον. καὶ εὐθὺς αὐτοῦ ἥψαντο καὶ ἐπίστευσαν, κραθέντες τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ πνεύματι. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ θανάτου κατεφρόνησαν, ηὑρέθησαν δὲ ὑπὲρ θάνατον.

### English translation (Claude)

And when he came to those with Peter, he said to them, “Take hold, touch me and see that I am not a bodiless demon.” And at once they touched him and believed, being closely joined with his flesh and spirit. For this reason they also despised death, and were found to be above death.

### Scripture references

- Luke 24:39: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- The saying is not found in this form in the canonical Gospels (compare Luke 24:39); its source was already uncertain to Eusebius and Jerome.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 3.2 (PG 5:709a–709b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/3/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 3.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/3/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:254
- Also in: PG 5:709b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The risen Christ ate and drank with his disciples.

### Greek text

μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάστασιν συνέφαγεν αὐτοῖς καὶ συνέπιεν ὡς σαρκικός, καίπερ πνευματικῶς ἡνωμένος τῷ πατρί.

### English translation (Claude)

And after the resurrection he ate and drank with them as one who was flesh, although spiritually united with the Father.

### Scripture references

- Acts 10:41: allusion, high confidence
- Luke 24:42: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 3.3 (PG 5:709b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/3/3/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 4.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/4/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:254–256
- Also in: PG 5:709b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Avoid the false teachers entirely, but pray for their repentance.

### Greek text

Ταῦτα δὲ παραινῶ ὑμῖν, ἀγαπητοί, εἰδὼς ὅτι καὶ ὑμεῖς οὕτως ἔχετε. προφυλάσσω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῶν θηρίων τῶν ἀνθρωπομόρφων, οὓς οὐ μόνον δεῖ ὑμᾶς μὴ παραδέχεσθαι, ἀλλʼ εἰ δυνατὸν μηδὲ συναντᾶν, μόνον δὲ προσεύχεσθε ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν, ἐάν πως μετανοήσωσιν, ὅπερ δύσκολον, τούτου δὲ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἡμῶν ζῆν.

### English translation (Claude)

I urge these things on you, beloved, knowing that you too are of this mind. But I am guarding you in advance against beasts in human form, whom you must not only not receive, but if possible not even meet. Only pray for them, that somehow they may repent, which is difficult; but Jesus Christ, our true life, has power over this.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 4.1 (PG 5:709b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/4/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 4.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/4/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:254–256
- Also in: PG 5:709b–712a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: If Christ only seemed to suffer, Ignatius's chains would be meaningless.

### Greek text

εἰ γὰρ τὸ δοκεῖν ταῦτα ἐπράχθη ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν, κἀγὼ τὸ δοκεῖν δέδεμαι. τί δὲ καὶ ἑαυτὸν ἔκδοτον δέδωκα τῷ θανάτῳ, πρὸς πῦρ, πρὸς μάχαιραν, πρὸς θηρία; ἀλλʼ ἐγγὺς μαχαίρας ἐγγὺς θεοῦ, μεταξὺ θηρίων μεταξὺ θεοῦ· μόνον ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς τὸ συμπαθεῖν αὐτῷ πάντα ὑπομένω, αὐτοῦ με ἐνδυναμοῦντος τοῦ τελείου ἀνθρώπου.

### English translation (Claude)

For if these things were done by our Lord only in appearance, then I am in chains only in appearance. And why have I given myself up to death, to fire, to the sword, to wild beasts? But near the sword is near God; among the wild beasts is among God; only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ. I endure all things in order to suffer with him, since he who became the perfect human being gives me strength.

### Scripture references

- Phil 4:13: allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 4.2 (PG 5:709b–712a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/4/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 5.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/5/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:256
- Also in: PG 5:712a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Those who deny Christ's real suffering are themselves denied by him.

### Greek text

Ὅν τινες ἀγνοοῦντες ἀρνοῦνται, μᾶλλον δὲ ἠρνήθησαν ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ, ὄντες συνήγοροι τοῦ θανάτου μᾶλλον ἢ τῆς ἀληθείας· οὓς οὐκ ἔπεισαν αἱ προφητεῖαι οὐδὲ ὁ νόμος Μωύσεως, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μέχρι νῦν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, οὐδὲ τὰ ἡμέτερα τῶν κατʼ ἄνδρα παθήματα.

### English translation (Claude)

Some deny him in ignorance, or rather have been denied by him, being advocates of death rather than of the truth. The prophecies have not persuaded them, nor the law of Moses, nor even to this day the gospel, nor the sufferings of each of us.

### Scripture references

- Matt 10:33: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Tim 2:12: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 5.1 (PG 5:712a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/5/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 5.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/5/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:256
- Also in: PG 5:712a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Denying that Christ had flesh is denying him completely.

### Greek text

καὶ γὰρ περὶ ἡμῶν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονοῦσιν. τί γάρ με ὠφελεῖ τις, εἰ ἐμὲ ἐπαινεῖ, τὸν δὲ κύριόν μου βλασφημεῖ, μὴ ὁμολογῶν αὐτὸν σαρκοφόρον; ὁ δὲ τοῦτο λέγων τελείως αὐτὸν ἀπήρνηται, ὢν νεκροφόρος.

### English translation (Claude)

For they think the same about us. For what good does anyone do me if he praises me but blasphemes my Lord, not confessing that he bore flesh? Whoever does not say this has denied him completely, and is himself a bearer of a corpse.

### Scripture references

- 1 John 4:2: echo, medium confidence
- 2 John 1:7: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- A wordplay: those who deny that Christ was a “flesh-bearer” (σαρκοφόρον) are themselves “corpse-bearers” (νεκροφόρος), carrying death.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 5.2 (PG 5:712a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/5/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 5.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/5/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:256–258
- Also in: PG 5:712a–712b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius will not name the false teachers until they repent.

### Greek text

τὰ δὲ ὀνόματα αὐτῶν, ὄντα ἄπιστα, οὐκ ἔδοξέν μοι ἐγγράψαι. ἀλλὰ μηδὲ γένοιτό μοι αὐτῶν μνημονεύειν, μέχρις οὗ μετανοήσωσιν εἰς τὸ πάθος, ὅ ἐστιν ἡμῶν ἀνάστασις.

### English translation (Claude)

Their names, since they are unbelievers, I have not thought fit to write down. Indeed, may I not even remember them until they repent concerning the Passion, which is our resurrection.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 5.3 (PG 5:712a–712b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/5/3/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 6.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/6/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:258
- Also in: PG 5:712b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Even heavenly powers are judged if they do not believe in Christ's blood; faith and love are everything.

### Greek text

Μηδεὶς πλανάσθω· καὶ τὰ ἐπουράνια καὶ ἡ δόξα τῶν ἀγγέλων καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ὁρατοί τε καὶ ἀόρατοι, ἐὰν μὴ πιστεύσωσιν εἰς τὸ αἷμα Χριστοῦ, κἀκείνοις κρίσις ἐστίν· ὁ χωρῶν χωρείτω. τόπος μηδένα φυσιούτω· τὸ γὰρ ὅλον ἐστὶν πίστις καὶ ἀγάπη, ὧν οὐδὲν προκέκριται.

### English translation (Claude)

Let no one be deceived: even the heavenly beings and the glory of the angels and the rulers, visible and invisible, if they do not believe in the blood of Christ, face judgment too. “Let the one who can accept it accept it.” Let no one be puffed up by position; for faith and love are everything, and nothing is preferred to them.

### Scripture references

- Matt 19:12: quotation, high confidence
- Col 1:16: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 6.1 (PG 5:712b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/6/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 6.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/6/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:258
- Also in: PG 5:712b–712c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The false teachers show no love or care for those in need.

### Greek text

καταμάθετε δὲ τοὺς ἑτεροδοξοῦντας εἰς τὴν χάριν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τὴν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθοῦσαν, πῶς ἐναντίοι εἰσὶν τῇ γνώμῃ τοῦ θεοῦ. περὶ ἀγάπης οὐ μέλει αὐτοῖς, οὐ περὶ χήρας, οὐ περὶ ὀρφανοῦ, οὐ περὶ θλιβομένου, οὐ περὶ δεδεμένου ἢ λελυμένου, οὐ περὶ πεινῶντος ἢ διψῶντος.

### English translation (Claude)

But notice those who hold other opinions about the grace of Jesus Christ that came to us, how contrary they are to the mind of God. They have no concern for love, none for the widow, none for the orphan, none for the oppressed, none for the prisoner or the one released, none for the hungry or the thirsty.

### Scripture references

- Jas 1:27: echo, medium confidence
- Matt 25:35: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 6.2 (PG 5:712b–712c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/6/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 7.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/7/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:258
- Also in: PG 5:713a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The docetists avoid the Eucharist because they deny it is Christ's flesh.

### Greek text

Εὐχαριστίας καὶ προσευχῆς ἀπέχονται, διὰ τὸ μὴ ὁμολογεῖν τὴν εὐχαριστίαν σάρκα εἶναι τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τὴν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν παθοῦσαν, ἣν τῇ χρηστότητι ὁ πατὴρ ἤγειρεν. οἱ οὖν ἀντιλέγοντες τῇ δωρεᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ συζητοῦντες ἀποθνήσκουσιν· συνέφερεν δὲ αὐτοῖς ἀγαπᾶν, ἵνα καὶ ἀναστῶσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins and which the Father raised in his goodness. So those who speak against the gift of God die in their disputing. It would be better for them to love, so that they might also rise.

### Translation notes

- “To love” (ἀγαπᾶν): perhaps also “to take part in the love feast” (see 8.2).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 7.1 (PG 5:713a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/7/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 7.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/7/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:258–260
- Also in: PG 5:713a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Avoid the false teachers and attend to the prophets and the gospel.

### Greek text

πρέπον ἐστὶν ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν τοιούτων καὶ μήτε κατʼ ἰδίαν περὶ αὐτῶν λαλεῖν μήτε κοινῇ, προσέχειν δὲ τοῖς προφήταις, ἐξαιρέτως δὲ τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, ἐν ᾧ τὸ πάθος ἡμῖν δεδήλωται καὶ ἡ ἀνάστασις τετελείωται. τοὺς δὲ μερισμοὺς φεύγετε ὡς ἀρχὴν κακῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

It is fitting to keep away from such people and not to speak about them either in private or in public, but to pay attention to the prophets, and especially to the gospel, in which the Passion has been made clear to us and the resurrection has been accomplished. Flee divisions as the beginning of evils.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 7.2 (PG 5:713a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/7/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 8.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/8/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:260
- Also in: PG 5:713a–713b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: A valid Eucharist is one held under the bishop or his appointee.

### Greek text

Πάντες τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ἀκολουθεῖτε, ὡς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς τῷ πατρί, καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ ὡς τοῖς ἀποστόλοις. τοὺς δὲ διακόνους ἐντρέπεσθε ὡς θεοῦ ἐντολήν. μηδεὶς χωρὶς τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τι πρασσέτω τῶν ἀνηκόντων εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν. ἐκείνη βεβαία εὐχαριστία ἡγείσθω, ἡ ὑπὸ ἐπίσκοπον οὖσα ἢ ᾧ ἂν αὐτὸς ἐπιτρέψῃ.

### English translation (Claude)

All of you, follow the bishop as Jesus Christ followed the Father, and the council of presbyters as the apostles; and respect the deacons as the commandment of God. Let no one do anything that concerns the church without the bishop. Let that Eucharist be considered valid which is held under the bishop or someone to whom he entrusts it.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 8.1 (PG 5:713a–713b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/8/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 8.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/8/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:260
- Also in: PG 5:713b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Where the bishop is, there the people should be, as the catholic church is where Christ is.

### Greek text

ὅπου ἂν φανῇ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος, ἐκεῖ τὸ πλῆθος ἤτω, ὥσπερ ὅπου ἂν ᾖ Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, ἐκεῖ ἡ καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία. οὐκ ἐξόν ἐστιν χωρὶς τοῦ ἐπισκόπου οὔτε βαπτίζειν οὔτε ἀγάπην ποιεῖν· ἀλλʼ ὃ ἂν ἐκεῖνος δοκιμάσῃ, τοῦτο καὶ τῷ θεῷ εὐάρεστον, ἵνα ἀσφαλὲς ᾖ καὶ βέβαιον πᾶν ὃ πράσσετε.

### English translation (Claude)

Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be, just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic church. It is not permitted either to baptize or to hold a love feast without the bishop; but whatever he approves is also pleasing to God, so that everything you do may be secure and valid.

### Translation notes

- “The catholic church” (ἡ καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία): the earliest surviving use of the phrase; here “the universal, whole church.”
- “Love feast” (ἀγάπην): the church's common meal, probably including the Eucharist (see the glossary).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 8.2 (PG 5:713b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/8/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 9.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/9/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:260–262
- Also in: PG 5:713b–713c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Honoring the bishop is honoring God.

### Greek text

Εὔλογόν ἐστιν λοιπὸν ἀνανῆψαι ἡμᾶς, ὡς ἔτι καιρὸν ἔχομεν εἰς θεὸν μετανοεῖν. καλῶς ἔχει, θεὸν καὶ ἐπίσκοπον εἰδέναι. ὁ τιμῶν ἐπίσκοπον ὑπὸ θεοῦ τετίμηται· ὁ λάθρα ἐπισκόπου τι πράσσων τῷ διαβόλῳ λατρεύει.

### English translation (Claude)

It is reasonable, finally, for us to come to our senses, while we still have time to repent toward God. It is good to acknowledge God and the bishop. Whoever honors the bishop has been honored by God; whoever does anything without the bishop's knowledge serves the devil.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 9.1 (PG 5:713b–713c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/9/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 9.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/9/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:262
- Also in: PG 5:716a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius thanks the Smyrnaeans for their love.

### Greek text

πάντα οὖν ὑμῖν ἐν χάριτι περισσευέτω· ἄξιοι γάρ ἐστε. κατὰ πάντα με ἀνεπαύσατε, καὶ ὑμᾶς Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. ἀπόντα με καὶ παρόντα ἠγαπήσατε. ἀμοιβὴ ὑμῖν ὁ θεός, διʼ ὃν πάντα ὑπομένοντες αὐτοῦ τεύξεσθε.

### English translation (Claude)

May all things, then, abound for you in grace, for you are worthy. You have refreshed me in every way, and Jesus Christ will refresh you. You loved me both when I was absent and when I was present. God is your reward; if you endure all things for his sake, you will attain to him.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 9.2 (PG 5:716a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/9/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 10.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/10/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:262
- Also in: PG 5:716a–716b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius thanks them for welcoming his companions.

### Greek text

Φίλωνα καὶ Ῥέον Ἀγαθόπουν, οἳ ἐπηκολούθησάν μοι εἰς λόγον θεοῦ, καλῶς ἐποιήσατε ὑποδεξάμενοι ὡς διακόνους θεοῦ· οἳ καὶ εὐχαριστοῦσιν τῷ κυρίῳ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ὅτι αὐτοὺς ἀνεπαύσατε κατὰ πάντα τρόπον. οὐδὲν ὑμῖν οὐ μὴ ἀπολεῖται.

### English translation (Claude)

Philo and Rheus Agathopus, who followed me for the word of God, you did well to receive as servants of God. They also give thanks to the Lord for you, because you refreshed them in every way. Nothing will be lost to you.

### Scripture references

- 2 Tim 1:16: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Servants of God” (διακόνους θεοῦ): Philo was a deacon (Ign. Phld. 11.1), but the phrase here is probably general.
- Other manuscripts read “servants of Christ God”; the Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (1885) follows them (“servants of Christ our God”).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 10.1 (PG 5:716a–716b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/10/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 10.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/10/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:262
- Also in: PG 5:716b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Smyrnaeans were not ashamed of Ignatius's chains, nor will Christ be ashamed of them.

### Greek text

ἀντίψυχον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμά μου καὶ τὰ δεσμά μου, ἃ οὐχ ὑπερηφανήσατε οὐδὲ ἐπῃσχύνθητε. οὐδὲ ὑμᾶς ἐπαισχυνθήσεται ἡ τελεία ἐλπίς, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.

### English translation (Claude)

My spirit is a ransom for you, and so are my chains, which you did not look down on and were not ashamed of. Nor will the perfect hope, Jesus Christ, be ashamed of you.

### Scripture references

- Mark 8:38: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “A ransom” (ἀντίψυχον): see Ign. Pol. 2.3.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 10.2 (PG 5:716b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/10/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 11.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/11/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:262–264
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius, least of the Antiochene Christians, asks prayer to reach God.

### Greek text

Ἡ προσευχὴ ὑμῶν ἀπῆλθεν ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τὴν ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τῆς Συρίας, ὅθεν δεδεμένος θεοπρεπεστάτοις δεσμοῖς πάντας ἀσπάζομαι, οὐκ ὢν ἄξιος ἐκεῖθεν εἶναι, ἔσχατος αὐτῶν ὤν· κατὰ θέλημα δὲ κατηξιώθην, οὐκ ἐκ συνειδότος ἀλλʼ ἐκ χάριτος θεοῦ· ἣν εὔχομαι τελείαν μοι δοθῆναι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν θεοῦ ἐπιτύχω.

### English translation (Claude)

Your prayer has reached the church in Antioch of Syria. Coming from there bound in most godly chains, I greet everyone, though I am not worthy to be from there, being the least of them. But by God's will I was counted worthy, not from any merit of mine, but by the grace of God, which I pray may be given to me in full, so that by your prayer I may attain to God.

### Translation notes

- “Not from any merit of mine” (οὐκ ἐκ συνειδότος): literally “not from what I am conscious of in myself.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/11/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 11.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/11/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:264
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Smyrna should send an envoy to congratulate the church at Antioch on its peace.

### Greek text

ἵνα οὖν ὑμῶν τέλειον γένηται τὸ ἔργον καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς καὶ ἐν οὐρανῷ, πρέπει εἰς τιμὴν θεοῦ χειροτονῆσαι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ὑμῶν θεοπρεσβεύτην, εἰς τὸ γενόμενον ἐν Συρίᾳ συγχαρῆναι αὐτοῖς, ὅτι εἰρηνεύουσιν καὶ ἀπέλαβον τὸ ἴδιον μέγεθος καὶ ἀπεκατεστάθη αὐτοῖς τὸ ἴδιον σωματεῖον.

### English translation (Claude)

So that your work may be complete both on earth and in heaven, it is fitting for your church, for the honor of God, to appoint a godly ambassador to go to Syria and rejoice with them because they are at peace and have recovered their proper greatness, and their proper body has been restored to them.

### Translation notes

- “Their proper body” (τὸ ἴδιον σωματεῖον): the church's corporate life, now restored.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/11/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 11.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/11/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:264
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius urges the Smyrnaeans to send a messenger with a letter to Antioch.

### Greek text

ἐφάνη μοι οὖν θεοῦ ἄξιον πρᾶγμα, πέμψαι τινὰ τῶν ὑμετέρων μετʼ ἐπιστολῆς, ἵνα συνδοξάσῃ τὴν κατὰ θεὸν αὐτοῖς γενομένην εὐδίαν, καὶ ὅτι λιμένος ἤδη ἐτύγχανον τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν. τέλειοι ὄντες τέλεια καὶ φρονεῖτε. θέλουσιν γὰρ ὑμῖν εὖ πράσσειν θεὸς ἕτοιμος εἰς τὸ παρέχειν.

### English translation (Claude)

So it seemed to me a thing worthy of God to send one of your people with a letter, to join in glorifying the calm that has come to them by God's will, and that they have already reached harbor through your prayer. Being perfect, set your minds on perfect things; for if you wish to do good, God is ready to grant it.

### Scripture references

- Phil 3:15: allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/11/3/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 12.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/12/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:264
- Also in: PG 5:717a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Greetings from Troas; praise for Burrhus, who helps Ignatius write.

### Greek text

Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἐν Τρωάδι, ὅθεν καὶ γράφω ὑμῖν διὰ Βούρρου, ὃν ἀπεστείλατε μετʼ ἐμοῦ ἅμα Ἐφεσίοις, τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὑμῶν, ὃς κατὰ πάντα με ἀνέπαυσεν. καὶ ὄφελον πάντες αὐτὸν ἐμιμοῦντο, ὄντα ἐξεμπλάριον θεοῦ διακονίας. ἀμείψεται αὐτὸν ἡ χάρις κατὰ πάντα.

### English translation (Claude)

The love of the brothers in Troas greets you; from there I am also writing to you through Burrhus, whom you sent with me together with the Ephesians, your brothers, and who has refreshed me in every way. I wish everyone imitated him, for he is a model of the ministry of God. Grace will reward him in every way.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 12.1 (PG 5:717a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/12/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 12.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/12/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:264–266
- Also in: PG 5:717a–717b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius greets the whole church in Christ's flesh and blood.

### Greek text

ἀσπάζομαι τὸν ἀξιόθεον ἐπίσκοπον καὶ θεοπρεπὲς πρεσβυτέριον καὶ τοὺς συνδούλους μου διακόνους καὶ τοὺς κατʼ ἄνδρα καὶ κοινῇ πάντας ἐν ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ αἵματι, πάθει τε καὶ ἀναστάσει σαρκικῇ τε καὶ πνευματικῇ, ἐν ἑνότητι θεοῦ καὶ ὑμῶν. χάρις ὑμῖν, ἕλεος, εἰρήνη, ὑπομονὴ διὰ παντός.

### English translation (Claude)

I greet the bishop, worthy of God, and the godly council of presbyters, and my fellow servants the deacons, and all of you, one by one and together, in the name of Jesus Christ and in his flesh and blood, in his suffering and resurrection, both of flesh and of spirit, in the unity of God and of you. Grace, mercy, peace, and endurance be with you always.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 12.2 (PG 5:717a–717b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/12/2/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 13.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/13/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:266
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Greetings to families and to the consecrated women.

### Greek text

Ἀσπάζομαι τοὺς οἴκους τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις καὶ τὰς παρθένους τὰς λεγομένας χήρας. ἔρρωσθέ μοι ἐν δυνάμει πατρός. ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Φίλων σὺν ἐμοὶ ὤν.

### English translation (Claude)

I greet the households of my brothers with their wives and children, and the virgins who are called widows. Farewell in the power of the Father. Philo, who is with me, greets you.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 5:3: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “The virgins who are called widows”: apparently unmarried women enrolled with the widows supported by the church (compare 1 Tim 5:3–16).
- Some manuscripts read “in the power of the Spirit”; the Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (1885) has “the power of the Holy Ghost.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/13/1/).

## To the Smyrnaeans 13.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/13/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:266
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Final personal greetings.

### Greek text

ἀσπάζομαι τὸν οἶκον Ταουΐας, ἣν εὔχομαι ἑδρᾶσθαι πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ σαρκικῇ τε καὶ πνευματικῇ. ἀσπάζομαι Ἄλκην, τὸ ποθητόν μοι ὄνομα, καὶ Δάφνον τὸν ἀσύγκριτον καὶ Εὔτεκνον καὶ πάντας κατʼ ὄνομα. ἔρρωσθε ἐν χάριτι θεοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

I greet the household of Tavia, whom I pray may be established in faith and love, both of flesh and of spirit. I greet Alce, a name dear to me, and the incomparable Daphnus and Eutecnus and everyone by name. Farewell in the grace of God.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Smyrn. 13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/13/2/).