# To the Trallians

- Author: [Ignatius of Antioch](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/ignatius-of-antioch/)
- Latin title: *Ad Trallianos*
- 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-trallians/
- Passages: 30

## To the Trallians, inscription

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/0/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:212
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius greets the church at Tralles.

### Greek text

Ἰγνάτιος, ὁ καὶ Θεοφόρος, ἠγαπημένῃ θεῷ, πατρὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἐκκλησίᾳ ἁγίᾳ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Τράλλεσιν τῆς Ἀσίας, ἐκλεκτῇ καὶ ἀξιοθέῳ, εἰρηνευούσῃ ἐν σαρκὶ καὶ πνεύματι τῷ πάθει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν ἐν τῇ εἰς αὐτὸν ἀναστάσει· ἣν καὶ ἀσπάζομαι ἐν τῷ πληρώματι ἐν ἀποστολικῷ χαρακτῆρι καὶ εὔχομαι πλεῖστα χαίρειν.

### English translation (Claude)

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the holy church that is in Tralles in Asia, beloved by God the Father of Jesus Christ, chosen and worthy of God, at peace in flesh and spirit through the suffering of Jesus Christ, who is our hope through our resurrection to him. I greet it in the fullness, in the apostolic manner, and wish it abundant greetings.

### Translation notes

- “In the fullness” (ἐν τῷ πληρώματι): probably the fullness of God (compare Eph 3:19).
- “In the apostolic manner”: in the style of the apostles' letters.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## To the Trallians 1.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/1/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:212
- Also in: PG 5:676a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Trallians' bishop Polybius visited Ignatius in Smyrna.

### Greek text

Ἄμωμον διάνοιαν καὶ ἀδιάκριτον ἐν ὑπομονῇ ἔγνων ὑμᾶς ἔχοντας, οὐ κατὰ χρῆσιν ἀλλὰ κατὰ φύσιν, καθὼς ἐδήλωσέν μοι Πολύβιος, ὁ ἐπίσκοπος ὑμῶν, ὃς παρεγένετο θελήματι θεοῦ καὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν Σμύρνῃ καὶ οὕτως μοι συνεχάρη δεδεμένῳ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὥστε με τὸ πᾶν πλῆθος ὑμῶν ἐν αὐτῷ θεωρεῖσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

I have learned that you possess a mind blameless and unwavering in endurance, not from habit but by nature, as your bishop Polybius made clear to me. By the will of God and of Jesus Christ he came to Smyrna, and he so rejoiced with me, a prisoner in Christ Jesus, that in him I saw your whole congregation.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 1.1 (PG 5:676a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/1/1/).

## To the Trallians 1.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/1/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:212
- Also in: PG 5:676a–676b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius praises God for the Trallians' goodwill.

### Greek text

ἀποδεξάμενος οὖν τὴν κατὰ θεὸν εὔνοιαν διʼ αὐτοῦ ἐδόξασα, εὑρὼν ὑμᾶς, ὡς ἔγνων, μιμητὰς ὄντας θεοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

Having received, then, through him your godly goodwill, I gave glory, finding you, as I had learned, to be imitators of God.

### Scripture references

- Eph 5:1: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 1.2 (PG 5:676a–676b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/1/2/).

## To the Trallians 2.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/2/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:212–214
- Also in: PG 5:676b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Obeying the bishop as Christ is living according to Christ, who died for us.

### Greek text

Ὅταν γὰρ τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ὑποτάσσησθε ὡς Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, φαίνεσθέ μοι οὐ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον ζῶντες, ἀλλὰ κατὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν διʼ ἡμᾶς ἀποθανόντα, ἵνα πιστεύσαντες εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ τὸ ἀποθανεῖν ἐκφύγητε.

### English translation (Claude)

For when you are subject to the bishop as to Jesus Christ, you appear to me to be living not according to human standards but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that by believing in his death you may escape dying.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 2.1 (PG 5:676b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/2/1/).

## To the Trallians 2.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/2/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:214
- Also in: PG 5:676b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Do nothing without the bishop, and submit to the presbyters as to the apostles.

### Greek text

ἀναγκαῖον οὖν ἐστίν, ὥσπερ ποιεῖτε, ἄνευ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου μηδὲν πράσσειν ὑμᾶς, ἀλλʼ ὑποτάσσεσθαι καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ ὡς τοῖς ἀποστόλοις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾧ διάγοντες εὑρεθησόμεθα.

### English translation (Claude)

It is necessary, then, as you already do, that you do nothing without the bishop, but that you also be subject to the council of presbyters as to the apostles of Jesus Christ our hope, in whom we shall be found if we live in him.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 2.2 (PG 5:676b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/2/2/).

## To the Trallians 2.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/2/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:214
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Deacons serve Christ's mysteries, not merely food and drink, and must be above reproach.

### Greek text

δεῖ δὲ καὶ τοὺς διακόνους ὄντας μυστηρίων Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον πᾶσιν ἀρέσκειν. οὐ γὰρ βρωμάτων καὶ ποτῶν εἰσιν διάκονοι, ἀλλʼ ἐκκλησίας θεοῦ ὑπηρέται· δέον οὖν αὐτοὺς φυλάσσεσθαι τὰ ἐγκλήματα ὡς πῦρ.

### English translation (Claude)

And the deacons, who are deacons of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, must also please everyone in every way. For they are not deacons of food and drink but servants of the church of God. They must therefore guard against accusations as against fire.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 4:1: allusion, medium confidence
- Acts 6:2: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Not deacons of food and drink”: their office is more than serving at tables (compare Acts 6:2).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/2/3/).

## To the Trallians 3.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/3/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:214
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Deacons, bishop, and presbyters together make the church.

### Greek text

Ὁμοίως πάντες ἐντρεπέσθωσαν τοὺς διακόνους ὡς Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ὡς καὶ τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ὄντα τύπον τοῦ πατρός. τοὺς δὲ πρεσβυτέρους ὡς συνέδριον θεοῦ καὶ ὡς σύνδεσμον ἀποστόλων. χωρὶς τούτων ἐκκλησία οὐ καλεῖται.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise let everyone respect the deacons as Jesus Christ, as also the bishop, who is a type of the Father, and the presbyters as God's council and as the band of the apostles. Without these no church is called a church.

### Translation notes

- “A type of the Father” (τύπον τοῦ πατρός): an image or representation of the Father.
- Other manuscripts, followed by the Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (1885), read “the deacons as an appointment of Jesus Christ, and the bishop as Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the Father.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/3/1/).

## To the Trallians 3.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/3/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:214
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The bishop's gentle bearing commands respect even from unbelievers.

### Greek text

περὶ ὧν πέπεισμαι ὑμᾶς οὕτως ἔχειν. τὸ γὰρ ἐξεμπλάριον τῆς ἀγάπης ὑμῶν ἔλαβον καὶ ἔχω μεθʼ ἑαυτοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ὑμῶν, οὗ αὐτὸ τὸ κατάστημα μεγάλη μαθητεία, ἡ δὲ πραότης αὐτοῦ δύναμις· ὃν λογίζομαι καὶ τοὺς ἀθέους ἐντρέπεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

I am convinced that you are so disposed. For I have received the living example of your love, and I have it with me in your bishop, whose very bearing is a great lesson and whose gentleness is power; I think even the godless respect him.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/3/2/).

## To the Trallians 3.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/3/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:214–216
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius writes gently, not presuming to command as an apostle.

### Greek text

ἀγαπῶν ὑμᾶς φείδομαι, συντονώτερον δυνάμενος γράφειν ὑπὲρ τούτου. οὐκ εἰς τοῦτο ᾠήθην, ἵνα ὢν κατάκριτος ὡς ἀπόστολος ὑμῖν διατάσσωμαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Because I love you I spare you, though I could write more sharply on this matter. I did not think myself entitled, being a condemned man, to give you orders as though I were an apostle.

### Translation notes

- The wording of the first sentence is uncertain in the manuscripts, and older translations (e.g. the Ante-Nicene Fathers, 1885) follow a quite different reading; the main point, that Ignatius will not command them like an apostle, is the same in all.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/3/3/).

## To the Trallians 4.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/4/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:216
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius guards himself against pride and flattery.

### Greek text

Πολλὰ φρονῶ ἐν θεῷ, ἀλλʼ ἐμαυτὸν μετρῶ, ἵνα μὴ ἐν καυχήσει ἀπόλωμαι. νῦν γάρ με δεῖ πλέον φοβεῖσθαι καὶ μὴ προσέχειν τοῖς φυσιοῦσίν με. οἱ γὰρ λέγοντές μοι μαστιγοῦσίν με.

### English translation (Claude)

I have many thoughts in God, but I measure myself, so that I may not perish through boasting. For now I must be the more afraid and not pay attention to those who puff me up; for those who praise me scourge me.

### Translation notes

- “Those who praise me” (οἱ λέγοντές μοι): literally “those who speak to me,” that is, with flattery.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/4/1/).

## To the Trallians 4.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/4/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:216
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius longs to suffer but needs gentleness against the devil's hidden attack.

### Greek text

ἀγαπῶ μὲν γὰρ τὸ παθεῖν, ἀλλʼ οὐκ οἶδα, εἰ ἄξιός εἰμι. τὸ γὰρ ζῆλος πολλοῖς μὲν οὐ φαίνεται, ἐμὲ δὲ πλέον πολεμεῖ. χρῄζω οὖν πραότητος, ἐν ᾗ καταλύεται ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου.

### English translation (Claude)

For I do love to suffer, but I do not know whether I am worthy. For envy is not apparent to many, but it wages war against me all the more. So I need gentleness, by which the ruler of this age is destroyed.

### Translation notes

- “Envy” (τὸ ζῆλος): probably the devil's envy; some take it as Ignatius's own eagerness for martyrdom, which could become pride.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/4/2/).

## To the Trallians 5.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/5/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:216
- Also in: PG 5:680a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius holds back deep teaching for fear of overwhelming his readers.

### Greek text

Μὴ οὐ δύναμαι ὑμῖν τὰ ἐπουράνια γράψαι; ἀλλὰ φοβοῦμαι, μὴ νηπίοις οὖσιν ὑμῖν βλάβην παραθῶ· καὶ συγγνωμονεῖτέ μοι, μήποτε οὐ δυνηθέντες χωρῆσαι στραγγαλωθῆτε.

### English translation (Claude)

Am I not able to write to you about heavenly things? But I am afraid that I might do you harm, since you are infants. Forgive me, lest, being unable to take them in, you choke on them.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 3:1: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 3:2: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 5.1 (PG 5:680a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/5/1/).

## To the Trallians 5.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/5/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:216
- Also in: PG 5:680a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Knowing heavenly mysteries does not make one a true disciple.

### Greek text

καὶ γὰρ ἐγώ, οὐ καθότι δέδεμαι καὶ δύναμαι νοεῖν τὰ ἐπουράνια καὶ τὰς τοποθεσίας τὰς ἀγγελικὰς καὶ τὰς συστάσεις τὰς ἀρχοντικάς, ὁρατά τε καὶ ἀόρατα, παρὰ τοῦτο ἤδη καὶ μαθητής εἰμι. πολλὰ γὰρ ἡμῖν λείπει, ἵνα θεοῦ μὴ λειπώμεθα.

### English translation (Claude)

For I too, not because I am in chains and can understand heavenly things, the places of the angels and the ranks of the powers, things visible and invisible, not for this reason am I already a disciple. For we lack much, so that we may not lack God.

### Scripture references

- Col 1:16: allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 5.2 (PG 5:680a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/5/2/).

## To the Trallians 6.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/6/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:216–218
- Also in: PG 5:680a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Feed only on Christian teaching and avoid heresy.

### Greek text

Παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, οὐκ ἐγώ, ἀλλʼ ἡ ἀγάπη Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· μόνῃ τῇ χριστιανῇ τροφῇ χρῆσθε, ἀλλοτρίας δὲ βοτάνης ἀπέχεσθε, ἥτις ἐστὶν αἵρεσις·

### English translation (Claude)

I urge you, then (not I, but the love of Jesus Christ): use only Christian food, and keep away from a foreign plant, which is heresy.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 6.1 (PG 5:680a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/6/1/).

## To the Trallians 6.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/6/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:218
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: False teachers disguise poison with sweet words about Christ.

### Greek text

οἳ ἑαυτοῖς παρεμπλέκουσιν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν καταξιοπιστευόμενοι, ὥσπερ θανάσιμον φάρμακον διδόντες μετὰ οἰνομέλιτος, ὅπερ ὁ ἀγνοῶν ἡδέως λαμβάνει ἐν ἡδονῇ κακῇ τὸ ἀποθανεῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

These people mix Jesus Christ in with themselves, while passing themselves off as trustworthy. They are like those who give a deadly poison with honeyed wine, which the unsuspecting person gladly takes, and with wicked pleasure takes his death.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/6/2/).

## To the Trallians 7.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/7/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:218
- Also in: PG 5:680b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Stay close to God, the bishop, and the apostles' teaching.

### Greek text

Φυλάττεσθε οὖν τοὺς τοιούτους. τοῦτο δὲ ἔσται ὑμῖν μὴ φυσιουμένοις καὶ οὖσιν ἀχωρίστοις θεοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου καὶ τῶν διαταγμάτων τῶν ἀποστόλων.

### English translation (Claude)

Be on your guard, then, against such people. And you will be, if you are not puffed up and are inseparable from God, Jesus Christ, and from the bishop and the ordinances of the apostles.

### Translation notes

- “God, Jesus Christ” (θεοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ): or “our God Jesus Christ” or “God and Jesus Christ.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 7.1 (PG 5:680b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/7/1/).

## To the Trallians 7.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/7/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:218
- Also in: PG 5:680b–681a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Acting apart from the bishop, presbyters, and deacons defiles the conscience.

### Greek text

ὁ ἐντὸς θυσιαστηρίου ὢν καθαρός ἐστιν· ὁ δὲ ἐκτὸς θυσιαστηρίου ὢν οὐ καθαρός ἐστιν. τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, ὁ χωρὶς ἐπισκόπου καὶ πρεσβυτερίου καὶ διακόνων πράσσων τι, οὗτος οὐ καθαρός ἐστιν τῇ συνειδήσει.

### English translation (Claude)

Whoever is within the sanctuary is pure; but whoever is outside the sanctuary is not pure. That is, whoever does anything without the bishop and the council of presbyters and the deacons is not pure in conscience.

### Translation notes

- “Sanctuary” (θυσιαστηρίου): see the note on Ign. Eph. 5.2.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 7.2 (PG 5:680b–681a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/7/2/).

## To the Trallians 8.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/8/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:218
- Also in: PG 5:681a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Renew yourselves in faith and love, which are Christ's flesh and blood.

### Greek text

Οὐκ ἐπεὶ ἔγνων τοιοῦτόν τι ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀλλὰ προφυλάσσω ὑμᾶς ὄντας μου ἀγαπητούς, προορῶν τὰς ἐνέδρας τοῦ διαβόλου. ὑμεῖς οὖν τὴν πραϋπάθειαν ἀναλαβόντες ἀνακτήσασθε ἑαυτοὺς ἐν πίστει, ὅ ἐστιν σὰρξ τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ὅ ἐστιν αἷμα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

Not that I have learned of any such thing among you; but I am guarding you in advance, since you are my beloved, foreseeing the snares of the devil. So take up gentleness and renew yourselves in faith, which is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, which is the blood of Jesus Christ.

### Translation notes

- “Faith … the flesh of the Lord … love … the blood of Jesus Christ”: faith and love are pictured as the believer's nourishment, perhaps with a Eucharistic overtone.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 8.1 (PG 5:681a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/8/1/).

## To the Trallians 8.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/8/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:218–220
- Also in: PG 5:681a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Avoid quarrels that give outsiders reason to blaspheme God's name.

### Greek text

μηδεὶς ὑμῶν κατὰ τοῦ πλησίον ἐχέτω. μὴ ἀφορμὰς δίδοτε τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, ἵνα μὴ διʼ ὀλίγους ἄφρονας τὸ ἐν θεῷ πλῆθος βλασφημῆται. Οὐαὶ γάρ, διʼ οὗ ἐπὶ ματαιότητι τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπί τινων βλασφημεῖται.

### English translation (Claude)

Let none of you hold anything against his neighbor. Do not give the Gentiles occasions for offense, so that the godly multitude may not be blasphemed because of a few fools. For “Woe to him through whom my name is blasphemed in vain among some.”

### Scripture references

- Isa 52:5: quotation, medium confidence
- Rom 2:24: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The quotation is a free form of Isa 52:5 (compare Rom 2:24).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 8.2 (PG 5:681a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/8/2/).

## To the Trallians 9.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/9/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:220
- Also in: PG 5:681b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ was truly born, truly suffered, and truly died.

### Greek text

Κωφώθητε οὖν, ὅταν ὑμῖν χωρὶς Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ λαλῇ τις, τοῦ ἐκ γένους Δαυείδ, τοῦ ἐκ Μαρίας, ὃς ἀληθῶς ἐγεννήθη, ἔφαγέν τε καὶ ἔπιεν, ἀληθῶς ἐδιώχθη ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου, ἀληθῶς ἐσταυρώθη καὶ ἀπέθανεν, βλεπόντων τῶν ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ ὑποχθονίων.

### English translation (Claude)

Be deaf, then, when anyone speaks to you apart from Jesus Christ, who was of the family of David, who was of Mary, who was truly born, who ate and drank, who was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate, was truly crucified and died, while those in heaven and on earth and under the earth looked on;

### Scripture references

- Rom 1:3: echo, medium confidence
- Phil 2:10: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The repeated “truly” (ἀληθῶς) answers the docetists, who said Christ only seemed to suffer (10.1).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 9.1 (PG 5:681b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/9/1/).

## To the Trallians 9.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/9/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:220
- Also in: PG 5:681b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ truly rose, and the Father will raise believers in the same way.

### Greek text

ὃς καὶ ἀληθῶς ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ νεκρῶν, ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, κατὰ τὸ ὁμοίωμα ὃς καὶ ἡμᾶς τοὺς πιστεύοντας αὐτῷ οὕτως ἐγερεῖ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, οὗ χωρὶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ζῆν οὐκ ἔχομεν.

### English translation (Claude)

who was also truly raised from the dead, his Father raising him; and in the same way his Father will also raise us who believe in him in Christ Jesus, apart from whom we do not have true life.

### Scripture references

- 2 Cor 4:14: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Cor 15:20: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 9.2 (PG 5:681b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/9/2/).

## To the Trallians 10.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/10/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:220–222
- Also in: PG 5:681b–681c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: If Christ only seemed to suffer, Ignatius's martyrdom would be pointless.

### Greek text

Εἰ δέ, ὥσπερ τινὲς ἄθεοι ὄντες, τουτέστιν ἄπιστοι, λέγουσιν, τὸ δοκεῖν πεπονθέναι αὐτόν, αὐτοὶ ὄντες τὸ δοκεῖν, ἐγὼ τί δέδεμαι, τί δὲ καὶ εὔχομαι θηριομαχῆσαι; δωρεὰν οὖν ἀποθνήσκω. ἄρα οὖν καταψεύδομαι τοῦ κυρίου.

### English translation (Claude)

But if, as some who are godless (that is, unbelievers) say, he suffered only in appearance (it is they who exist only in appearance!), why am I in chains? Why do I even pray to fight the wild beasts? Then I die for nothing. Then indeed I am lying about the Lord.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 15:14: echo, medium confidence
- Gal 2:21: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “In appearance” (τὸ δοκεῖν): the teaching later called docetism, from this verb (“to seem”).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 10.1 (PG 5:681b–681c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/10/1/).

## To the Trallians 11.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/11/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:222
- Also in: PG 5:684a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: False teachers are poisonous growths, not the Father's planting.

### Greek text

Φεύγετε οὖν τὰς κακὰς παραφυάδας τὰς γεννώσας καρπὸν θανατηφόρον, οὗ ἐὰν γεύσηταί τις, παρʼ αὐτὰ ἀποθνήσκει. οὗτοι γὰρ οὔκ εἰσιν φυτεία πατρός.

### English translation (Claude)

Flee, then, the evil offshoots that bear deadly fruit; if anyone tastes it, he dies on the spot. For these are not the Father's planting.

### Scripture references

- Matt 15:13: allusion, high confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 11.1 (PG 5:684a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/11/1/).

## To the Trallians 11.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/11/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:222
- Also in: PG 5:684a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: True believers are branches of the cross and members of Christ, their head.

### Greek text

εἰ γὰρ ἦσαν, ἐφαίνοντο ἂν κλάδοι τοῦ σταυροῦ, καὶ ἦν ἂν ὁ καρπὸς αὐτῶν ἄφθαρτος· διʼ οὗ ἐν τῷ πάθει αὐτοῦ προσκαλεῖται ὑμᾶς ὄντας μέλη αὐτοῦ. οὐ δύναται οὖν κεφαλὴ χωρὶς γεννηθῆναι ἄνευ μελῶν, τοῦ θεοῦ ἕνωσιν ἐπαγγελλομένου, ὅ ἐστιν αὐτός.

### English translation (Claude)

For if they were, they would appear as branches of the cross, and their fruit would be incorruptible. Through the cross, in his suffering, he calls you, who are his members. So a head cannot be born by itself without members, since God promises union, which is himself.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 12:27: echo, low confidence
- Eph 5:30: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Through the cross” (διʼ οὗ): literally “through which,” referring back to the cross.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 11.2 (PG 5:684a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/11/2/).

## To the Trallians 12.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/12/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:222
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius sends greetings from Smyrna.

### Greek text

Ἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ Σμύρνης ἅμα ταῖς συμπαρούσαις μοι ἐκκλησίαις τοῦ θεοῦ, οἳ κατὰ πάντα με ἀνέπαυσαν σαρκί τε καὶ πνεύματι.

### English translation (Claude)

I greet you from Smyrna, together with the churches of God that are present with me, who have refreshed me in every way, in flesh and in spirit.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/12/1/).

## To the Trallians 12.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/12/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:222
- Also in: PG 5:684a–684b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Stay united in prayer and support your bishop.

### Greek text

παρακαλεῖ ὑμᾶς τὰ δεσμά μου, ἃ ἕνεκεν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ περιφέρω, αἰτούμενος θεοῦ ἐπιτυχεῖν· διαμένετε ἐν τῇ ὁμονοίᾳ ὑμῶν καὶ τῇ μετʼ ἀλλήλων προσευχῇ. πρέπει γὰρ ὑμῖν τοῖς καθʼ ἕνα, ἐξαιρέτως καὶ τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις, ἀναψύχειν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον εἰς τιμὴν πατρός, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων.

### English translation (Claude)

My chains, which I carry about for the sake of Jesus Christ, asking to attain to God, exhort you: remain in your concord and in prayer with one another. For it is fitting for each of you, and especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honor of the Father, of Jesus Christ, and of the apostles.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 12.2 (PG 5:684a–684b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/12/2/).

## To the Trallians 12.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/12/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:222–224
- Also in: PG 5:684b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius asks for prayer that he may be found worthy of martyrdom.

### Greek text

εὔχομαι ὑμᾶς ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀκοῦσαί μου, ἵνα μὴ εἰς μαρτύριον ὦ ἐν ὑμῖν γράψας. καὶ περὶ ἐμοῦ δὲ προσεύχεσθε, τῆς ἀφʼ ὑμῶν ἀγάπης χρῄζοντος ἐν τῷ ἐλέει τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς τὸ καταξιωθῆναί με τοῦ κλήρου, οὗ περίκειμαι ἐπιτυχεῖν, ἵνα μὴ ἀδόκιμος εὑρεθῶ.

### English translation (Claude)

I pray that you listen to me in love, so that I may not be a testimony against you by what I have written. And pray for me too, since I need your love in the mercy of God, so that I may be counted worthy of the lot that I am eager to attain, so that I may not be found disqualified.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 9:27: allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 12.3 (PG 5:684b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/12/3/).

## To the Trallians 13.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/13/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:224
- Also in: PG 5:684b–684c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Greetings; pray for the church in Syria.

### Greek text

Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς ἡ ἀγάπη Σμυρναίων καὶ Ἐφεσίων. μνημονεύετε ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς ὑμῶν τῆς ἐν Συρίᾳ ἐκκλησίας, ὅθεν καὶ οὐκ ἄξιός εἰμι λέγεσθαι, ὢν ἔσχατος ἐκείνων.

### English translation (Claude)

The love of the Smyrnaeans and Ephesians greets you. Remember in your prayers the church in Syria, of which I am not worthy to be called a member, being the least of them.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 15:9: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 13.1 (PG 5:684b–684c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/13/1/).

## To the Trallians 13.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/13/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:224
- Also in: PG 5:685a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Farewell: obey the bishop and presbyters, and love one another.

### Greek text

ἔρρωσθε ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, ὑποτασσόμενοι τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ὡς τῇ ἐντολῇ, ὁμοίως καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ. καὶ οἱ κατʼ ἄνδρα ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶτε ἐν ἀμερίστῳ καρδίᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

Farewell in Jesus Christ, being subject to the bishop as to the commandment, and likewise to the council of presbyters. And each of you, love one another with an undivided heart.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 13.2 (PG 5:685a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/13/2/).

## To the Trallians 13.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/13/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:224
- Also in: PG 5:685a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius offers himself for the Trallians and trusts the faithful Father.

### Greek text

ἁγνίζεται ὑμῶν τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα οὐ μόνον νῦν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ὅταν θεοῦ ἐπιτύχω. ἔτι γὰρ ὑπὸ κίνδυνόν εἰμι· ἀλλὰ πιστὸς ὁ πατὴρ ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ πληρῶσαί μου τὴν αἴτησιν καὶ ὑμῶν, ἐν ᾧ εὑρεθείητε ἄμωμοι.

### English translation (Claude)

My spirit is offered for you, not only now but also when I attain to God. For I am still in danger; but the Father is faithful in Jesus Christ to fulfill my request and yours. In him may you be found blameless.

### Scripture references

- 1 Thess 5:24: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Is offered for you” (ἁγνίζεται ὑμῶν): see the note on Ign. Eph. 8.1.
- Older translations take it the other way round (the Ante-Nicene Fathers, 1885: “Let my spirit be sanctified by yours”).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Trall. 13.3 (PG 5:685a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/13/3/).