of God present here with me. They comfort me in every way,
Icnatrius oF ANTIOCH really rose from the dead, since His Father raised Him up,—
His Father, who will likewise raise us also who believe in Him through Jesus Christ, apart from whom we have no real life.
10. But if, as some atheists, that is, unbelievers, say, His suffering was but a make-believe—when, in reality, they themselves are make-believes—then why am I in chains?
Why do I even pray that I may fight wild beasts? In vain, then, do I die! My testimony is, after all, but a lie about the Lord! ** 11. Shun these wildlings, then, which bear but deadly fruit, and when one tastes it, he is outright doomed to die!
Surely, such persons are not the planting of the Father."
2 For if they were, they would appear as branches of the Cross, and their fruit would be imperishable—the Cross through which by His Passion He calls you to Him, being members of His body. Evidently, no head can be born separately, without members, since God means ** complete oneness, which is Himself.
12. I greet you from Smyrna together with the Churches of God present here with me. They comfort me in every way, both in body and in soul. 2 My chains, which I carry about on me for Jesus Christ, begging that I may happily make my way to God, exhort you: persevere in your concord and in your community prayers. It is certainly fitting for you individually, but especially for the presbyters, to give comfort to the bishop in honor of the Father and Jesus Christ and the Apostles. 3 I beg you to listen to me in love, so that I may not, by writing to you, prove witness against you. But also pray for me, who stand in need of your charity before the mercy seat of God. Thus I shall be granted that portion on