in Syria. Coming from there in chains radiant with divine
Icnatius oF ANTIOCH every comfort.
In no respect—that is certain!—will you be losers. 2 A ransom for you are my life and my chains, which you did not despise and of which you were not ashamed."
Neither will Jesus Christ, our consummate hope, be ashamed of you.
11. Your prayer made its way to the Church at Antioch in Syria. Coming from there in chains radiant with divine splendor, I send greetings to all. Not that I deserve to belong to that community, being the least of its members; but by the will Cof God) I was granted this favor—no, not because of any conscious deed, but because of the grace of God. Would that this grace were given me in perfection, that through your prayer I may make my way to God! 2 Now, that your own work may be made perfect both on earth and in heaven, it is proper, for the honor of God, that your Church should send a God- "empowered delegate to go to Syria and congiatulate the people on enjoying peace, having recovered their normal greatness, and having their full status restored to them.
3 It therefore appears to me to be a God-inspired undertaking to send one of your number with a letter for the purpose of joining in the celebration of their God-given tranquillity, and because they have, thanks to your prayer, at last made port.
Be perfect, therefore, and devise a perfect method. You need only be willing to do well, and God is ready to assist you.
12. In their affection ** the brethren at Troas wish to be remembered to you. It is from here that I send this letter through the kindness of Burrus, whom you conjointly with your brethren, the Ephesians, commissioned to accompany me. He has given me every possible comfort. And would that all might imitate him, for he is a pattern of what a minister of God should be. God's grace will reward him in