========================================================================
  YOUR VENERABLE PRESBYTERY
  by Ignatius of Antioch
========================================================================

Summary: Ignatius extends greetings and blessings to the church at
Smyrna, honoring their leaders and emphasizing the importance of
Christian virtues.

Topics: "Church Leadership", "Christian Fellowship"
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:22, 1 Peter 5:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ignatius of Antioch sends greetings and commendations to the brethren at
Troas, acknowledging their support and refreshment through Burgus, whom
they sent with him. He encourages all to imitate Burgus as a model
minister of God, promising that the grace of the Lord will reward him.
Ignatius also extends his greetings to Bishop Polycarp, the presbytery,
deacons, and all believers, invoking blessings of grace, mercy, peace,
and patience in Christ Jesus for eternity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The love of your brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to
you by Burgus, whom ye sent with me, together with the Ephesians, your
brethren, and who has in all things refreshed me. And I would that all
may imitate him, as being a pattern of a minister of God. The grace of
the Lord will reward him in all things.

I salute your most worthy bishop Polycarp, and your venerable
presbytery, and your Christ-bearing deacons, my fellow-servants, and all
of you individually, as well as generally, in the name of Christ Jesus,
and in His flesh and blood, in His passion and resurrection, both
corporeal and spiritual, in union with God and you. Grace, mercy, peace,
and patience, be with you in Christ for evermore!

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/your-venerable-presbytery/
========================================================================