Fare Ye Well in the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Common Hope
The sermon expresses gratitude and love from the brethren at Troas and Ephesians and Smyrnaeans to the listeners.
Ignatius of Antioch expresses gratitude for Philo the deacon, Gaius, and Agathopus, commending their faithful service and testimony. He gives thanks to God for the believers who have received them, assuring that the Lord will also receive them. Ignatius prays for forgiveness for those who dishonored these faithful men, emphasizing the grace of Jesus Christ and His desire for repentance. He conveys greetings from the brethren at Troas and sends well wishes in the Lord Jesus Christ, the common hope, and the Holy Ghost.
Text
Now, as to Philo the deacon, a man of Cilicia, of high reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Gaius and Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding his life,-these also bear testimony in your behalf.
And I myself give thanks to God for you, because ye have received them: and the Lord will also receive you.
But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ, "who wisheth not the death of the sinner, but his repentance." ` The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnaeans, to show their respect: whom the Lord Jesus Christ will requite, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and spirit, and faith, and love, and concord. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, in the Holy Ghost.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Introduction to Philo the deacon and other ministers
- Testimony of Philo and others
- Thanksgiving to God for the listeners
Key Quotes
“who wisheth not the death of the sinner, but his repentance.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, in the Holy Ghost.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Show respect and gratitude to others in your life.
- Prioritize love and respect in your relationships.
- Have faith in Jesus Christ as your common hope.