Your Venerable Presbytery
Ignatius extends greetings and blessings to the church at Smyrna, honoring their leaders and emphasizing the importance of Christian virtues.
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.
Text
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!
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Salutations to the Church at Smyrna
- Closing Blessing
- Honoring Bishop Polycarp
- Respecting the presbytery and deacons
Key Quotes
“I would that all may imitate him, as being a pattern of a minister of God.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Grace, mercy, peace, and patience, be with you in Christ for evermore!” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should strive to imitate the example of a faithful minister of God.
- We should honor and respect our church leaders, including bishops, presbytery, and deacons.
- We should seek to cultivate Christian virtues such as patience, peace, and mercy in our lives.