When Paul received the Epistle, although he was then in chains on account of Stratonice[11], the wife of Apofolanus[12], yet, as it were forgetting his bonds, he mourned over these words, and said, weeping: "It were better for me to be dead, and with the Lord. For while I am in this body, and hear the wretched words of such false doctrine, behold, grief arises upon grief, and my trouble adds a weight to my chains; when I behold this calamity, and progress of the machinations of Satan, who searcheth to do wrong."
And thus, with deep affliction, Paul composed his reply to the Epistle.[13]
[Footnote 1: Some MSS. have the title thus: Epistle of Stephen the Elder to Paul the Apostle, from the Corinthians.]
[Footnote 2: In the MSS. the marginal verses published by the Whistons are wanting.]
[Footnote 3: In some MSS. we find, The elders Numenus, Eubulus, Theophilus, and Nomeson, to Paul their brother, health!]
[Footnote 4: Others read, There came certain men, ... and Clobeus, who vehemently shake.]
[Footnote 5: Some MSS. have, We believe in the Lord, that his presence was made manifest; and by this hath the Lord delivered as from the hands of the unrighteous.]
[Footnote 6: Others read, To read the Prophets.]
[Footnote 7: Some MSS. have, Therefore, brother, do thou make haste.]
[Footnote 8: Others read, Fare thee well in the Lord.]