THE EPISTLE OF
POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
[The genuineness of this Epistle is controverted, but implicitly
believed by Archbishop Wake, whose translation is below. There is
also a translation by Dr. Cave attached to his life of Polycarp.]
CHAPTER I.
Polycarp commends the Philippians for their respect to
those who suffered for the Gospel; and for their own faith.
POLYCARP, and the presbyters
that are with him, to the
church of God which is at Philippi;
mercy unto you, and peace from
God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Saviour, be multiplied.
2 I rejoiced greatly with you
in our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
received the images of a true love,
and accompanied, as it behoved you,
those who were in bonds, becoming
saints; which are the crowns of
such as are truly chosen by God
and our Lord:
3 As also that the root of the
faith which was preached from
ancient times, remains firm in you
to this day; and brings forth fruit
to our Lord Jesus Christ, who
suffered himself to be brought
even to the death for our sins:
4 Whom God hath raised up, having
loosed the pains of death. Whom
having not seen, ye love; in whom
though now ye see him not, yet
believing, ye rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory.
5 Into which many desire to
enter; I knowing that by grace ye
are saved; not by works, but by
the will of God through Jesus
Christ.