13 But if, as some who are Atheists, that is to say infidels, pretend, that he seemed to suffer, (they themselves only seeming to exist) why then am I bound?— Why do I desire to fight with beasts?—Therefore do I die in vain: therefore I will not speak falsely against the Lord.
14 Flee therefore these evil sprouts which bring forth deadly fruit; of which if any one taste, he shall presently die.
15 For these are not the plants of the Father; seeing if they were, they would appear to be the branches of the cross, and their fruit would be incorruptible; by which he invites you through his passion, who are members of him.
16 For the head cannot be without its members, God having promised a union with himself.
CHAP. III.
He again exhorts to unity, and desires their prayers for himself, and for his church at Antioch.
I SALUTE you from Smyrna, together with the churches of God that are present with me; who have refreshed me in all things, both in the flesh and in the spirit.
2 My bonds, which I carry about me for the sake of Christ, (beseeching him that I may attain unto God) exhort you that you continue in concord among yourselves, and in prayer with one another.
3 For it becomes everyone of you, especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honour of the Father of Jesus Christ, and of the Apostles.
4 I beseech you, that you hearken to me in love; that I may not by those things which I write, rise up in witness against you.