# To the Ephesians

- Author: [Ignatius of Antioch](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/ignatius-of-antioch/)
- Latin title: *Ad Ephesios*
- Date: ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) (disputed)
- Source: Kirsopp Lake, ed. and trans., The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 1, LCL 24 (London: Heinemann; New York: Macmillan, 1912), 172–277 (Greek text: K. Lake, The Apostolic Fathers (LCL, 1912-1913), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Translation: Claude, from the original text; each passage below gives the model and date
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/
- Passages: 48

## To the Ephesians, inscription

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/0/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:172
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius greets the church at Ephesus, chosen by God for glory.

### Greek text

Ἰγνάτιος, ὁ καὶ Θεοφόρος, τῇ εὐλογημένῃ ἐν μεγέθει θεοῦ πατρὸς πληρώματι, τῇ προωρισμένῃ πρὸ αἰώνων εἶναι διὰ παντὸς εἰς δόξαν παράμονον ἄτρεπτον, ἡνωμένῃ καὶ ἐκλελεγμένῃ ἐν πάθει ἀληθινῷ, ἐν θελήματι τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν, τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τῇ ἀξιομακαρίστῳ, τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Ἐφέσῳ τῆς Ἀσίας, πλεῖστα ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ καὶ ἐν ἀμώμῳ χαρᾷ χαίρειν.

### English translation (Claude)

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church blessed with greatness by the fullness of God the Father, predestined before the ages to be always for enduring and unchangeable glory, united and chosen in true suffering by the will of the Father and of Jesus Christ our God; to the church worthy of blessing, which is in Ephesus in Asia: abundant greetings in Jesus Christ and in blameless joy.

### Scripture references

- Eph 1:4: echo, medium confidence
- Eph 1:23: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “True suffering” (ἐν πάθει ἀληθινῷ): Christ's real Passion; against teachers who said Christ only seemed to suffer (see Ign. Trall. 10).
- “Jesus Christ our God”: Ignatius calls Christ God without qualification (see the glossary).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 0 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/0/).

## To the Ephesians 1.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/1/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:172
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius praises the Ephesians, who have acted as true imitators of God.

### Greek text

Ἀποδεξάμενος ἐν θεῷ τὸ πολυαγάπητόν σου ὄνομα, ὃ κέκτησθε φύσει δικαίᾳ κατὰ πίστιν καὶ ἀγάπην ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, τῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν· μιμηταὶ ὄντες θεοῦ, ἀναζωπυρήσαντες ἐν αἵματι θεοῦ τὸ συγγενικὸν ἔργον τελείως ἀπηρτίσατε·

### English translation (Claude)

I welcomed in God your much-loved name, which you possess by a righteous nature, in accordance with faith and love in Christ Jesus our Savior. Being imitators of God, and rekindled by the blood of God, you have perfectly completed the work that is so natural to you.

### Scripture references

- Eph 5:1: allusion, medium confidence
- Acts 20:28: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “The blood of God”: a bold phrase for Christ's death (compare Acts 20:28, Paul's words to the Ephesian elders).
- “The work that is so natural to you” (τὸ συγγενικὸν ἔργον): literally “the work of kinship,” the task that befits you as brothers, here their care for Ignatius.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/1/1/).

## To the Ephesians 1.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/1/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:172–174
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Ephesians hurried to meet Ignatius on his way to martyrdom in Rome.

### Greek text

ἀκούσαντες γὰρ δεδεμένον ἀπὸ Συρίας ὑπὲρ τοῦ κοινοῦ ὀνόματος καὶ ἐλπίδος, ἐλπίζοντα τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν ἐπιτυχεῖν ἐν Ῥώμῃ θηριομαχῆσαι, ἵνα διὰ τοῦ ἐπιτυχεῖν δυνηθῶ μαθητὴς εἶναι, ἰδεῖν ἐσπουδάσατε·

### English translation (Claude)

For when you heard that I was on my way from Syria in chains for the sake of our common name and hope, hoping through your prayer to succeed in fighting wild beasts in Rome, so that by succeeding I might be able to be a disciple, you were eager to see me.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/1/2/).

## To the Ephesians 1.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/1/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:174
- Also in: PG 5:645a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius has met the whole church in its bishop, Onesimus.

### Greek text

ἐπεὶ οὖν τὴν πολυπλήθειαν ὑμῶν ἐν ὀνόματι θεοῦ ἀπείληφα ἐν Ὀνησίμῳ, τῷ ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀδιηγήτῳ, ὑμῶν δὲ ἐπισκόπῳ, ὃν εὔχομαι κατὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ὑμᾶς ἀγαπᾶν καὶ πάντας ὑμᾶς αὐτῷ ἐν ὁμοιότητι εἶναι. εὐλογητὸς γὰρ ὁ χαρισάμενος ὑμῖν ἀξίοις οὖσι τοιοῦτον ἐπίσκοπον κεκτῆσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Since, then, I have received your whole congregation in God's name in Onesimus, a man of love beyond words and your bishop, I pray that you love him according to Jesus Christ and that all of you be like him. For blessed is he who granted you, being worthy, to have such a bishop.

### Translation notes

- Some have identified this Onesimus with the slave of Paul's letter to Philemon; there is no evidence either way.
- Other editions and older translations (e.g. the Ante-Nicene Fathers, 1885) read “your bishop in the flesh” (ἐν σαρκί); the digital text of Lake used here lacks the phrase.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 1.3 (PG 5:645a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/1/3/).

## To the Ephesians 2.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/2/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:174
- Also in: PG 5:645a–645b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius thanks the Ephesian delegates who came to him, especially the deacon Burrhus.

### Greek text

Περὶ δὲ τοῦ συνδούλου μου Βούρρου, τοῦ κατὰ θεὸν διακόνου ὑμῶν ἐν πᾶσιν εὐλογημένου, εὔχομαι παραμεῖναι αὐτὸν εἰς τιμὴν ὑμῶν καὶ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου· καὶ Κρόκος δέ, ὁ θεοῦ ἄξιος καὶ ὑμῶν, ὃν ἐξεμπλάριον τῆς ἀφʼ ὑμῶν ἀγάπης ἀπέλαβον, κατὰ πάντα με ἀνέπαυσεν, ὡς καὶ αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀναψύξαι, ἅμα Ὀνησίμῳ καὶ Βούρρῳ καὶ Εὔπλῳ καὶ Φρόντωνι, διʼ ὧν πάντας ὑμᾶς κατὰ ἀγάπην εἶδον.

### English translation (Claude)

As for my fellow servant Burrhus, your deacon by God's will, blessed in all things, I pray that he may stay with me, to the honor of you and of the bishop. And Crocus too, worthy of God and of you, whom I received as a living example of your love, has refreshed me in every way (may the Father of Jesus Christ likewise refresh him), together with Onesimus and Burrhus and Euplus and Fronto, in whom I saw all of you in love.

### Translation notes

- “Stay with me” (παραμεῖναι): Burrhus did stay; he later helped Ignatius write (Ign. Phld. 11.2; Ign. Smyrn. 12.1).
- “Living example” (ἐξεμπλάριον): a Latin word (exemplarium) in Greek letters.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 2.1 (PG 5:645a–645b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/2/1/).

## To the Ephesians 2.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/2/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:174–176
- Also in: PG 5:645b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: United in obedience to the bishop and presbyters, the church will be holy.

### Greek text

ὀναίμην ὑμῶν διὰ παντός, ἐάνπερ ἄξιος ὦ. πρέπον οὖν ἐστὶν κατὰ πάντα τρόπον δοξάζειν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν δοξάσαντα ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν μιᾷ ὑποταγῇ κατηρτισμένοι, ὑποτασσόμενοι τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ, κατὰ πάντα ἦτε ἡγιασμένοι.

### English translation (Claude)

May I have joy of you always, if indeed I am worthy. It is fitting, then, in every way to glorify Jesus Christ, who has glorified you, so that, made complete in one obedience and subject to the bishop and the council of presbyters, you may be sanctified in all things.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 1:10: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 2.2 (PG 5:645b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/2/2/).

## To the Ephesians 3.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/3/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:176
- Also in: PG 5:645b–648b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius writes humbly, as one only beginning to be a disciple.

### Greek text

Οὐ διατάσσομαι ὑμῖν ὡς ὤν τις. εἰ γὰρ καὶ δέδεμαι ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι, οὔπω ἀπήρτισμαι ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ· νῦν γὰρ ἀρχὴν ἔχω τοῦ μαθητεύεσθαι, καὶ προσλαλῶ ὑμῖν ὡς συνδιδασκαλίταις μου. ἐμὲ γὰρ ἔδει ὑφʼ ὑμῶν ὑπαλειφθῆναι πίστει, νουθεσίᾳ, ὑπομονῇ, μακροθυμίᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

I do not give you orders as though I were someone. For even if I am in chains for the Name, I have not yet been made perfect in Jesus Christ. For now I am only beginning to be a disciple, and I speak to you as my fellow learners. For I needed to be anointed by you with faith, admonition, endurance, and patience.

### Translation notes

- “The Name”: the name of Christ.
- “Anointed” (ὑπαλειφθῆναι): as an athlete is rubbed with oil before a contest.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 3.1 (PG 5:645b–648b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/3/1/).

## To the Ephesians 3.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/3/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:176
- Also in: PG 5:648b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ expresses the Father's mind, and the bishops everywhere share Christ's mind.

### Greek text

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ ἡ ἀγάπη οὐκ ἐᾷ με σιωπᾶν περὶ ὑμῶν, διὰ τοῦτο προέλαβον παρακαλεῖν ὑμᾶς, ὅπως συντρέχητε τῇ γνώμῃ τοῦ θεοῦ. καὶ γὰρ Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, τὸ ἀδιάκριτον ἡμῶν ζῆν, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡ γνώμη, ὡς καὶ οἱ ἐπίσκοποι, οἱ κατὰ τὰ πέρατα ὁρισθέντες, ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ γνώμῃ εἰσίν.

### English translation (Claude)

But since love does not let me be silent about you, I have taken it on myself to urge you to run in harmony with the mind of God. For Jesus Christ, our inseparable life, is the mind of the Father, just as the bishops, who have been appointed throughout the ends of the earth, are in the mind of Jesus Christ.

### Translation notes

- “Mind” (γνώμη): also “purpose, will.”
- “Inseparable life” (τὸ ἀδιάκριτον ἡμῶν ζῆν): the life from which we cannot be separated; perhaps “unwavering.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 3.2 (PG 5:648b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/3/2/).

## To the Ephesians 4.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/4/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:176
- Also in: PG 5:648b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The presbyters are in tune with their bishop like strings on a lyre.

### Greek text

Ὅθεν πρέπει ὑμῖν συντρέχειν τῇ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου γνώμῃ, ὅπερ καὶ ποιεῖτε. τὸ γὰρ ἀξιονόμαστον ὑμῶν πρεσβυτέριον, τοῦ θεοῦ ἄξιον, οὕτως συνήρμοσται τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ, ὡς χορδαὶ κιθάρᾳ. διὰ τοῦτο ἐν τῇ ὁμονοίᾳ ὑμῶν καὶ συμφώνῳ ἀγάπῃ Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ᾅδεται.

### English translation (Claude)

Therefore it is fitting for you to run in harmony with the mind of the bishop, as indeed you do. For your council of presbyters, worthy of its name and worthy of God, is attuned to the bishop as strings to a lyre. Therefore in your concord and harmonious love Jesus Christ is sung.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 4.1 (PG 5:648b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/4/1/).

## To the Ephesians 4.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/4/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:176–178
- Also in: PG 5:648b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The whole church should be like a choir singing to the Father with one voice.

### Greek text

καὶ οἱ κατʼ ἄνδρα δὲ χορὸς γίνεσθε, ἵνα σύμφωνοι ὄντες ἐν ὁμονοίᾳ, χρῶμα θεοῦ λαβόντες ἐν ἑνότητι, ᾅδητε ἐν φωνῇ μιᾷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῷ πατρί, ἵνα ὑμῶν καὶ ἀκούσῃ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκῃ, διʼ ὧν εὖ πράσσετε, μέλη ὄντας τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ. χρήσιμον οὖν ἐστὶν ὑμᾶς ἐν ἀμώμῳ ἑνότητι εἶναι, ἵνα καὶ θεοῦ πάντοτε μετέχητε.

### English translation (Claude)

Each one of you, join the choir, so that, harmonious in concord and taking up God's key in unity, you may sing with one voice through Jesus Christ to the Father, so that he may both hear you and recognize, through your good deeds, that you are members of his Son. It is profitable, then, for you to be in blameless unity, so that you may always share in God.

### Scripture references

- Rom 15:6: echo, medium confidence
- 1 Cor 12:27: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “God's key” (χρῶμα θεοῦ): a musical term for the mode or pitch of a melody.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 4.2 (PG 5:648b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/4/2/).

## To the Ephesians 5.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/5/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:178
- Also in: PG 5:648b–649a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The church is joined to its bishop as the church to Christ and Christ to the Father.

### Greek text

Εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ ἐν μικρῷ χρόνῳ τοιαύτην συνήθειαν ἔσχον πρὸς τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ὑμῶν, οὐκ ἀνθρωπίνην οὖσαν, ἀλλὰ πνευματικήν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς μακαρίζω τοὺς ἐγκεκραμένους οὕτως, ὡς ἡ ἐκκλησία Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, καὶ ὡς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς τῷ πατρί, ἵνα πάντα ἐν ἑνότητι σύμφωνα ᾖ;

### English translation (Claude)

For if I in a short time came to have such fellowship with your bishop, not human but spiritual, how much more do I count you blessed who are joined with him as the church is with Jesus Christ and as Jesus Christ is with the Father, so that all things may be harmonious in unity?

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 5.1 (PG 5:648b–649a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/5/1/).

## To the Ephesians 5.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/5/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:178
- Also in: PG 5:649a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Whoever stays away from the church's gathering lacks the bread of God.

### Greek text

μηδεὶς πλανάσθω· ἐὰν μή τις ᾖ ἐντὸς τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου, ὑστερεῖται τοῦ ἄρτου τοῦ θεοῦ. εἰ γὰρ ἑνὸς καὶ δευτέρου προσευχὴ τοσαύτην ἰσχὺν ἔχει, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ἥ τε τοῦ ἐπισκόπου καὶ πάσης τῆς ἐκκλησίας;

### English translation (Claude)

Let no one be deceived: if anyone is not within the sanctuary, he lacks the bread of God. For if the prayer of one or two has such power, how much more that of the bishop and the whole church?

### Scripture references

- John 6:33: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 18:19: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Sanctuary” (θυσιαστηρίου): literally “place of sacrifice, altar”; here the gathered church around its bishop.
- “The bread of God” (John 6:33) probably refers to the Eucharist.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 5.2 (PG 5:649a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/5/2/).

## To the Ephesians 5.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/5/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:178
- Also in: PG 5:649a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Those who avoid the assembly are proud; to be subject to God, do not oppose the bishop.

### Greek text

ὁ οὖν μὴ ἐρχόμενος ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ οὗτος ἤδη ὑπερηφανεῖ καὶ ἑαυτὸν διέκρινεν. γέγραπται γάρ· Ὑπερηφάνοις ὁ θεὸς ἀντιτάσσεται, σπουδάσωμεν οὖν μὴ ἀντιτάσσεσθαι τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ, ἵνα ὦμεν θεῷ ὑποτασσόμενοι.

### English translation (Claude)

So whoever does not come to the assembly is already proud and has separated himself. For it is written, “God opposes the proud.” Let us be eager, then, not to oppose the bishop, so that we may be subject to God.

### Scripture references

- Prov 3:34: quotation, high confidence
- Jas 4:6: quotation, medium confidence
- 1 Pet 5:5: quotation, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “The assembly” (ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό): literally “to the same place,” the church's gathering.
- “Has separated himself” (ἑαυτὸν διέκρινεν): or “has passed judgment on himself.”
- The quotation is Prov 3:34 in the Greek form also quoted in Jas 4:6 and 1 Pet 5:5.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 5.3 (PG 5:649a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/5/3/).

## To the Ephesians 6.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/6/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:178–180
- Also in: PG 5:649a–649b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The bishop is to be received as the Lord who sent him.

### Greek text

Καὶ ὅσον βλέπει τις σιγῶντα ἐπίσκοπον, πλειόνως αὐτὸν φοβείσθω· πάντα γάρ, ὃν πέμπει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης εἰς ἰδίαν οἰκονομίαν, οὕτως δεῖ ἡμᾶς αὐτὸν δέχεσθαι, ὡς αὐτὸν τὸν πέμψαντα, τὸν οὖν ἐπίσκοπον δῆλον ὅτι ὡς αὐτὸν κύριον δεῖ προσβλέπειν.

### English translation (Claude)

And the more anyone sees the bishop keeping silent, the more he should fear him. For everyone whom the master of the house sends to manage his own household we must receive as we would the one who sent him. It is clear, then, that we must regard the bishop as the Lord himself.

### Scripture references

- Matt 10:40: allusion, medium confidence
- John 13:20: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 24:45: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Keeping silent”: perhaps the bishop Onesimus was a quiet man; silence has a positive value for Ignatius (15.1–2; 19.1).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 6.1 (PG 5:649a–649b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/6/1/).

## To the Ephesians 6.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/6/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:180
- Also in: PG 5:649b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Ephesian church is orderly and free from heresy.

### Greek text

αὐτὸς μὲν οὖν Ὀνήσιμος ὑπερεπαινεῖ ὑμῶν τὴν ἐν θεῷ εὐταξίαν, ὅτι πάντες κατὰ ἀλήθειαν ζῆτε καὶ ὅτι ἐν ὑμῖν οὐδεμία αἵρεσις κατοικεῖ· ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ ἀκούετέ τινος πλέον, ἢ περὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ λαλοῦντος ἐν ἀληθείᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

Indeed Onesimus himself highly praises your good order in God: that you all live according to the truth and that no heresy dwells among you; rather, you do not even listen to anyone unless he speaks truthfully about Jesus Christ.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 6.2 (PG 5:649b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/6/2/).

## To the Ephesians 7.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/7/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:180
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Beware of false teachers who bear Christ's name but act unworthily.

### Greek text

Εἰώθασιν γάρ τινες δόλῳ πονηρῷ τὸ ὄνομα περιφέρειν, ἄλλα τινὰ πράσσοντες ἀνάξια θεοῦ· οὓς δεῖ ὑμᾶς ὡς θηρία ἐκκλίνειν· εἰσὶν γὰρ κύνες λυσσῶντες, λαθροδῆκται· οὓς δεῖ ὑμᾶς φυλάσσεσθαι ὄντας δυσθεραπεύτους.

### English translation (Claude)

For some are accustomed to carry the Name about with wicked deceit, while doing other things unworthy of God. You must shun them as wild beasts, for they are mad dogs that bite by stealth. You must be on your guard against them, for they are hard to cure.

### Scripture references

- Phil 3:2: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/7/1/).

## To the Ephesians 7.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/7/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:180
- Also in: PG 5:649b–652a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ is the one physician, both human and divine.

### Greek text

εἷς ἰατρός ἐστιν, σαρκικός τε καὶ πνευματικός, γεννητὸς καὶ ἀγέννητος, ἐν ἀνθρώπῳ θεός, ἐν θανάτῳ ζωὴ ἀληθινή, καὶ ἐκ Μαρίας καὶ ἐκ θεοῦ, πρῶτον παθητὸς καὶ τότε ἀπαθής. Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

There is one physician, both fleshly and spiritual, born and unborn, God in man, true life in death, both from Mary and from God, first subject to suffering and then beyond suffering: Jesus Christ our Lord.

### Translation notes

- “Born and unborn” (γεννητὸς καὶ ἀγέννητος): born as man, unbegotten as God. Some manuscripts spell the words γενητὸς καὶ ἀγένητος (“come into being and not come into being”), a difference that later became important in the Arian controversy.
- “God in man” (ἐν ἀνθρώπῳ θεός): other witnesses, including Athanasius's quotation, read “God come in the flesh.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 7.2 (PG 5:649b–652a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/7/2/).

## To the Ephesians 8.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/8/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:180–182
- Also in: PG 5:652a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Ephesians live as God's people, free of strife; Ignatius gives himself for them.

### Greek text

Μὴ οὖν τις ὑμᾶς ἐξαπατάτω, ὥσπερ οὐδὲ ἐξαπατᾶσθε, ὅλοι ὄντες θεοῦ. ὅταν γὰρ μηδεμία ἔρις ἐνήρεισται ἐν ὑμῖν ἡ δυναμένη ὑμᾶς βασανίσαι ἄρα κατὰ θεὸν ζῆτε. περίψημα ὑμῶν καὶ ἁγνίζομαι ὑμῶν Ἐφεσίων, ἐκκλησίας τῆς διαβοήτου τοῖς αἰῶσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

Let no one deceive you, then, as indeed you are not deceived, since you belong wholly to God. For when no strife that could torment you has taken root among you, then you are living according to God. I am your humble servant, and I offer myself for you Ephesians, a church famous throughout the ages.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 4:13: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Humble servant” (περίψημα): literally “scrapings, offscouring” (1 Cor 4:13), a conventional expression of self-giving devotion.
- “I offer myself for you” (ἁγνίζομαι ὑμῶν): literally “I am purified for you,” as an offering on another's behalf.
- Older translations take these words differently (the Ante-Nicene Fathers, 1885: “I am far inferior to you, and require to be sanctified by your Church”); the rendering here follows the sense the same words have in 18.1 and in 1 Cor 4:13.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 8.1 (PG 5:652a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/8/1/).

## To the Ephesians 8.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/8/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:182
- Also in: PG 5:652a–652b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Because they act in Christ, even the Ephesians' bodily actions are spiritual.

### Greek text

οἱ σαρκικοὶ τὰ πνευματικὰ πράσσειν οὐ δύνανται, οὐδὲ οἱ πνευματικοὶ τὰ σαρκικά, ὥσπερ οὐδὲ ἡ πίστις τὰ τῆς ἀπιστίας οὐδὲ ἡ ἀπιστία τὰ τῆς πίστεως. ἃ δὲ καὶ κατὰ σάρκα πράσσετε, ταῦτα πνευματικά ἐστιν· ἐν Ἰησοῦ γὰρ Χριστῷ πάντα πράσσετε.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who are fleshly cannot do the things of the spirit, nor can those who are spiritual do the things of the flesh, just as faith cannot do the things of unbelief, nor unbelief the things of faith. But even what you do according to the flesh is spiritual, for you do all things in Jesus Christ.

### Scripture references

- Rom 8:5: allusion, medium confidence
- Rom 8:8: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 8.2 (PG 5:652a–652b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/8/2/).

## To the Ephesians 9.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/9/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:182
- Also in: PG 5:652b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Ephesians refused false teaching; they are stones raised into God's temple by the cross.

### Greek text

Ἔγνων δὲ παροδεύσαντάς τινας ἐκεῖθεν, ἔχοντας κακὴν διδαχήν· οὓς οὐκ εἰάσατε σπεῖραι εἰς ὑμᾶς, βύσαντες τὰ ὦτα, εἰς τὸ μὴ παραδέξασθαι τὰ σπειρόμενα ὑπʼ αὐτῶν, ὡς ὄντες λίθοι ναοῦ πατρός, ἡτοιμασμένοι εἰς οἰκοδομὴν θεοῦ πατρός, ἀναφερόμενοι εἰς τὰ ὕψη διὰ τῆς μηχανῆς Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὅς ἐστιν σταυρός, σχοινίῳ χρώμενοι τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἁγίῳ· ἡ δὲ πίστις ὑμῶν ἀναγωγεὺς ὑμῶν, ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη ὁδὸς ἡ ἀναφέρουσα εἰς θεόν.

### English translation (Claude)

But I have learned that certain people passed through from there with evil teaching, whom you did not allow to sow it among you. You stopped your ears so as not to receive what they were sowing, since you are stones of the Father's temple, prepared for the building of God the Father, hoisted up to the heights by the crane of Jesus Christ, which is the cross, using as a rope the Holy Spirit. Your faith is what lifts you up, and love is the road that leads up to God.

### Scripture references

- Eph 2:20: echo, medium confidence
- 1 Pet 2:5: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “From there”: the place is not named; perhaps Syria.
- “What lifts you up” (ἀναγωγεύς): a hoist or windlass, continuing the image of building machinery.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 9.1 (PG 5:652b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/9/1/).

## To the Ephesians 9.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/9/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:182–184
- Also in: PG 5:652b–653a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The Ephesians are like a festal procession carrying God and Christ within them.

### Greek text

ἐστὲ οὖν καὶ σύνοδοι πάντες, θεοφόροι καὶ ναοφόροι, χριστοφόροι, ἁγιοφόροι, κατὰ πάντα κεκοσμημένοι ἐντολαῖς Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· οἷς καὶ ἀγαλλιώμενος ἠξιώθην διʼ ὧν γράφω προσομιλῆσαι ὑμῖν καὶ συγχαρῆναι, ὅτι κατʼ ἀνθρώπων βίον οὐδὲν ἀγαπᾶτε εἰ μὴ μόνον τὸν θεόν.

### English translation (Claude)

So you are all fellow travelers, God-bearers and temple-bearers, Christ-bearers, bearers of holy things, adorned in every way with the commandments of Jesus Christ. In this I rejoice, since I have been counted worthy to talk with you through what I write and to share your joy, because in your human life you love nothing but God alone.

### Translation notes

- “Fellow travelers” (σύνοδοι) and the “-bearers” recall a religious procession carrying sacred images and objects.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 9.2 (PG 5:652b–653a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/9/2/).

## To the Ephesians 10.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/10/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:184
- Also in: PG 5:653a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Pray for unbelievers and teach them by your conduct.

### Greek text

Καὶ ὑπὲρ τῶν ἄλλων δὲ ἀνθρώπων ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε, ἔστιν γὰρ ἐν αὐτοῖς ἐλπὶς μετανοίας, ἵνα θεοῦ τύχωσιν. ἐπιτρέψατε οὖν αὐτοῖς κἂν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων ὑμῖν μαθητευθῆναι.

### English translation (Claude)

And pray unceasingly for the rest of humanity as well, for there is hope of repentance in them, that they may attain to God. So let them learn from you, at least from your works.

### Scripture references

- 1 Thess 5:17: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Tim 2:1: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 10.1 (PG 5:653a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/10/1/).

## To the Ephesians 10.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/10/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:184
- Also in: PG 5:653a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Answer hostility with gentleness, humility, and prayer.

### Greek text

πρὸς τὰς ὀργὰς αὐτῶν ὑμεῖς πραεῖς, πρὸς τὰς μεγαλορημοσύνας αὐτῶν ὑμεῖς ταπεινόφρονες, πρὸς τὰς βλασφημίας αὐτῶν ὑμεῖς τὰς προσευχάς, πρὸς τὴν πλάνην αὐτῶν ὑμεῖς ἑδραῖοι τῇ πίστει, πρὸς τὸ ἄγριον αὐτῶν ὑμεῖς ἥμεροι, μὴ σπουδάζοντες ἀντιμιμήσασθαι αὐτούς,

### English translation (Claude)

Answer their anger with gentleness, their boasting with humility, their slanders with prayers, their error with steadfastness in the faith, their savagery with gentleness of manners, not eager to retaliate against them.

### Scripture references

- Col 1:23: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 5:44: echo, medium confidence
- Rom 12:14: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 10.2 (PG 5:653a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/10/2/).

## To the Ephesians 10.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/10/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:184
- Also in: PG 5:653a–653b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Imitate the Lord, who suffered wrong more than anyone, and remain pure.

### Greek text

ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν εὑρεθῶμεν τῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ· μιμηταὶ δὲ τοῦ κυρίου σπουδάζωμεν εἶναι, τίς πλέον ἀδικηθῇ, τίς ἀποστερηθῇ, τίς ἀθετηθῇ· ἵνα μὴ τοῦ διαβόλου βοτάνη τις εὑρεθῇ ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀλλʼ ἐν πάσῃ ἁγνείᾳ καὶ σωφροσύνῃ μένητε ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ σαρκικῶς καὶ πνευματικῶς.

### English translation (Claude)

Let us be found their brothers by our forbearance, and let us be eager to be imitators of the Lord (who was more wronged, who more defrauded, who more rejected?), so that no weed of the devil may be found among you, but that in all purity and self-control you may remain in Jesus Christ, in flesh and in spirit.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 6:7: echo, medium confidence
- Matt 13:25: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Who was more wronged … ?”: or “(vying to see) who can be more wronged,” that is, competing in bearing injury.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 10.3 (PG 5:653a–653b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/10/3/).

## To the Ephesians 11.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/11/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:184–186
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: In the last times, respond to God's patience by fear of judgment or love of grace.

### Greek text

Ἔσχατοι καιροί. λοιπὸν αἰσχυνθῶμεν, φοβηθῶμεν τὴν μακροθυμίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα μὴ ἡμῖν εἰς κρίμα γένηται. ἢ γὰρ τὴν μέλλουσαν ὀργὴν φοβηθῶμεν, ἢ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν χάριν ἀγαπήσωμεν, ἓν τῶν δύο· μόνον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εὑρεθῆναι εἰς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ζῆν.

### English translation (Claude)

These are the last times. From now on let us be reverent and fear the patience of God, so that it may not become a judgment against us. For let us either fear the wrath to come or love the grace that is present, one of the two; only let us be found in Christ Jesus unto true life.

### Scripture references

- 1 John 2:18: allusion, medium confidence
- Rom 2:4: echo, medium confidence
- Matt 3:7: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Be reverent” (αἰσχυνθῶμεν): literally “be ashamed.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/11/1/).

## To the Ephesians 11.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/11/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:186
- Also in: PG 5:653b–653c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius wears his chains as spiritual pearls and hopes to share the Ephesians' lot.

### Greek text

χωρὶς τούτου μηδὲν ὑμῖν πρεπέτω, ἐν ᾧ τὰ δεσμὰ περιφέρω, τοὺς πνευματικοὺς μαργαρίτας, ἐν οἷς γένοιτό μοι ἀναστῆναι τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν, ἧς γένοιτό μοι ἀεὶ μέτοχον εἶναι, ἵνα ἐν κλήρῳ Ἐφεσίων εὑρεθῶ τῶν Χριστιανῶν, οἳ καὶ τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πάντοτε συνῄνεσαν ἐν δυνάμει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

Apart from him let nothing seem fitting to you. In him I carry my chains, my spiritual pearls, in which may I rise again through your prayer, in which may I always share, so that I may be found in the company of the Christians of Ephesus, who have always been in agreement with the apostles by the power of Jesus Christ.

### Translation notes

- “Rise again” (ἀναστῆναι): the resurrection; Ignatius hopes to rise still wearing his chains as a badge of honor.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 11.2 (PG 5:653b–653c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/11/2/).

## To the Ephesians 12.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/12/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:186
- Also in: PG 5:656a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius contrasts his danger with the Ephesians' security.

### Greek text

Οἶδα, τίς εἰμι καὶ τίσιν γράφω. ἐγὼ κατάκριτος, ὑμεῖς ἠλεημένοι· ἐγὼ ὑπὸ κίνδυνον, ὑμεῖς ἐστηριγμένοι·

### English translation (Claude)

I know who I am and to whom I am writing. I am a condemned man, you have received mercy; I am in danger, you are secure.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 12.1 (PG 5:656a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/12/1/).

## To the Ephesians 12.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/12/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:186
- Also in: PG 5:656a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Martyrs pass through Ephesus on their way to death, as Paul did.

### Greek text

πάροδός ἐστε τῶν εἰς θεὸν ἀναιρουμένων, Παύλου συμμύσται τοῦ ἡγιασμένου, τοῦ μεμαρτυρημένου, ἀξιομακαρίστου, οὗ γένοιτό μοι ὑπὸ τὰ ἴχνη εὑρεθῆναι, ὅταν θεοῦ ἐπιτύχω, ὃς ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ μνημονεύει ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

You are the highway for those who are being killed for God's sake; fellow initiates with Paul, who was sanctified, who was martyred, worthy of all blessing, in whose footsteps may I be found when I attain to God, who in every letter remembers you in Christ Jesus.

### Scripture references

- Acts 20:17: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Highway” (πάροδος): martyrs from the East passed through Ephesus on the way to Rome, as Paul had (Acts 20).
- “Who was martyred” (τοῦ μεμαρτυρημένου): or “who was well attested.”
- “In every letter”: an overstatement; or perhaps “in all his letter,” meaning Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 12.2 (PG 5:656a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/12/2/).

## To the Ephesians 13.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/13/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:186
- Also in: PG 5:656a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Frequent gatherings for the Eucharist defeat the powers of Satan.

### Greek text

Σπουδάζετε οὖν πυκνότερον συνέρχεσθαι εἰς εὐχαριστίαν θεοῦ καὶ εἰς δόξαν. ὅταν γὰρ πυκνῶς ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ γίνεσθε, καθαιροῦνται αἱ δυνάμεις τοῦ Σατανᾶ, καὶ λύεται ὁ ὄλεθρος αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὁμονοίᾳ ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως.

### English translation (Claude)

Be eager, then, to come together more often for the Eucharist of God and for his glory. For when you meet together frequently, the powers of Satan are overthrown, and his destructiveness is undone by the concord of your faith.

### Translation notes

- “The Eucharist of God” (εὐχαριστίαν θεοῦ): or “thanksgiving to God”; the context of the church's regular gathering favors the rite (see the glossary).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 13.1 (PG 5:656a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/13/1/).

## To the Ephesians 13.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/13/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:186–188
- Also in: PG 5:656a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Peace ends every war, in heaven and on earth.

### Greek text

οὐδέν ἐστιν ἄμεινον εἰρήνης, ἐν ᾗ πᾶς πόλεμος καταργεῖται ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων.

### English translation (Claude)

There is nothing better than peace, by which all warfare of those in heaven and on earth is abolished.

### Scripture references

- Col 1:20: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 13.2 (PG 5:656a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/13/2/).

## To the Ephesians 14.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/14/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:188
- Also in: PG 5:656b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Faith is the beginning of life and love its goal; together they are of God.

### Greek text

Ὦν οὐδὲν λανθάνει ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν τελείως εἰς Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἔχητε τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἀρχὴ ζωῆς καὶ τέλος· ἀρχὴ μὲν πίστις, τέλος δὲ ἀγάπη. τὰ δὲ δύο ἐν ἑνότητι γενόμενα θεός ἐστιν, τὰ δὲ ἄλλα πάντα εἰς καλοκἀγαθίαν ἀκόλουθά ἐστιν.

### English translation (Claude)

None of these things escapes you if you have perfect faith and love toward Jesus Christ, which are the beginning and the end of life: faith is the beginning and love is the end. And the two, when they are joined in unity, are God; and all the other things that belong to noble goodness follow from them.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 1:5: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Are God”: a bold phrase; the union of faith and love is God's own life in the believer (some translate “are of God”).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 14.1 (PG 5:656b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/14/1/).

## To the Ephesians 14.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/14/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:188
- Also in: PG 5:656b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christians are known by their deeds, not their words.

### Greek text

οὐδεὶς πίστιν ἐπαγγελλόμενος ἁμαρτάνει, οὐδὲ ἀγάπην κεκτημένος μισεῖ. φανερὸν τὸ δένδρον ἀπὸ τοῦ καρποῦ αὐτοῦ. οὕτως οἱ ἐπαγγελλόμενοι Χριστοῦ εἶναι διʼ ὧν πράσσουσιν ὀφθήσονται. οὐ γὰρ νῦν ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἔργον, ἀλλʼ ἐν δυνάμει πίστεως ἐάν τις εὑρεθῇ εἰς τέλος.

### English translation (Claude)

No one who professes faith sins, nor does anyone who possesses love hate. “The tree is known by its fruit.” So those who profess to be Christ's will be seen by what they do. For the work is not a matter of profession now, but of whether one is found in the power of faith to the end.

### Scripture references

- Matt 12:33: quotation, medium confidence
- 1 John 3:6: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 14.2 (PG 5:656b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/14/2/).

## To the Ephesians 15.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/15/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:188
- Also in: PG 5:657a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Better to be a Christian in silence than to talk without being one; Christ the one Teacher spoke and acted.

### Greek text

Ἄμεινόν ἐστιν σιωπᾶν καὶ εἶναι, ἢ λαλοῦντα μὴ εἶναι. καλὸν τὸ διδάσκειν, ἐὰν ὁ λέγων ποιῇ. εἷς οὖν διδάσκαλος, ὃς εἶπεν, καὶ ἐγένετο· καὶ ἃ σιγῶν δὲ πεποίηκεν ἄξια τοῦ πατρός ἐστιν.

### English translation (Claude)

It is better to be silent and to be than to speak and not to be. It is good to teach, if the one who speaks also does. There is, then, one Teacher, who spoke and it came to be; and even the things he has done in silence are worthy of the Father.

### Scripture references

- Ps 33:9 (32:9 LXX): allusion, high confidence
- Matt 23:8: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 15.1 (PG 5:657a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/15/1/).

## To the Ephesians 15.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/15/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:188
- Also in: PG 5:657a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: One who truly has Christ's word can hear even his silence.

### Greek text

ὁ λόγον Ἰησοῦ κεκτημένος ἀληθῶς δύναται καὶ τῆς ἡσυχίας αὐτοῦ ἀκούειν, ἵνα τέλειος ᾖ, ἵνα διʼ ὧν λαλεῖ πράσσῃ καὶ διʼ ὧν σιγᾷ γινώσκηται.

### English translation (Claude)

Whoever truly possesses the word of Jesus is able to hear even his silence, so that he may be perfect, so that he may act through what he says and be known through what he does not say.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 15.2 (PG 5:657a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/15/2/).

## To the Ephesians 15.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/15/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:188–190
- Also in: PG 5:657a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Live as temples in which God dwells.

### Greek text

οὐδὲν λανθάνει τὸν κύριον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ κρυπτὰ ἡμῶν ἐγγὺς αὐτῷ ἐστιν. πάντα οὖν ποιῶμεν ὡς αὐτοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν κατοικοῦντος, ἵνα ὦμεν αὐτοῦ ναοὶ καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν θεὸς ἡμῶν· ὅπερ καὶ ἔστιν καὶ φανήσεται πρὸ προσώπου ἡμῶν, ἐξ ὧν δικαίως ἀγαπῶμεν αὐτόν.

### English translation (Claude)

Nothing is hidden from the Lord; even our secrets are near him. So let us do all things as though he were dwelling in us, so that we may be his temples and he may be our God within us, as indeed he is, and as he will be made manifest before our face; for which reason we rightly love him.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 3:16: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Cor 6:16: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 15.3 (PG 5:657a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/15/3/).

## To the Ephesians 16.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/16/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:190
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Those who destroy households will not inherit God's kingdom.

### Greek text

Μὴ πλανᾶσθε, ἀδελφοί μου· οἱ οἰκοφθόροι βασιλείαν θεοῦ οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

Do not be deceived, my brothers: those who corrupt households will not inherit the kingdom of God.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 6:9: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 6:10: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- “Those who corrupt households” (οἱ οἰκοφθόροι): usually adulterers, who ruin families; here perhaps also those who ruin God's house by false teaching (16.2).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/16/1/).

## To the Ephesians 16.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/16/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:190
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Corrupting the faith by false teaching is even worse than bodily sin.

### Greek text

εἰ οὖν οἱ κατὰ σάρκα ταῦτα πράσσοντες ἀπέθανον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον, ἐὰν πίστιν θεοῦ ἐν κακῇ διδασκαλίᾳ φθείρῃ, ὑπὲρ ἧς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐσταυρώθη; ὁ τοιοῦτος ῥυπαρὸς γενόμενος, εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ ἄσβεστον χωρήσει, ὁμοίως καὶ ὁ ἀκούων αὐτοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

If, then, those who did these things according to the flesh died, how much more will this be so if anyone by evil teaching corrupts the faith of God, for which Jesus Christ was crucified? Such a person, having become filthy, will go into the unquenchable fire, and so will anyone who listens to him.

### Scripture references

- Mark 9:43: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/16/2/).

## To the Ephesians 17.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/17/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:190
- Also in: PG 5:657b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ's anointing brings incorruption; avoid the stench of the devil's teaching.

### Greek text

Διὰ τοῦτο μύρον ἔλαβεν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ ὁ κύριος, ἵνα πνέῃ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀφθαρσίαν, μὴ ἀλείφεσθε δυσωδίαν τῆς διδασκαλίας τοῦ ἄρχοντος τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου, μὴ αἰχμαλωτίσῃ ὑμᾶς ἐκ τοῦ προκειμένου ζῆν.

### English translation (Claude)

For this reason the Lord received ointment on his head, so that he might breathe incorruption on the church. Do not be anointed with the foul odor of the teaching of the ruler of this age, lest he take you captive away from the life that lies before you.

### Scripture references

- Matt 26:7: allusion, high confidence
- John 12:31: echo, medium confidence
- 2 Cor 2:14: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 17.1 (PG 5:657b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/17/1/).

## To the Ephesians 17.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/17/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:190
- Also in: PG 5:657b–657c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Jesus Christ is the knowledge of God; why perish by ignoring him?

### Greek text

διὰ τί δὲ οὐ πάντες φρόνιμοι γινόμεθα λαβόντες θεοῦ γνῶσιν, ὅ ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός; τί μωρῶς ἀπολλύμεθα, ἀγνοοῦντες τὸ χάρισμα, ὃ πέπομφεν ἀληθῶς ὁ κύριος;

### English translation (Claude)

Why do we not all become wise, having received the knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ? Why do we perish in folly, not recognizing the gift that the Lord has truly sent?

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 17.2 (PG 5:657b–657c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/17/2/).

## To the Ephesians 18.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/18/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:190
- Also in: PG 5:660a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius gives himself for the cross, which is salvation to believers.

### Greek text

Περίψημα τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα τοῦ σταυροῦ, ὅ ἐστιν σκάνδαλον τοῖς ἀπιστοῦσιν, ἡμῖν δὲ σωτηρία καὶ ζωὴ αἰώνιος, ποῦ σοφός; ποῦ συζητητής; ποῦ καύχησις τῶν λεγομένων συνετῶν;

### English translation (Claude)

My spirit is a humble offering for the cross, which is a stumbling block to unbelievers, but to us salvation and eternal life. Where is the wise man? Where is the debater? Where is the boasting of those who are called intelligent?

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 1:18: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 1:20: quotation, high confidence
- 1 Cor 1:23: echo, medium confidence
- Gal 5:11: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “A humble offering” (περίψημα): see the note on 8.1.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 18.1 (PG 5:660a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/18/1/).

## To the Ephesians 18.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/18/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:190–192
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ was conceived by Mary, born, and baptized to sanctify the water of baptism.

### Greek text

ὁ γὰρ θεὸς ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς ὁ Χριστὸς ἐκυοφορήθη ὑπὸ Μαρίας κατʼ οἰκονομίαν θεοῦ ἐκ σπέρματος μὲν Δαυείδ, πνεύματος δὲ ἁγίου· ὃς ἐγεννήθη καὶ ἐβαπτίσθη, ἵνα τῷ πάθει τὸ ὕδωρ καθαρίσῃ.

### English translation (Claude)

For our God, Jesus the Christ, was conceived by Mary according to God's plan, of the seed of David and of the Holy Spirit; he was born and was baptized, so that by his suffering he might cleanse the water.

### Scripture references

- Rom 1:3: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Tim 2:8: echo, medium confidence
- Matt 1:18: echo, medium confidence
- Matt 3:13: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “God's plan” (οἰκονομίαν): God's ordered arrangement of salvation.
- “Cleanse the water”: to make the water of baptism holy.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/18/2/).

## To the Ephesians 19.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/19/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:192
- Also in: PG 5:660a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ's virgin birth and death were hidden from the devil.

### Greek text

Καὶ ἔλαθεν τὸν ἄρχοντα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἡ παρθενία Μαρίας καὶ ὁ τοκετὸς αὐτῆς, ὁμοίως καὶ ὁ θάνατος τοῦ κυρίου· τρία μυστήρια κραυγῆς, ἅτινα ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ θεοῦ ἐπράχθη.

### English translation (Claude)

And the ruler of this age was unaware of Mary's virginity and her giving birth, and likewise of the Lord's death: three mysteries to be loudly proclaimed, which were accomplished in the silence of God.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 2:8: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Mysteries to be loudly proclaimed” (μυστήρια κραυγῆς): literally “mysteries of a shout.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 19.1 (PG 5:660a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/19/1/).

## To the Ephesians 19.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/19/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:192
- Also in: PG 5:660a–660b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: A brilliant star announced Christ's coming to the universe.

### Greek text

πῶς οὖν ἐφανερώθη τοῖς αἰῶσιν; ἀστὴρ ἐν οὐρανῷ ἔλαμψεν ὑπὲρ πάντας τοὺς ἀστέρας, καὶ τὸ φῶς αὐτοῦ ἀνεκλάλητον ἦν καὶ ξενισμὸν παρεῖχεν ἡ καινότης αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ πάντα ἄστρα ἅμα ἡλίῳ καὶ σελήνῃ χορὸς ἐγένετο τῷ ἀστέρι, αὐτὸς δὲ ἦν ὑπερβάλλων τὸ φῶς αὐτοῦ ὑπὲρ πάντα· ταραχή τε ἦν, πόθεν ἡ καινότης ἡ ἀνόμοιος αὐτοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

How, then, were they revealed to the ages? A star shone in heaven brighter than all the stars; its light was indescribable and its newness caused amazement. All the other stars, together with the sun and moon, formed a chorus around the star, yet it outshone them all with its light. And there was bewilderment over where this new thing, so unlike them, came from.

### Scripture references

- Matt 2:2: allusion, medium confidence
- Gen 37:9: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 19.2 (PG 5:660a–660b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/19/2/).

## To the Ephesians 19.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/19/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:192–194
- Also in: PG 5:660b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christ's coming broke the power of magic and evil and began the defeat of death.

### Greek text

ὅθεν ἐλύετο πᾶσα μαγεία καὶ πᾶς δεσμὸς ἠφανίζετο κακίας· ἄγνοια καθῃρεῖτο, παλαιὰ βασιλεία διεφθείρετο θεοῦ ἀνθρωπίνως φανερουμένου εἰς καινότητα ἀϊδίου ζωῆς· ἀρχὴν δὲ ἐλάμβανεν τὸ παρὰ θεῷ ἀπηρτισμένον. ἔνθεν τὰ πάντα συνεκινεῖτο διὰ τὸ μελετᾶσθαι θανάτου κατάλυσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

From then on all magic was dissolved and every bond of wickedness vanished; ignorance was abolished, and the ancient kingdom was destroyed, when God appeared in human form to bring the newness of eternal life; and what had been prepared by God began to take effect. Hence all things were thrown into commotion, because the abolition of death was being prepared.

### Scripture references

- Rom 6:4: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Tim 1:10: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 19.3 (PG 5:660b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/19/3/).

## To the Ephesians 20.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/20/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:194
- Also in: PG 5:661a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius hopes to write a second letter explaining more about Christ.

### Greek text

Ἐάν με καταξιώσῃ Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν καὶ θέλημα ᾖ, ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ βιβλιδίῳ, ὃ μέλλω γράφειν ὑμῖν, προσδηλώσω ὑμῖν, ἦς ἠρξάμην οἰκονομίας εἰς τὸν καινὸν ἄνθρωπον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ πίστει καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πάθει αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀναστάσει·

### English translation (Claude)

If Jesus Christ counts me worthy through your prayer, and if it is his will, in the second little book that I intend to write to you I will explain further the plan I have begun to set out concerning the new man Jesus Christ: his faith and his love, his suffering and resurrection.

### Scripture references

- Eph 2:15: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- No second letter to the Ephesians survives.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 20.1 (PG 5:661a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/20/1/).

## To the Ephesians 20.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/20/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:194
- Also in: PG 5:661a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: In the one Eucharistic bread, the “medicine of immortality,” the united church shares Christ's life.

### Greek text

μάλιστα ἐὰν ὁ κύριός μοι ἀποκαλύψῃ, ὅτι οἱ κατʼ ἄνδρα κοινῇ πάντες ἐν χάριτι ἐξ ὀνόματος συνέρχεσθε ἐν μιᾷ πίστει καὶ ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, τῷ κατὰ σάρκα ἐκ γένους Δαυείδ, τῷ υἱῷ ἀνθρώπου καὶ υἱῷ θεοῦ, εἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ὑμᾶς τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ ἀπερισπάστῳ διανοίᾳ, ἕνα ἄρτον κλῶντες, ὅς ἐστιν φάρμακον ἀθανασίας, ἀντίδοτος τοῦ μὴ ἀποθανεῖν, ἀλλὰ ζῆν ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ διὰ παντός.

### English translation (Claude)

Especially if the Lord reveals to me that you are all, each one of you by name, coming together in common in grace, in one faith and in Jesus Christ, who according to the flesh is of David's line, the Son of Man and Son of God, so that you obey the bishop and the council of presbyters with undivided mind, breaking one bread, which is the medicine of immortality, the antidote against dying, so that we may live in Jesus Christ forever.

### Scripture references

- Rom 1:3: allusion, medium confidence
- John 6:51: echo, medium confidence
- 1 Cor 10:17: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Medicine of immortality” (φάρμακον ἀθανασίας): among the most quoted early descriptions of the Eucharist.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 20.2 (PG 5:661a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/20/2/).

## To the Ephesians 21.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/21/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:194
- Also in: PG 5:661b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius writes from Smyrna and asks to be remembered.

### Greek text

Ἀντίψυχον ὑμῶν ἐγὼ καὶ ὧν ἐπέμψατε εἰς θεοῦ τιμὴν εἰς Σμύρναν, ὅθεν καὶ γράφω ὑμῖν, εὐχαριστῶν τῷ κυρίῳ, ἀγαπῶν Πολύκαρπον ὡς καὶ ὑμᾶς· μνημονεύετέ μου, ὡς καὶ ὑμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.

### English translation (Claude)

I am a ransom for you and for those whom you sent to Smyrna for the honor of God, from where I am also writing to you, giving thanks to the Lord and loving Polycarp as I love you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ also remembers you.

### Translation notes

- “A ransom” (ἀντίψυχον): see Ign. Pol. 2.3.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 21.1 (PG 5:661b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/21/1/).

## To the Ephesians 21.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/21/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:194–196
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius asks prayer for the church in Syria and says farewell.

### Greek text

προσεύχεσθε ὑπὲρ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Συρίᾳ, ὅθεν δεδεμένος εἰς Ῥώμην ἀπάγομαι, ἔσχατος ὢν τῶν ἐκεῖ πιστῶν, ὥσπερ ἠξιώθην εἰς τιμὴν θεοῦ εὑρεθῆναι. ἔρρωσθε ἐν θεῷ πατρὶ καὶ ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, τῇ κοινῇ ἐλπίδι ἡμῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

Pray for the church in Syria, from where I am being led in chains to Rome, the least of the faithful there, as I have been counted worthy to be found for the honor of God. Farewell in God the Father and in Jesus Christ, our common hope.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 1:1: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Eph. 21.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/21/2/).