# To the Magnesians

- Author: [Ignatius of Antioch](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/ignatius-of-antioch/)
- Latin title: *Ad Magnesios*
- 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-magnesians/
- Passages: 26

## To the Magnesians, inscription

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/0/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:196
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius greets the church at Magnesia.

### Greek text

Ἰγνάτιος, ὁ καὶ Θεοφόρος, τῇ εὐλογημένῃ ἐν χάριτι θεοῦ πατρὸς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾧ ἀσπάζομαι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τὴν οὖσαν ἐν Μαγνησίᾳ τῇ πρὸς Μαιάνδρῳ καὶ εὔχομαι ἐν θεῷ πατρὶ καὶ ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ πλεῖστα χαίρειν.

### English translation (Claude)

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church blessed in the grace of God the Father in Christ Jesus our Savior, in whom I greet the church that is in Magnesia on the Maeander, and I wish it abundant greetings in God the Father and in Jesus Christ.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## To the Magnesians 1.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/1/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:196
- Also in: PG 5:664b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius has heard of the Magnesians' well-ordered love and writes to them gladly.

### Greek text

Γνοὺς ὑμῶν τὸ πολυεύτακτον τῆς κατὰ θεὸν ἀγάπης, ἀγαλλιώμενος προειλόμην ἐν πίστει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ προσλαλῆσαι ὑμῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

Having learned of the great good order of your godly love, I rejoiced and chose to speak with you in the faith of Jesus Christ.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 1.1 (PG 5:664b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/1/1/).

## To the Magnesians 1.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/1/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:196–198
- Also in: PG 5:664b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius prays that the churches be united with Christ in body and spirit, in faith and love.

### Greek text

καταξιωθεὶς γὰρ ὀνόματος θεοπρεπεστάτου, ἐν οἷς περιφέρω δεσμοῖς ᾅδω τὰς ἐκκλησίας, ἐν αἷς ἕνωσιν εὔχομαι σαρκὸς καὶ πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τοῦ διὰ παντὸς ἡμῶν ζῆν, πίστεώς τε καὶ ἀγάπης, ἧς οὐδὲν προκέκριται, τὸ δὲ κυριώτερον Ἰησοῦ καὶ πατρός· ἐν ᾧ ὑπομένοντες τὴν πᾶσαν ἐπήρειαν τοῦ ἄρχοντος τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ διαφυγόντες θεοῦ τευξόμεθα.

### English translation (Claude)

For having been counted worthy of a most godly name, in the chains that I bear I sing the praises of the churches, and I pray that in them there may be union with the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, our constant life, a union of faith and love, to which nothing is preferred, and, what is more important, a union with Jesus and the Father. If in him we endure all the abuse of the ruler of this age and escape it, we shall attain to God.

### Translation notes

- “A most godly name”: probably the name of a prisoner for Christ.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 1.2 (PG 5:664b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/1/2/).

## To the Magnesians 2.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/2/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:198
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius has met the Magnesian delegates: bishop Damas, two presbyters, and the deacon Zotion.

### Greek text

Ἐπεὶ οὖν ἠξιώθην ἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς διὰ Δαμᾶ τοῦ ἀξιοθέου ὑμῶν ἐπισκόπου καὶ πρεσβυτέρων ἀξίων Βάσσου καὶ Ἀπολλωνίου καὶ τοῦ συνδούλου μου διακόνου Ζωτίωνος, οὗ ἐγὼ ὀναίμην, ὅτι ὑποτάσσεται τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ὡς χάριτι θεοῦ καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ ὡς νόμῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

Since, then, I have been counted worthy to see you through Damas, your bishop worthy of God, and your worthy presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and my fellow servant the deacon Zotion, of whom may I have joy, because he is subject to the bishop as to the grace of God and to the council of presbyters as to the law of Jesus Christ—

### Translation notes

- The sentence breaks off without a main clause in the Greek; the thought is resumed in 6.1.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/2/1/).

## To the Magnesians 3.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/3/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:198
- Also in: PG 5:664b–665a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The young bishop deserves full respect, since in obeying him the church obeys God.

### Greek text

Καὶ ὑμῖν δὲ πρέπει μὴ συγχρᾶσθαι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου, ἀλλὰ κατὰ δύναμιν θεοῦ πατρὸς πᾶσαν ἐντροπὴν αὐτῷ ἀπονέμειν, καθὼς ἔγνων καὶ τοὺς ἁγίους πρεσβυτέρους οὐ προσειληφότας τὴν φαινομένην νεωτερικὴν τάξιν, ἀλλʼ ὡς φρονίμους ἐν θεῷ συγχωροῦντας αὐτῷ, οὐκ αὐτῷ δέ, ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τῷ πάντων ἐπισκόπῳ.

### English translation (Claude)

It is fitting for you also not to take advantage of the bishop's youth, but to render him all respect according to the power of God the Father, just as I have learned that the holy presbyters too have not presumed upon his evidently youthful position, but as those wise in God defer to him; yet not to him, but to the Father of Jesus Christ, the bishop of all.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 3.1 (PG 5:664b–665a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/3/1/).

## To the Magnesians 3.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/3/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:198–200
- Also in: PG 5:665a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Deceiving the bishop means deceiving the unseen God.

### Greek text

εἰς τιμὴν οὖν ἐκείνου τοῦ θελήσαντος ἡμᾶς πρέπον ἐστὶν ἐπακούειν κατὰ μηδεμίαν ὑπόκρισιν· ἐπεὶ οὐχ ὅτι τὸν ἐπίσκοπον τοῦτον τὸν βλεπόμενον πλανᾷ τις, ἀλλὰ τὸν ἀόρατον παραλογίζεται. τὸ δὲ τοιοῦτον οὐ πρὸς σάρκα ὁ λόγος, ἀλλὰ πρὸς θεὸν τὸν τὰ κρύφια εἰδότα.

### English translation (Claude)

So for the honor of him who has desired us, it is fitting to obey without any hypocrisy. For it is not that one deceives this bishop who is seen; rather, one cheats the one who is unseen. In such a case one's account is not with flesh but with God, who knows hidden things.

### Translation notes

- “Who has desired us” (τοῦ θελήσαντος ἡμᾶς): who willed us into being, or who chose us.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 3.2 (PG 5:665a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/3/2/).

## To the Magnesians 4.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/4/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:200
- Also in: PG 5:665b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Those who acknowledge the bishop but act without him are Christians in name only.

### Greek text

Πρέπον οὖν ἐστιν μὴ μόνον καλεῖσθαι Χριστιανούς, ἀλλὰ καὶ εἶναι· ὥσπερ καί τινες ἐπίσκοπον μὲν καλοῦσιν, χωρὶς δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα πράσσουσιν. οἱ τοιοῦτοι δὲ οὐκ εὐσυνείδητοί μοι εἶναι φαίνονται διὰ τὸ μὴ βεβαίως κατʼ ἐντολὴν συναθροίζεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

It is fitting, then, not only to be called Christians but also to be Christians, just as some speak of “the bishop” but do everything without him. Such people do not seem to me to have a good conscience, since they do not meet validly according to the commandment.

### Translation notes

- “Validly” (βεβαίως): firmly, properly; that is, in gatherings recognized by the bishop.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 4.1 (PG 5:665b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/4/1/).

## To the Magnesians 5.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/5/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:200
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Life and death lie before everyone, and each goes to his own place.

### Greek text

Ἐπεὶ οὖν τέλος τὰ πράγματα ἔχει καὶ πρόκειται τὰ δύο ὁμοῦ, ὅ τε θάνατος καὶ ἡ ζωή, καὶ ἕκαστος εἰς τὸν ἴδιον τόπον μέλλει χωρεῖν·

### English translation (Claude)

Since, then, things are coming to an end, and the two lie before us together, death and life, and each is going to go to his own place;

### Scripture references

- Acts 1:25: allusion, medium confidence
- Deut 30:15: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/5/1/).

## To the Magnesians 5.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/5/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:200
- Also in: PG 5:665b–668a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Like coins, people bear the stamp of either the world or God; Christ's life is in those willing to share his death.

### Greek text

ὥσπερ γάρ ἐστιν νομίσματα δύο, ὃ μὲν θεοῦ, ὃ δὲ κόσμου, καὶ ἕκαστον αὐτῶν ἴδιον χαρακτῆρα ἐπικείμενον ἔχει, οἱ ἄπιστοι τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, οἱ δὲ πιστοὶ ἐν ἀγάπῃ χαρακτῆρα θεοῦ πατρὸς διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, διʼ οὗ ἐὰν μὴ αὐθαιρέτως ἔχωμεν τὸ ἀποθανεῖν εἰς τὸ αὐτοῦ πάθος, τὸ ζῆν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

for just as there are two coinages, one of God and one of the world, and each has its own stamp impressed on it, so the unbelievers bear the stamp of this world, and the believers in love bear the stamp of God the Father through Jesus Christ. Unless we willingly choose to die through him into his suffering, his life is not in us.

### Scripture references

- Rom 6:5: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 5.2 (PG 5:665b–668a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/5/2/).

## To the Magnesians 6.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/6/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:200–202
- Also in: PG 5:668a–668b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The bishop presides in God's place, the presbyters as the apostles' council, and the deacons serve Christ.

### Greek text

Ἐπεὶ οὖν ἐν τοῖς προγεγραμμένοις προσώποις τὸ πᾶν πλῆθος ἐθεώρησα ἐν πίστει καὶ ἠγάπησα, παραινῶ, ἐν ὁμονοίᾳ θεοῦ σπουδάζετε πάντα πράσσειν, προκαθημένου τοῦ ἐπισκόπου εἰς τόπον θεοῦ καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων εἰς τόπον συνεδρίου τῶν ἀποστόλων, καὶ τῶν διακόνων τῶν ἐμοὶ γλυκυτάτων πεπιστευμένων διακονίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς πρὸ αἰώνων παρὰ πατρὶ ἦν καὶ ἐν τέλει ἐφάνη.

### English translation (Claude)

Since, then, in the persons mentioned above I have seen your whole congregation in faith and have loved it, I urge you: be eager to do all things in godly concord, with the bishop presiding in the place of God and the presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles, and the deacons, most dear to me, entrusted with the service of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the ages and appeared at the end.

### Scripture references

- John 1:1: echo, medium confidence
- Heb 1:2: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “In the place of God” (εἰς τόπον θεοῦ): some manuscripts read “as a type (τύπον) of God.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 6.1 (PG 5:668a–668b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/6/1/).

## To the Magnesians 6.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/6/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:202
- Also in: PG 5:668b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Respect and love one another, united with the bishop and leaders.

### Greek text

πάντες οὖν ὁμοήθειαν θεοῦ λαβόντες ἐντρέπεσθε ἀλλήλους καὶ μηδεὶς κατὰ σάρκα βλεπέτω τὸν πλησίον, ἀλλʼ ἐν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ ἀλλήλους διὰ παντὸς ἀγαπᾶτε. μηδὲν ἔστω ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ δυνήσεται ὑμᾶς μερίσαι ἀλλʼ ἑνώθητε τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ τοῖς προκαθημένοις εἰς τύπον καὶ διδαχὴν ἀφθαρσίας.

### English translation (Claude)

All of you, then, taking on God's character, respect one another, and let no one regard his neighbor according to the flesh, but always love one another in Jesus Christ. Let there be nothing among you that can divide you, but be united with the bishop and with those who preside, as an example and a teaching of incorruptibility.

### Translation notes

- “God's character” (ὁμοήθειαν θεοῦ): see the note on Ign. Pol. 1.3.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 6.2 (PG 5:668b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/6/2/).

## To the Magnesians 7.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/7/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:202
- Also in: PG 5:668b–668c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: As Christ did nothing without the Father, the church should do nothing without its bishop and presbyters.

### Greek text

Ὥσπερ οὖν ὁ κύριος ἄνευ τοῦ πατρὸς οὐδὲν ἐποίησεν, ἡνωμένος ὤν, οὔτε διʼ ἑαυτοῦ οὔτε διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων· οὕτως μηδὲ ὑμεῖς ἄνευ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων μηδὲν πράσσετε· μηδὲ πειράσητε εὔλογόν τι φαίνεσθαι ἰδίᾳ ὑμῖν, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ μία προσευχή, μία δέησις, εἷς νοῦς, μία ἐλπὶς ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν τῇ χαρᾷ τῇ ἀμώμῳ, ὅ ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, οὗ ἄμεινον οὐδέν ἐστιν.

### English translation (Claude)

So, just as the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united with him, either by himself or through the apostles, so you must do nothing without the bishop and the presbyters. Do not try to make anything appear right to you on your own; but let there be, in common, one prayer, one petition, one mind, one hope, in love, in blameless joy, which is Jesus Christ, than whom nothing is better.

### Scripture references

- John 5:19: allusion, medium confidence
- John 8:28: echo, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 7.1 (PG 5:668b–668c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/7/1/).

## To the Magnesians 7.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/7/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:202–204
- Also in: PG 5:668c (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Gather as to one temple and one altar, to the one Christ who came from the one Father.

### Greek text

πάντες ὡς εἰς ἕνα ναὸν συντρέχετε θεοῦ, ὡς ἐπὶ ἓν θυσιαστήριον, ἐπὶ ἕνα Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, τὸν ἀφʼ ἑνὸς πατρὸς προελθόντα καὶ εἰς ἕνα ὄντα καὶ χωρήσαντα.

### English translation (Claude)

All of you, run together as to one temple of God, as to one altar, to one Jesus Christ, who came forth from the one Father, and is with the One, and has returned to him.

### Scripture references

- John 16:28: allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 7.2 (PG 5:668c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/7/2/).

## To the Magnesians 8.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/8/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:204
- Also in: PG 5:669a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Do not go back to Jewish practice, as if grace had not come.

### Greek text

Μὴ πλανᾶσθε ταῖς ἑτεροδοξίαις μηδὲ μυθεύμασιν τοῖς παλαιοῖς ἀνωφελέσιν οὖσιν. εἰ γὰρ μέχρι νῦν κατὰ Ἰουδαϊσμὸν ζῶμεν, ὁμολογοῦμεν χάριν μὴ εἰληφέναι.

### English translation (Claude)

Do not be led astray by other doctrines or by old fables, which are useless. For if we are still living according to Judaism, we confess that we have not received grace.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 1:4: echo, medium confidence
- Titus 1:14: echo, medium confidence
- Gal 5:4: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The warnings in 8–10 concern Christians who adopted Jewish practices such as keeping the Sabbath (9.1).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 8.1 (PG 5:669a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/8/1/).

## To the Magnesians 8.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/8/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:204
- Also in: PG 5:669a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The prophets already lived by Christ, God's Word who came forth from silence.

### Greek text

οἱ γὰρ θειότατοι προφῆται κατὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἔζησαν. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἐδιώχθησαν, ἐμπνεόμενοι ὑπὸ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ πληροφορηθῆναι τοὺς ἀπειθοῦντας, ὅτι εἶς θεός ἐστιν, ὁ φανερώσας ἑαυτὸν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, ὅς ἐστιν αὐτοῦ λόγος ἀπὸ σιγῆς προελθών, ὃς κατὰ πάντα εὐηρέστησεν τῷ πέμψαντι αὐτόν.

### English translation (Claude)

For the most godly prophets lived according to Christ Jesus. That is why they were persecuted, being inspired by his grace, so that the disobedient might be fully convinced that there is one God, who revealed himself through Jesus Christ his Son, who is his Word that came forth from silence, who in every way pleased the one who sent him.

### Scripture references

- John 8:29: echo, medium confidence
- John 1:1: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “His Word that came forth from silence” (αὐτοῦ λόγος ἀπὸ σιγῆς προελθών): some later manuscripts read “his eternal Word, not coming forth from silence,” probably altered to avoid the language of later Gnostic teachers. The Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (1885) follows that later reading.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 8.2 (PG 5:669a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/8/2/).

## To the Magnesians 9.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/9/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:204
- Also in: PG 5:669a–669b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Christians keep the Lord's day, when our life rose through Christ's death, rather than the Sabbath.

### Greek text

Εἰ οὖν οἱ ἐν παλαιοῖς πράγμασιν ἀναστραφέντες εἰς καινότητα ἐλπίδος ἦλθον, μηκέτι σαββατίζοντες, ἀλλὰ κατὰ κυριακὴν ζῶντες, ἐν ᾗ καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἡμῶν ἀνέτειλεν διʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ, ὅν τινες ἀρνοῦνται, διʼ οὗ μυστηρίου ἐλάβομεν τὸ πιστεύειν, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο ὑπομένομεν, ἵνα εὑρεθῶμεν μαθηταὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ μόνου διδασκάλου ἡμῶν·

### English translation (Claude)

If, then, those who lived in ancient ways came to a new hope, no longer keeping the Sabbath but living according to the Lord's day, on which our life also rose through him and his death (which some deny), the mystery through which we received faith, and because of which we endure, so that we may be found disciples of Jesus Christ, our only teacher,

### Scripture references

- Matt 23:8: echo, medium confidence
- Rev 1:10: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “The Lord's day” (κυριακήν): Sunday; among the earliest uses of the term. Some manuscripts add “life” (“the Lord's life”).
- “Which some deny”: the reality of Christ's death, denied by the docetists.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 9.1 (PG 5:669a–669b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/9/1/).

## To the Magnesians 9.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/9/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:204–206
- Also in: PG 5:669b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: The prophets awaited Christ as their teacher, and he raised them from the dead.

### Greek text

πῶς ἡμεῖς δυνησόμεθα ζῆσαι χωρὶς αὐτοῦ, οὗ καὶ οἱ προφῆται μαθηταὶ ὄντες τῷ πνεύματι ὡς διδάσκαλον αὐτὸν προσεδόκων; καὶ διὰ τοῦτο, ὃν δικαίως ἀνέμενον, παρὼν ἤγειρεν αὐτοὺς ἐκ νεκρῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

how shall we be able to live apart from him, whom even the prophets, being his disciples in the Spirit, awaited as their teacher? And for this reason he whom they rightly awaited, when he came, raised them from the dead.

### Scripture references

- Matt 27:52: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Pet 1:11: echo, low confidence
- 1 Pet 3:19: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 9.2 (PG 5:669b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/9/2/).

## To the Magnesians 10.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/10/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:206
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: As Christ's disciples, Christians must live by Christianity alone.

### Greek text

Μὴ οὖν ἀναισθητῶμεν τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ. ἐὰν γὰρ ἡμᾶς μιμήσηται καθὰ πράσσομεν, οὐκέτι ἐσμέν. διὰ τοῦτο, μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ γενόμενοι, μάθωμεν κατὰ Χριστιανισμὸν ζῆν. ὃς γὰρ ἄλλῳ ὀνόματι καλεῖται πλέον τούτου, οὐκ ἔστιν τοῦ θεοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

Let us not, then, be insensible to his kindness. For if he were to imitate us according to what we do, we would no longer exist. Therefore, having become his disciples, let us learn to live according to Christianity. For whoever is called by any other name than this is not of God.

### Translation notes

- “Imitate us” (ἡμᾶς μιμήσηται): that is, treat us as we act. Some older translations render it “reward us according to our works.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/10/1/).

## To the Magnesians 10.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/10/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:206
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Throw out the old leaven and be salted in Christ.

### Greek text

ὑπέρθεσθε οὖν τὴν κακὴν ζύμην, τὴν παλαιωθεῖσαν καὶ ἐνοξίσασαν, καὶ μεταβάλεσθε εἰς νέαν ζύμην, ὅ ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. ἁλίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ, ἵνα μὴ διαφθαρῇ τις ἐν ὑμῖν, ἐπεὶ ἀπὸ τῆς ὀσμῆς ἐλεγχθήσεσθε.

### English translation (Claude)

Put away, then, the bad leaven, which has grown old and sour, and change to the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be salted in him, so that none of you may go bad, since you will be tested by your smell.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 5:7: allusion, high confidence
- Mark 9:49: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/10/2/).

## To the Magnesians 10.3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/10/3/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:206–208
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: It is absurd to confess Christ and live as a Jew; Judaism has found its fulfillment in Christianity.

### Greek text

ἄτοπόν ἐστιν, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν λαλεῖν καὶ ἰουδαΐζειν. ὁ γὰρ Χριστιανισμὸς οὐκ εἰς Ἰουδαϊσμὸν ἐπίστευσεν, ἀλλʼ Ἰουδαϊσμὸς εἰς Χριστιανισμόν, ᾧ πᾶσα γλῶσσα πιστεύσασα εἰς θεὸν συνήχθη.

### English translation (Claude)

It is absurd to speak of Jesus Christ and to practice Judaism. For Christianity did not believe in Judaism, but Judaism in Christianity, into which every tongue that has believed in God has been gathered.

### Scripture references

- Isa 66:18: allusion, medium confidence
- Gal 2:14: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Practice Judaism” (ἰουδαΐζειν): to adopt Jewish customs (compare Gal 2:14).

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/10/3/).

## To the Magnesians 11.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/11/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:208
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Hold firmly to the real birth, death, and resurrection of Christ under Pontius Pilate.

### Greek text

Ταῦτα δέ, ἀγαπητοί μου, οὐκ ἐπεὶ ἔγνων τινὰς ἐξ ὑμῶν οὕτως ἔχοντας, ἀλλʼ ὡς μικρότερος ὑμῶν θέλω προφυλάσσεσθαι ὑμᾶς, μὴ ἐμπεσεῖν εἰς τὰ ἄγκιστρα τῆς κενοδοξίας, ἀλλὰ πεπληροφορῆσθαι ἐν τῇ γεννήσει καὶ τῷ πάθει καὶ τῇ ἀναστάσει τῇ γενομένῃ ἐν καιρῷ τῆς ἡγεμονίας Ποντίου Πιλάτου· πραχθέντα ἀληθῶς καὶ βεβαίως ὑπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν, ἧς ἐκτραπῆναι μηδενὶ ὑμῶν γένοιτο.

### English translation (Claude)

I write these things, my beloved, not because I have learned that any of you are like this, but, as one less than you, I want to warn you in advance not to fall into the hooks of vain opinion, but to be fully convinced of the birth and the suffering and the resurrection that took place in the time of the governorship of Pontius Pilate. These things were truly and certainly done by Jesus Christ, our hope, from which may none of you be turned aside.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 1:1: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

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

## To the Magnesians 12.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/12/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:208
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Ignatius praises the Magnesians' humility.

### Greek text

Ὀναίμην ὑμῶν κατὰ πάντα, ἐάνπερ ἄξιος ὦ. εἰ γὰρ καὶ δέδεμαι, πρὸς ἕνα τῶν λελυμένων ὑμῶν οὐκ εἰμί. οἶδα ὅτι οὐ φυσιοῦσθε· Ἰησοῦν γὰρ Χριστὸν ἔχετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς· καὶ μᾶλλον, ὅταν ἐπαινῶ ὑμᾶς, οἶδα, ὅτι ἐντρέπεσθε, ὡς γέγραπται, ὅτι ὁ δίκαιος ἑαυτοῦ κατήγορος.

### English translation (Claude)

May I have joy of you in every way, if indeed I am worthy. For even if I am in chains, I am not comparable to one of you who are free. I know that you are not puffed up, for you have Jesus Christ in yourselves; and more than that, when I praise you, I know that you feel ashamed, as it is written, “The righteous is his own accuser.”

### Scripture references

- Prov 18:17: quotation, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/12/1/).

## To the Magnesians 13.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/13/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:208
- Also in: PG 5:672c–673a (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Stand firm in the teaching of the Lord and the apostles, with the bishop, presbyters, and deacons.

### Greek text

Σπουδάζετε οὖν βεβαιωθῆναι ἐν τοῖς δόγμασιν τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων, ἵνα πάντα, ὅσα ποιεῖτε, κατευοδωθῆτε σαρκὶ καὶ πνεύματι, πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ, ἐν υἱῷ καὶ πατρὶ καὶ ἐν πνεύματι, ἐν ἀρχῇ καὶ ἐν τέλει, μετὰ τοῦ ἀξιοπρεπεστάτου ἐπισκόπου ὑμῶν καὶ ἀξιοπλόκου πνευματικοῦ στεφάνου τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου ὑμῶν καὶ τῶν κατὰ θεὸν διακόνων.

### English translation (Claude)

Be eager, then, to be established in the decrees of the Lord and of the apostles, so that “whatever you do may prosper,” in flesh and spirit, in faith and love, in the Son and the Father and in the Spirit, in the beginning and in the end, together with your most worthy bishop and the worthily woven spiritual crown of your council of presbyters and with the deacons who are according to God.

### Scripture references

- Ps 1:3: quotation, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 13.1 (PG 5:672c–673a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/13/1/).

## To the Magnesians 13.2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/13/2/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:208–210
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Submit to the bishop and to one another, as Christ did to the Father.

### Greek text

ὑποτάγητε τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ ἀλλήλοις, ὡς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς τῷ πατρὶ καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι τῷ Χριστῷ καὶ τῷ πατρὶ ἵνα ἕνωσις ᾖ σαρκική τε καὶ πνευματική.

### English translation (Claude)

Be subject to the bishop and to one another, as Jesus Christ was to the Father and the apostles were to Christ and to the Father, so that there may be a union both of flesh and of spirit.

### Translation notes

- Other editions add “according to the flesh” after “to the Father.”

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/13/2/).

## To the Magnesians 14.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/14/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:210
- Also in: PG 5:673a–673b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

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

### Greek text

Εἰδώς, ὅτι θεοῦ γέμετε, συντόμως παρεκέλευσα ὑμᾶς. μνημονεύετέ μου ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς ὑμῶν, ἵνα θεοῦ ἐπιτύχω, καὶ τῆς ἐν Συρίᾳ ἐκκλησίας, ὅθεν οὐκ ἄξιός εἰμι καλεῖσθαι· ἐπιδέομαι γὰρ τῆς ἡνωμένης ὑμῶν ἐν θεῷ προσευχῆς καὶ ἀγάπης, εἰς τὸ ἀξιωθῆναι τὴν ἐν Συρίᾳ ἐκκλησίαν διὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ὑμῶν δροσισθῆναι.

### English translation (Claude)

Knowing that you are full of God, I have exhorted you briefly. Remember me in your prayers, that I may attain to God, and remember the church in Syria, of which I am not worthy to be called a member. For I need your united prayer and love in God, so that the church in Syria may be counted worthy to be refreshed with dew by your church.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 14.1 (PG 5:673a–673b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/14/1/).

## To the Magnesians 15.1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/15/1/
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:210
- Also in: PG 5:673b (found by text match)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26

Summary: Greetings from the Ephesians and Polycarp; farewell.

### Greek text

Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς Ἐφέσιοι ἀπὸ Σμύρνης, ὅθεν καὶ γράφω ὑμῖν, παρόντες εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ, ὥσπερ καὶ ὑμεῖς οἳ κατὰ πάντα με ἀνέπαυσαν ἅμα Πολυκάρπῳ, ἐπισκόπῳ Σμυρναίων. καὶ αἱ λοιπαὶ δὲ ἐκκλησίαι ἐν τιμῇ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς. ἔρρωσθε ἐν ὁμονοίᾳ θεοῦ, κεκτημένοι ἀδιάκριτον πνεῦμα, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.

### English translation (Claude)

The Ephesians greet you from Smyrna, from where I am also writing to you. They are here for the glory of God, as you are too, and they have refreshed me in every way, together with Polycarp, bishop of the Smyrnaeans. The other churches also greet you in honor of Jesus Christ. Farewell in godly concord, possessing an unwavering spirit, which is Jesus Christ.

### Citation (SBL)

Ign. Magn. 15.1 (PG 5:673b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/15/1/).