Early Church Writings — historically valuable Christian documents, presented as noncanonical writings rather than Scripture.

Epistle to Polycarp

Ignatius

Chapter V.—The duties of husbands and wives

Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. 1091 Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. 1092 If any one can continue in a state of purity, 1093 to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh, 1094 let him so remain without boasting. If he begins to boast, he is undone; and if he reckon himself greater than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to God, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. 1095

Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. If any one can continue in a state of purity, 1096 to the honour of the flesh of the Lord, let him so remain without boasting. If he shall boast, he is undone; and if he seeks to be more prominent 1097 than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to the Lord, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. 1098

Notes

  1. Some insert me, and render, "rather do not even speak of them." ↩
  2. Eph. v. 25. ↩
  3. i.e., in celibacy. ↩
  4. Some render, "to the honour of the flesh of the Lord," as in the longer recension. ↩
  5. Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31. ↩
  6. i.e., in celibacy. ↩
  7. Literally, "if he be known beyond the bishop." ↩
  8. Comp. 1 Cor. x. 31. ↩

Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume I, edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson; revised by A. Cleveland Coxe. Public domain. Electronic text courtesy of CCEL.