Chapter I.—Reason of writing the epistle. Having been informed of your godly152 love, so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly, and determined to commune with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For as one who has been thought worthy of the most honourable of all names,153 in those bonds which I bear about, I commend the Churches, in which I pray for a union both of the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, the constant source of our life, and of faith and love, to which nothing is to be pre- ferred, but especially of Jesus and the Father, in whom, if we endure all the assaults of the prince of this world, and escape them, we shall enjoy God. Having been informed of your godly154 love, so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly, and determined to commune with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For as one who has been thought worthy of a divine and desirable name, in those bonds which I bear about, I com- mend the Churches, in which I pray for a union both of the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, “who is the Saviour of all men, but specially of them that believe;”155 by whose blood ye were redeemed; by whom ye have known God, or rather have been known by Him;156 in whom enduring, ye shall escape all the assaults of this world: for “He is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which ye are able.”157 152 Literally, “according to God.” 153 Literally, “of the most God-becoming name,” referring either to the appellation “Theophorus,” or to that of “martyr” or “confessor.” 154 Literally, “according to God.” 155 1 Tim. iv. 10. 156 Comp. Gal. iv. 9. 157 1 Cor. x. 13. Chapter I.—Reason of writing the epistle. 165 Chapter I.—Reason of writing the epistle.