Martyrdom of Polycarp Wherefore, brethren, we do not commend those who give themselves up [to suffering], seeing the Gospel does not teach so to do.[9] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book IV When, again, He says, "When they persecute you in this city, flee ye to the other,"[113] Tertullian To His Wife Book I to take advantage of the permission granted, and "flee from town to town,"[25] Tertullian De Fuga in Persecutione For so a certain individual, but a fugitive likewise has chosen to maintain, and others have done the same who are unwilling to understand the meaning of that declaration of the Lord, that they may use it as a cloak for their cowardice, although it has had its persons as well as its times and reasons to which it specially applies. "When they begin," He says, "to persecute you, flee from city to city,"[17] Neither were they to flee to any city as if by stealth, but as if everywhere about to proclaim their message; and for this, everywhere about to undergo persecutions, until they should fulfil their teaching. Accordingly the Saviour says, "Ye will not go over all the cities of Israel."[20] Origen Against Celsus Book I "If they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another; and if they persecute you in the other, flee again into a third,"[129] Peter of Alexandria Canonical Epistle but not, ye shall bring yourselves, for He would have us pass from place to place as long as there are those who persecute us for His name's sake; even as again we hear Him saying, "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another."[29] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book V Receive also those that are persecuted on account of the faith, and who "fly from city to city"[5] For in the world ye have tribulation: for they shall deliver you into the synagogues; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, and for a testimony to them."[8] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book VIII on account of the faith, and who fly from city to city,[201] The Second Epistle of Pope Callistus If, however, he is persecuted in his own church, he must flee to another, and attach himself to it, as the Lord says: "If they persecute you in one city, flee ye into another."[9] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book X For who would still hesitate about avoiding such things, when not only did Jesus retreat in view of what happened to John, but also taught and said, "If they persecute you in this city, flee ye into the other"?[167]