96 Chapter VII.—Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch. Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God,628 if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ].629 It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn630 council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;631 and to bestow on him this honour that he may go into Syria, and glorify your ever active love to the praise of Christ. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for632 the service of God. Now, this work is both God’s and yours, when ye shall have completed it to His glory.633 For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing, therefore, your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle. Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God,634 if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn635 council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;636 and to bestow on him the honour of going into Syria, so that, going into Syria, he may glorify your ever active love to the praise of God. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for637 the service of God. Now, this work is both God’s and yours, when ye shall have completed it. For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle. 628 Literally, “in freedom from care of God.” 629 Some read, “in the resurrection.” 630 Literally, “most befitting God.” 631 Literally, “God-runner.” 632 Literally, “at leisure for.” 633 Literally, “to Him.” 634 Literally, “in freedom from care of God.” 635 Literally, “most befitting God.” 636 Literally, “God-runner.” 637 Literally, “at leisure for.” Chapter VII.—Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch. 247 Chapter VII.—Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch.