Jesus Christ, who is our true life, has authority over this. For if these things were accomplished by our Lord in appearance only, I also am a prisoner in appearance only, and why also have I allowed myself to be given over to death, to fire, to the sword, to beasts? Instead nearer to the sword is nearer to God; in the midst of beasts is in the midst of God. I endure all things in the name of Jesus Christ alone so that I may suffer with him; the perfect human himself strengthening me.
Ignatius, to the Smyrnaeans. 4.2, in The Apostolic Fathers in English, Rick Brannen editor. 2011.
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