I salute you from Smyrna, together with. the churches of God which are with me, whose rulers have refreshed me in every respect, both in the flesh and in the spirit. My bonds, which I carry about with me for the sake of Jesus Christ (praying that I may attain to God), exhort you. Continue in harmony among yourselves, and in supplication; for it becomes every one of you, and especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honour of the Father, and to the honour of Jesus Christ and of the apostles. I entreat you in love to hear me, that I may not, by having thus written, be a testimony against you. And do ye also pray for me, who have need of your love, along with the mercy of God, that I may be thought worthy to attain the lot for which I am now designed, and that I may not be found reprobate. CHAP. XIII.—_Conclusion._ SHORTER. The love of the Smyrnæans and Ephesians salutes you. Remember in your prayers the church which is in Syria, from which also I am not worthy to receive my appellation, being the last[1073] of them. Fare ye well in Jesus Christ, while ye continue subject to the bishop, as to the command [of God], and in like manner to the presbytery. And do ye, every man, love one another with an undivided heart. Let my spirit be sanctified[1074] by yours, not only now, but also when I shall attain to God. For I am as yet exposed to danger. But the Father is faithful in Jesus Christ to fulfil both mine and your petitions: in whom may ye be found unblameable. LONGER. The love of the Smyrnæans and Ephesians salutes you. Remember our church which is in Syria, from which I am not worthy to receive my appellation, being the last[1075] of those of that place. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, while ye continue subject to the bishop, and in like manner to the presbyters and to the deacons. And do ye, every man, love one another with an undivided heart. My spirit salutes you,[1076] not only now, but also when I shall have attained to God; for I am as yet exposed to danger. But the Father of Jesus Christ is faithful to fulfil both mine and your petitions: in whom may we be found without spot. May I have joy of you in the Lord. Footnote 986: Some render, “in the resurrection which is by Him.” Footnote 987: Either, “the whole members of the church,” or, “in the fulness of blessing.” Footnote 988: Either, “as an apostle,” or, “in the apostolic form.” Footnote 989: Either, “the whole members of the church,” or, “in the fulness of blessing.” Footnote 990: Either, “as an apostle,” or, “in the apostolic form.” Footnote 991: Literally, “not according to use, but according to nature.” Footnote 992: Literally, “not for use, but for a possession.” Footnote 993: It is doubtful whether this exhortation is addressed to the deacons or people; whether the former are urged in all respects to please the latter, or the latter in all points to be pleased with the former.