Since, according to your prayers, and the compassion which ye feel in Christ Jesus, it is reported to me that the church which is at Antioch in Syria possesses peace, it will become you, as a church of God, to elect a bishop to act as the ambassador of God [for you] to [the brethren] there, that it may be granted them to meet together, and to glorify the name of God. Blessed is he in Christ Jesus, who shall be deemed worthy of such a ministry; and if ye be zealous [in this matter], ye shall receive glory in Christ. And if ye are willing, it is not altogether beyond your power to do this, for the sake of[1223] God; as also the nearest churches have sent, in some cases bishops, and in others presbyters and deacons. CHAP. XI.—_Thanks and salutation._ SHORTER. Now, as to Philo the deacon, of Cilicia, a man of reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Rheus Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding[1224] his life,—these bear witness in your behalf; and I myself give thanks to God for you, that ye have received them, even as the Lord you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect.[1225] May the Lord Jesus Christ honour them, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and faith, and love, and concord! Fare ye well in Christ Jesus, our common hope. LONGER. Now, as to Philo the deacon, a man of Cilicia, of high reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Gaius and Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding[1226] his life,—these also bear testimony in your behalf. And I myself give thanks to God for you, because ye have received them: and the Lord will also receive you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ, “who wisheth not the death of the sinner, but his repentance.”[1227] The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus,[1228] who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans, to show their respect:[1229] whom the Lord Jesus Christ will requite, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and spirit, and faith, and love, and concord. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, in the Holy Ghost. Footnote 1139: Or, “inseparably.” Footnote 1140: Or, “inseparably.” Footnote 1141: Comp. Matt. vii. 25. Footnote 1142: The bishop previously referred to. Footnote 1143: Comp. Gal. i. 1. Footnote 1144: Literally, “all.” Footnote 1145: Comp. Gal. i. 1. Footnote 1146: Luke i. 6. Footnote 1147: Comp. 2 Tim. iii. 6. Footnote 1148: Jer. xxiii. 15. Footnote 1149: Comp. Matt. vii. 15. Footnote 1150: Comp. 2 Tim. iii. 6. Footnote 1151: _i.e._ heretical. Footnote 1152: 2 Tim. ii. 26.