Translation Hide
Epistles of Ignatius

Chapter V.--The duties of husbands and wives.

Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. ¹ Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. ² If any one can continue in a state of purity, ³ to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh, ⁴ let him so remain without boasting. If he begins to boast, he is undone; and if he reckon himself greater than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to God, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. ⁵

Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church. If any one can continue in a state of purity, ⁶ to the honour of the flesh of the Lord, let him so remain without boasting. If he shall boast, he is undone; and if he seeks to be more prominent ⁷ than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to the Lord, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God. ⁸

Translation Hide
Die sieben Briefe des Ignatius von Antiochien (BKV)

5. Kap. Pflichten der Eheleute.

1. Die schlechten Mittel fliehe; handle vielmehr darüber in deinen Reden. Meinen Schwestern sage, sie sollen ihren Herrn lieben und zufrieden sein mit ihren Männern nach Fleisch und Geist. Ähnlicherweise rede meinen Brüdern zu im Namen Jesu Christi, sie sollen ihre Frauen lieben wie der Herr die Kirche¹. 2. Wenn jemand in Keuschheit zu leben vermag zur Ehre des Fleisches unseres Herrn, so bleibe er so ohne Selbstüberhebung. Wenn er sich rühmt, ist er verloren, und wenn er sich für mehr hält als den Bischof, so ist er dem Verderben verfallen. Es gehört sich, dass Bräutigam und Braut mit Gutheißen des Bischofs die Verbindung eingehen, damit die Ehe sei im Sinne Gottes und nicht nach sinnlicher Begierde. Alles geschehe zu Gottes Ehre.