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How blessed and marvelous are the gifts of God, my dear ones!

Life in immortality, splendor in righteousness, truth in boldness, faith in confidence, temperance in sanctification! And all these things are within our grasp.

What then do you think is being prepared for those who patiently await Him? The Creator and Father of the ages, the All-Holy One Himself knows their number and their beauty.

Let us therefore strive to be found among those who patiently await Him, so that we may partake in His promised gifts.

But how can this be achieved, my dear ones? By fixing our minds on God through faith, by seeking out those things that are pleasing and acceptable to Him, by doing what is in accordance with His flawless will, and by following the path of truth. This requires casting off all unrighteousness and iniquity, covetousness, strife, malice, deceit, whispering, backbiting, hatred of God, pride, arrogance, vainglory, and inhospitality.

For those who do such things are hateful to God, not only those who commit them, but also those who approve of them.

As the scripture says, “But to the wicked God says, ‘What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers. You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.'”

Understand these things, my dear ones, you who forget God, lest He seize you like a lion, with none to rescue you.

The sacrifice of praise will glorify Me, and I will show the way to him who seeks the salvation of God.

This is the way, dear beloved, in which we have found our salvation: even in Jesus Christ, the High Priest of our offerings, the Guardian, and the Helper of our weakness. Through Him, let us steadfastly look to the heights of the heavens; through Him, we behold His faultless and excellent visage as if in a mirror; through Him, the eyes of our hearts were opened; through Him, our foolish and darkened mind springs up into the light. Through Him, the Master willed that we should taste the immortal knowledge. “He, being the brightness of His majesty, is so much greater than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name” (Hebrews 1:3-4).

For it is written, “He makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire”(Hebrews 1:7), but concerning His Son, the Master said, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the Gentiles for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession” (Hebrews 1:5, Psalm 2:7-8).

And again He said to Him, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” (Hebrews 1:13). So, who are these enemies? They are the wicked ones who resist His will.

Let us, therefore, enlist ourselves, brethren, with all earnestness in His faultless ordinances. Let us observe how precisely, readily, and submissively the soldiers under our rulers execute the orders given to them. Not all are prefects, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, or rulers of fifties, and so forth, but each man in his own rank executes the orders given by the king and governors. The great cannot exist without the small, and neither can the small exist without the great. There is a certain mixture in all things, and therein lies the utility. Let us take our body as an example: the head without the feet is nothing, and likewise, the feet without the head are nothing. Even the smallest limbs of our body are necessary and useful for the whole body, but all the members conspire and unite in subjection so that the whole body may be saved.

Therefore, in our case, let the whole body be saved in Christ Jesus, and let each person be subject to their neighbor, according to the grace given to them. Let the strong not neglect the weak, and let the weak respect the strong. Let the rich offer assistance to the poor, and let the poor give thanks to God for providing them with someone who can meet their needs. Let the wise display their wisdom through good deeds, not just words. Those who are humble should not boast about themselves, but let their neighbors speak on their behalf. And those who are pure in the flesh should remain so and not boast, knowing that it is God who enables them to exercise self-control.

Let us consider, brothers and sisters, what we are made of and what kind of beings we were when we came into the world. We were brought into this world by the One who created and molded us, from a sepulcher and from darkness, and He prepared His blessings for us even before we were born.

Therefore, since we have received all these things from Him, we should give thanks to Him in all things. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Senseless, stupid, foolish, and ignorant people jeer and mock at us, desiring to exalt themselves in their own imaginations. But what power does a mortal have? Or what strength does a child of earth possess? As it is written: “There was no form before my eyes; only I heard a breath and a voice.”

So what then? Can a mortal be clean in the sight of the Lord? Or can a man be blameless for his works? The truth is that God is distrustful of His servants and notes some perversity even among His angels.

No, heaven is not clean in His sight. So, you who dwell in houses of clay, from the very same clay we are made of, should be aware of this. He strikes them down like a moth, and from morning to evening they are no more, because they could not help themselves and they perished. He breathes on them, and they die, because they have no wisdom.

But call out, in case perhaps one would answer you, or if you see one of the holy angels. For anger kills the foolish man, and envy slays the one who has gone astray. I have seen the foolish taking root, but at once I cursed his dwelling place. His children are far from safety, and they are crushed at the gate, without a rescuer.

The things prepared for them will be eaten by the righteous, but they themselves will not be delivered from evils.

Therefore, since these things are already known and we have delved into the depths of divine knowledge, we must do everything in order, as the Master has commanded us to do at their appointed times. The offerings and services that He has commanded should be performed with care, not hastily or disorderly, but at specific times and seasons. Moreover, the Lord Himself has determined where and by whom they should be performed, according to His supreme will, so that everything is done with reverence and in accordance with His good pleasure.

Those who offer their sacrifices at the appointed times are acceptable and blessed because they follow the Lord’s instructions and cannot go wrong. The high priest has been assigned his proper duties, and the priests have been appointed to their proper office, while the Levites have been assigned their specific ministrations. Likewise, the layman is bound by the ordinances of the layman.

Brethren, let each of you give thanks to God in his own order, maintaining a good conscience and following the appointed rules of his service with all propriety.

It is not in every place, brethren, that continual daily sacrifices, freewill offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings are offered, but only in Jerusalem. Even there, the offering is not made in every place, but before the sanctuary in the court of the altar, by the high priest and the ministers after inspecting the victim for blemishes.

Those who act contrary to the proper ordinances of God’s will will receive death as a penalty. Brethren, as we have been given greater knowledge, we are exposed to greater danger.

The Apostles received the Gospel from the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf. Jesus Christ was sent from God. Therefore, Christ is from God, and the Apostles are from Christ. Both came into being through the will of God in the appointed order.

After receiving their charge and being fully assured through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and confirmed in the word of God with the full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth with the good news that the kingdom of God would come.

So, preaching everywhere in the countryside and towns, they appointed their first converts, after testing them with the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons for those who would believe. They did not introduce this practice in a new manner; for it had been written concerning bishops and deacons from very ancient times. Thus, the scripture says in a certain place, “I will appoint their bishops in righteousness and their deacons in faith.”

And what is remarkable, is it not? The fact that those who were entrusted with such a work in Christ by God appointed the aforementioned persons. This should not surprise us, considering that even faithful servant Moses, who was entrusted with all of God’s house, recorded in the sacred books all things that were commanded of him. The rest of the prophets also followed him, bearing witness to the laws that he established.

For when jealousy arose concerning the priesthood, and there was dissension among the tribes about which of them was adorned with the glorious name, Moses commanded the twelve chiefs of the tribes to bring to him rods inscribed with the name of each tribe. He took them, tied them, and sealed them with the signet rings of the chiefs of the tribes, and put them away in the tabernacle of the testimony on the table of God. After closing the tabernacle, he sealed the keys and the doors as well.

And he said to them, “Brothers, the tribe whose rod shall bud, this is the one that God has chosen to be priests and ministers to Him.” When morning came, he called together all Israel, even the six hundred thousand men, and showed the seals to the chiefs of the tribes, opened the tabernacle of the testimony, and drew forth the rods. The rod of Aaron was not only found with buds but also bearing fruit.

So what do you think, beloved? Did Moses not know beforehand that this would come to pass? Surely he knew. But he did this so that disorder would not arise in Israel and that the name of the true and only God might be glorified. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

And our apostles, through our Lord Jesus Christ, knew that there would be strife over the name of the bishop’s office. For this reason, having received complete foreknowledge, they appointed the aforementioned persons, and provided a succession plan so that if they were to fall asleep, other approved men could succeed them in their ministry. Therefore, those who were appointed by them or by other reputable men with the consent of the whole church, and have served the flock of Christ blamelessly with humility, peace, modesty, and a good reputation over a long period of time, should not be unjustly removed from their ministry.

For it will be a serious sin for us to remove those who have offered the gifts of the bishop’s office in a blameless and holy manner. Blessed are those presbyters who have gone before us, for their departure was fruitful and mature, and they have no fear of being removed from their appointed place.

However, we have seen that you have removed certain persons from their ministry, even though they have lived honorably and served blamelessly.

Dear brethren, let us be contentious and jealous for the things that pertain to salvation. You have searched the Scriptures, which are true and given through the Holy Spirit, and you know that nothing unrighteous or counterfeit is written in them. You will not find that righteous persons were thrust out by holy men.

Rather, righteous men were persecuted by the lawless, imprisoned by the unholy, stoned by transgressors, and slain by those who had conceived detestable and unrighteous jealousy. Yet, they endured nobly.

So, what must we say, brethren? Was Daniel cast into the lions’ den by those who feared God? Or were Ananias, Azarias, and Misael shut up in the furnace of fire by those who professed the excellent and glorious worship of the Most High? Far be this from our thoughts.

Those who did these things were abominable men, full of all wickedness, who were stirred up to such a pitch of wrath as to bring cruel suffering upon those who served God in a holy and blameless purpose, not knowing that the Most High is the champion and protector of those who, in a pure conscience, serve His excellent Name. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

But those who endured patiently in confidence inherited glory and honor, were exalted, and had their names recorded by God in their memorial forever and ever. Amen.

Therefore, brethren, let us follow such examples as these. For it is written, “Cleave unto the saints, for those who cleave unto them shall be sanctified.” And in another place, it is written, “With the guiltless man thou shalt be guiltless, and with the elect thou shalt be elect, and with the crooked thou shalt deal crookedly.” Let us, therefore, cleave to the guiltless and righteous, who are the elect of God.

Why are there strifes, wraths, factions, divisions, and wars among you? Do we not have one God, one Christ, and one Spirit of grace who was shed upon us? And is there not one calling in Christ? Why then do we tear apart the members of Christ, stirring up factions against our own body, and reaching such a pitch of folly as to forget that we are members one of another?

Let us remember the words of Jesus our Lord, for he said, “Woe unto that man; it were better for him if he had not been born, rather than that he should offend one of Mine elect. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea, than that he should pervert one of Mine elect.”

Your division has perverted many, brought many to despair, many to doubting, and all of us to sorrow. And your sedition still continues.

Take the epistle of the blessed Paul the Apostle. What did he write to you at the beginning of the Gospel? Truly, he testified to you in the Holy Spirit about himself, Cephas, and Apollos, because even then you were divided into factions. However, your division at that time was not as sinful, for you were followers of highly respected apostles and of a man approved by them. But now, consider who it is that has led you astray and weakened the glory of your esteemed brotherhood. It is shameful, dear friends, absolutely shameful and unworthy of your conduct in Christ, that it should be reported that the ancient and steadfast Church of the Corinthians, for the sake of one or two persons, is rebelling against its presbyters. This report has not only reached us, but also those who differ from us, so that you are even causing blasphemies against the Name of the Lord because of your foolishness, and are putting yourselves in danger.

Let us, therefore, quickly root out this behavior, and let us humble ourselves before the Master, imploring Him with tears to be gracious and reconciled to us, and to restore us to the proper and pure conduct that befits our love for our brethren.

For this is a gate of righteousness that leads to life, as it is written, “Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it.”

Since there are many gates opened, let us enter through the gate of righteousness in Christ, where all who enter and walk in holiness and righteousness are blessed and do all things without confusion.

Let a man be faithful and able to expound deep sayings, wise in discerning words, strenuous in deeds, and pure. For the more he appears to be great, the more he ought to be humble in mind and seek the common advantage of all, rather than his own.

Let those who have love in Christ fulfill the commandments of Christ. Who can declare the bond of God’s love? Who is sufficient to tell the majesty of its beauty? The height to which love exalts us is unspeakable. Love joins us to God; “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8); “love endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7) and is longsuffering in all things. There is nothing coarse or arrogant in love. Love has no divisions, makes no seditions, and does all things in concord. In love, all the elect of God were made perfect; without love, nothing is pleasing to God. The Master took us to Himself in love; for the love He had for us, Jesus Christ our Lord gave His blood for us by the will of God, and His flesh for our flesh and His life for our lives.

Dear beloved, behold the greatness and marvel of love, which is beyond our ability to fully comprehend its perfection. Only those whom God grants this gift can truly experience it. Therefore, let us ask for His mercy that we may stand blameless in love, and avoid the divisiveness of men. Throughout the generations from Adam until today, those who were perfected in love through God’s grace dwell in the abode of the pious, and they will be revealed in the visitation of the Kingdom of God.

As it is written, “Enter into the closet for a very little while until My anger and My wrath shall pass away, and I will remember a good day and will raise you from your tombs.” We would be blessed if we follow the commandments of God in harmony of love, so that our sins may be forgiven through love. As it is written, “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall impute no sin, neither is guile in his mouth” (Psalm 32:1-2, Romans 4:7-8).

This declaration of blessedness is pronounced upon those who have been elected by God through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Let us seek forgiveness for all the transgressions we have committed through the deceitful tactics of the adversary. Even those who have become leaders of factions and divisions should strive for unity and common hope. Those who walk in fear and love are willing to suffer themselves rather than see harm come to their neighbors. They are quick to confess their own wrongdoings, rather than condemn the harmony that has been passed down to us in righteousness.

It is better to confess one’s sins than to harden one’s heart, as those did who rebelled against Moses, the servant of God. They were condemned, and went down to the depths of Hades while still alive. Death became their shepherd.

Pharaoh, his army, chariots, and horsemen were swallowed up by the Red Sea. Their foolish hearts were hardened even after witnessing the signs and wonders performed by the hand of Moses, the servant of God in the land of Egypt.

The Master, brothers and sisters, has no need for anything. He does not desire anything from anyone except confession to Him. As the elect David said, “I will confess to the Lord, and it will please Him more than a young bull with horns and hooves. Let the poor see it and rejoice”(Psalm 69:30-32).

And again, “Offer to God a sacrifice of praise, and fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”(Psalm 50:14-15).

“For a sacrifice (pleasing) to God is a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17).

For you know, dearly beloved, the sacred scriptures well and have searched into the oracles of God. Therefore, we write these things to remind you.

When Moses went up into the mountain and had spent forty days and forty nights in fasting and humiliation, God said to him, “Moses, Moses, quickly come down from there, for the people whom you have led forth from the land of Egypt have committed iniquity. They have quickly turned away from the way that you commanded them and have made molten images for themselves.”

And the Lord said to him, “I have spoken to you once and twice, saying, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, they are stiff-necked. Let Me destroy them utterly, and I will blot out their name from under heaven, and I will make of you a nation that is great, wonderful, and more numerous than they are.’” (Exodus 32:7-10).

But Moses said, “No, Lord, please do not do this. Forgive this people their sin, or blot me out of the book of the living as well” (Exodus 32:32).

Oh, mighty love! Oh, unsurpassable perfection! The servant is bold with his Master; he asks for forgiveness for the multitude, or he demands that he also be blotted out with them.

Who among you is noble? Who is compassionate? Who is filled with love? Let them say, “If there is faction, strife, and division because of me, I will retreat and depart wherever you wish, and I will do what is ordered by the people, only let the flock of Christ be at peace with its duly appointed presbyters.”

Those who do this will win great renown in Christ, and every place will welcome them because the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord.

This is how those who live as citizens of the kingdom of God act and will continue to act, with no regrets.

But to bring forth examples of Gentiles as well, many kings and rulers, when a season of pestilence pressed upon them, were taught by oracles and delivered themselves over to death, so that they might rescue their fellow citizens through their own blood. Many have retired from their own cities to avoid seditions.

We know that many among ourselves have delivered themselves into bondage to ransom others. Many have sold themselves into slavery, and having received the price paid for themselves, have fed others.

Many women, strengthened through the grace of God, have performed many courageous deeds. The blessed Judith, when the city was besieged, asked the elders that she might be allowed to go forth into the camp of the aliens. So she exposed herself to peril and went forth for love of her country and her people, who were besieged; and the Lord delivered Holophernes into the hand of a woman.

Esther, who was perfect in faith, also exposed herself to no less peril, so that she might deliver the twelve tribes of Israel when they were about to perish. Through her fasting and humiliation, she entreated the all-seeing Master, the God of the ages; and He, seeing the humility of her soul, delivered the people for whose sake she encountered peril.

Therefore, let us also intercede for those who are in any transgression, that they may be granted forbearance and humility, so that they may yield not to us, but to the will of God. For in doing so, the compassionate remembrance of them with God and the saints will bear fruit and perfect them.

Beloved, let us accept chastisement, for which no one should be vexed. The admonition that we give to one another is good and exceedingly useful, for it brings us closer to the will of God.

As the holy word says, The Lord has indeed chastened me and has not delivered me over to death. “For whom the Lord loves, He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrew 12:6). For the righteous, it is said, “shall chasten me in mercy and reprove me, but let not the mercy of sinners anoint my head” (Psalm 141:5, Septuagint).

And again He says, “Blessed is the man whom the Lord has reproved, and do not refuse the admonition of the Almighty. For He causes pain, but He restores again; He has struck, but His hands have healed. He shall rescue you from afflictions six times, and on the seventh, no evil shall touch you. In famine, He shall deliver you from death, and in war, He shall set you free from the sword’s grip. He shall shield you from the scourge of the tongue, and you shall not be afraid when evils approach. You shall laugh at the unrighteous and wicked, and you shall not fear wild beasts, for they shall be at peace with you.

Then you shall know that your house shall be at peace, and the dwelling of your tabernacle shall remain intact. You shall know that your descendants are many, and your children shall be as plentiful as the lush vegetation of the field. And you shall come to the grave like ripe corn reaped in due season or like the harvest gathered together at the right time from the threshing floor” (Job 5:17-26).

Beloved, you see how great protection there is for those who are chastened by the Master, for He is a kind father who chastens us so that we may obtain mercy through His holy chastisement.

Those of you who laid the foundation of the sedition, submit yourselves to the presbyters and receive chastisement for repentance, bending the knees of your heart. Learn to submit yourselves, laying aside the arrogant and stubborn pride of your tongue. For it is better to be found little in the flock of Christ and to have your name on God’s roll, than to be highly honored and yet be cast out from the hope of Him.

For thus says the All-Virtuous Wisdom: “Behold, I will pour out a saying of My breath for you, and I will teach you My word. Because I called and you did not obey, and I held out words and you did not heed, but made My counsel of none effect, and were disobedient to My reproofs; therefore, I will also laugh at your destruction, and I will rejoice over you when ruin comes upon you, and when confusion overtakes you suddenly, and your overthrow is at hand like a whirlwind, or when you call upon Me, yet I will not hear you. Evil men shall seek Me and not find Me: for they hated wisdom, and chose not the fear of the Lord, neither would they give heed to My counsel, but mocked My reproofs.

Therefore, they shall eat the fruits of their own way, and shall be filled with their own ungodliness. For because they wronged babes, they shall be slain, and inquiry shall destroy the ungodly. But he who hears Me shall dwell safely, trusting in hope, and shall be quiet from all fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:23-33).

Let us therefore be obedient to His most holy and glorious Name, thereby escaping the threats which were spoken of old by the mouth of Wisdom against those who disobey, so that we may dwell safely, trusting in the most holy Name of His majesty.

Receive our counsel, and you shall have no reason for regret. For as God lives, and the Lord Jesus Christ lives, and the Holy Spirit, who are the faith and the hope of the elect, so surely shall he who, with lowliness of mind and gentleness, has performed the ordinances and commandments given by God without regret, be enrolled and have a name among the number of those who are saved through Jesus Christ, through whom is the glory unto Him forever and ever. Amen.

If some people disobey the words we speak on behalf of God, they will entangle themselves in serious sin and danger. We will not be responsible for their wrongdoing. We pray with urgency that the Creator of the universe will protect until the end the number of His chosen people throughout the world, whom He called from darkness to light and ignorance to the full knowledge of His Name through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have been sanctified, honored, and instructed.

Lord, we ask that we may place our hope in Your Name, the source of all creation. Open the eyes of our hearts so we may know You, the Highest and Holy One who humbles the proud and lifts up the lowly, who makes rich and poor, kills and gives life, and is the Benefactor of spirits and the God of all flesh. You examine the depths of the earth and observe the works of man. You are the Succor of those in danger, the Savior of those in despair, and the Creator and Overseer of every spirit. You have multiplied nations on earth and chosen those who love You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord and Master, we ask for Your help and mercy. Save those among us who are suffering, have mercy on the humble, lift up the fallen, show Yourself to the needy, heal the ungodly, and bring back those who have wandered away. Feed the hungry, release our prisoners, strengthen the weak, and comfort the discouraged. Let all the nations know that You alone are God, Jesus Christ is Your Son, and we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture.

You, through Your works, have made manifest the eternal structure of the world. You, Lord, created the earth. You are faithful throughout all generations, righteous in Your judgments, and marvelous in strength and excellence. You are wise in creating and prudent in establishing what You have made. You are good in the things which are seen and faithful with those who trust in You, pitiful and compassionate. Please forgive us our iniquities, unrighteousnesses,transgressions, and shortcomings. Do not hold every sin of Your servants and handmaids against us, but cleanse us with the truth and guide our steps to walk in holiness, righteousness, singleness of heart, and to do good and well-pleasing things in Your sight and in the sight of our rulers.

Lord, shine Your face upon us in peace for our good, shelter us with Your mighty hand, and deliver us from every sin by Your uplifted arm. Please deliver us from those who hate us wrongfully. Grant concord and peace to us and all who dwell on the earth, as You gave to our fathers when they called on You in faith and truth with holiness. Help us to be saved as we render obedience to Your almighty and excellent Name and to our rulers and governors on the earth.

O Lord and Master, You have granted the power of sovereignty to them through Your excellent and unspeakable might, so that we may submit ourselves to them, knowing the glory and honor You have given them, and not resist Your will. Therefore, we ask You to grant health, peace, concord, and stability to our rulers, so that they may administer the government You have given them without fail.

For You, O heavenly Master, King of the ages, give glory, honor, and power to the sons of men over all things upon the earth. We pray that You, Lord, direct their counsel according to what is good and pleasing in Your sight, so that they may administer with peace, gentleness, and godliness the power You have given them, and obtain Your favor.

O Lord, You alone are able to do these things and more, far exceeding good for us. We praise You through Jesus Christ, the High Priest and Guardian of our souls. To You be the glory and majesty now and for all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Regarding matters that are appropriate for our religion and are most beneficial for leading a virtuous life, we have written to you extensively, my brothers. We have discussed faith, repentance, genuine love, temperance, sobriety, and patience, addressing each point and reminding you that you should please Almighty God with righteousness, truth, and long-suffering with holiness. You should abandon malice and strive for love and peace, pursuing harmony with gentleness, just as our fathers, whom we mentioned before, pleased God by being humble toward their Father, God, Creator, and all people.

We have reminded you of these things with great pleasure because we knew that we were writing to faithful and highly regarded individuals who have diligently studied the teachings of God.

Therefore, it is right for us to take heed of so many great examples and submit ourselves in obedience to those who lead our souls, so that we may cease from this foolish dissension and strive towards the goal of truthfulness, avoiding every fault.

You will bring us great joy and gladness if you obey the things written by us through the Holy Spirit and uproot the unrighteous anger of jealousy, according to our plea for peace and harmony in this letter.

Furthermore, we have sent faithful and wise men who have lived blamelessly among us from youth to old age, and they will serve as witnesses between you and us.

We have done this so that you may know that we have had and still have every concern for your speedy reconciliation.

Finally, may the all-seeing God, the master of spirits and the Lord of all flesh, who chose the Lord Jesus Christ and us through Him to be a special people, grant to every soul that is called by His excellent and holy name faith, fear, peace, patience, longsuffering, temperance, chastity, and sobriety, so that they may be pleasing to Him through our high priest and guardian, Jesus Christ. Through Him, to God be glory and majesty, might and honor, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Now, please send back to us our messengers, Claudius Ephebus, Valerius Bito, and Fortunatus, in peace and with joy so that they may quickly report to us about the peace and concord which we have prayed for and earnestly desired. This will enable us to rejoice more quickly over your good order.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and with all men in all places who have been called by God and through Him. Through Him be glory, honor, power, greatness, and eternal dominion, from ages past and forevermore. Amen.