Chap. ii.—His own condition.
But I, O thou blessed woman, not being now so much my own master as in the power of others, am driven along by the varying wills of many adversaries,[1] being in one sense in exile, in another in prison, and in a third in bonds. But I pay no regard to these things. Yea, by the injuries inflicted on me through them, I acquire all the more the character of a disciple, that I may attain to Jesus Christ. May I enjoy the torments which are prepared for me, seeing that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us."[2]
Chap. iii.—He had complied with her request.
I have gladly acted as requested in thy letter,[3] having no doubt respecting those persons whom thou didst prove to be men of worth. For I am sure that thou barest testimony to them in the exercise of a godly judgment,[4] and not through the influence of carnal favour. And thy numerous quotations of Scripture passages exceedingly delighted me, which, when I had read, I had no longer a single doubtful thought respecting the matter. For I did not hold that those things were simply to be glanced over by my eyes, of which I had received from thee such an incontrovertible demonstration. May I be in place of thy soul, because thou lovest Jesus, the Son of the living God. Wherefore also He Himself says to thee, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me shall find peace."[5]
Chap. iv.—Commendation and exhortation.
Now it occurs to me to mention, that the report is true which I heard of thee whilst thou wast at Rome with the blessed
- ↑ Literally, "by the many wills of the adversaries."
- ↑ Rom. viii. 18.
- ↑ Literally, "I have gladly fulfilled the things commanded by thee in the letter."
- ↑ Literally, "by a judgment of God."
- ↑ Prov. viii. 17 (loosely quoted from LXX.).
