Stand like a beaten anvil.It is the part of a good athlete to be bruised and to prevail.

I greet you from Smyrna together with the Churches of God present here with me. They comfort me in every way, both in body and soul. My chains, which I carry about on me for Jesus Christ, begging that I may happily make my way to God, exhort you: persevere in your concord and in you community prayers.

He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire.

Do everything as if He were dwelling in us. Thus we shall be His temples and He will be within us as our God - as He actually is.

No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire. Do not talk about Jesus Christ as long as you love this world.