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TheEpistle of Ignatius to the Trallians (often abbreviatedTrallians) is anepistle attributed toIgnatius, a second-centuryBishop of Antioch andmartyr, and addressed to the church inTralles. It was written during the bishop's transport fromAntioch to his execution inRome.
Trallians is one ofseven epistles attributed to Ignatius that are generally accepted as authentic. In 5th century, this collection was enlarged by spurious letters.[1]
It is clear thatTrallians was written soon before the martyrdom of Ignatius, but it is uncertain when precisely this martyrdom occurred. Tradition places the martyrdom of Ignatius in the reign ofTrajan, who was emperor of Rome from 98 to 117 AD. While many scholars accept the traditional dating of Ignatius' martyrdom under Trajan, others have argued for a somewhat later date.Richard Pervo dated Ignatius' death to 135-140 AD,[2] andBritishclassicistTimothy Barnes has argued for a date some time in the 140s AD.[3]
The Trallian church had sent their bishopPolybius of Trallis to meet Ignatius who was being held atSmyrna on his way to execution inRome, and Ignatius writes his letter to thank them.[4]
In his letter he warns against false teaching,[5] of separatism without, however, accusing them personally of these errors. He urges a duty of unity[6] and obedience to Church leaders.[7]
In Trallians 7:1, the phrase "God Jesus Christ" appears. This phrase is also found inPolycarp'sletter to the Philippians.[8]
Trallians mentions theresurrection of Jesus in chapter 9 (verses 1-2):
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