First in the Race

To Cyprian, our brother and colleague, from Lucius and all the brothers who are here with me in the Lord: greetings. [a]

Your letter reached us, dearest brother, while we were glad and rejoicing in God — because he had armed us for the struggle, and had stooped to honor us by making us winners in the fight. It was the letter you sent by Herennianus the subdeacon and by Lucian, Maximus and Amantius, the acolytes. As we read it we felt our chains loosen, our suffering eased and our need met; and we were roused, and braced harder, to carry whatever more punishment may still be waiting for us.

Even before we suffered, it was you who called us out to glory — you who first showed us the way to confessing the name of Christ. We are following in the tracks of your confession, and we hope for the same grace you have. For the man who is first in the race is first at the prize as well; and you, who were first onto the track, have shared with us out of what you began. In doing it you showed us that undivided love you have always had for us, so that we who had one Spirit in the bond of peace might have the grace of your prayers too, and one crown of confession.

But in your case, dearest brother, the reward of your work is added to the crown of confession — a full measure, which you will receive from the Lord on the day of repayment. By your letter you have brought yourself here to us. You showed us that bright and blessed heart of yours, the heart we have always known; and, as large as that heart is, you have spoken praises to God along with us — not as much as we deserve to hear, but as much as you are able to say.

With your words you have both adorned what was still less taught in us and strengthened us to hold up under the sufferings we carry, now that we are certain of the rewards of heaven, and of the crown of martyrdom, and of the kingdom of God — certain of them from the prophecy you were filled with the Holy Spirit to speak, and pledged to us in your letter. All of it will happen, beloved, if you will keep us in mind in your prayers; and I trust you do, as we certainly do for you.

And so, brother most longed for, we have received what you sent us from Quirinus and from yourself — a sacrifice out of everything clean. Just as Noah made his offering to God, and God was pleased with the sweet smell of it and looked with favor on what he brought, so may God look with favor on yours, and be pleased to pay you back the reward of so good a work. One request: please give orders that the letter we have written to Quirinus be sent on. I wish you well always and from the heart, dearest brother, longed for as you are, and I ask you to remember us. Greet everyone who is with you. Farewell.