I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. Philippians 2:19
“Both you and Ignatius wrote to me, that if any one went [from this] into Syria, he should carry your letter with him; which request I will attend to if I find a fitting opportunity, either personally, or through some other acting for me, that your desire may be fulfilled. The Epistles of Ignatius written by him to us, and all the rest [of his Epistles] which we have by us, we have sent to you, as you requested. They are subjoined to this Epistle, and by them ye may be greatly profited; for they treat of faith and patience, and all things that tend to edification in our Lord. Any more certain information you may have obtained respecting both Ignatius himself, and those that were with him, have the goodness to make known to us.”
Polycarp in The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians 12, translated by Roberts-Donaldson.
In the early church, God’s workers delivered letters by hand to encourage individuals and groups. The same can happen today. We must see this as part of our “goodness” or generosity toward others.
It’s fascinating to see the collaboration between Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna. They collaborated to edify the people. Likewise, our sharing in this way is about uplifting groups.
Will you write the letters? Or might your role be to serve as a courier? Either way, urging God’s people to faith and patience requires teachers and transmitters to share in every generation.