Part of a series.
Ever wondered how these various epistles got around in the early Church? We have a primary source writing about that in Polycarp (70-156), bishop of Smyrna. His Epistle to the Philippians, in a section dating probably to 115 AD, includes this passage:
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.
"Ignatius" is Ignatius of Antioch, whom Polycarp knew personally.
Polycarp was martyred by stabbing and possibly burning; an account survives.
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