Brief Notes on Ignatius of Antioch (A)

(Originally Written June 1, 2008 in the Journal)

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch. He wrote seven letters on the way to his martyrdom in Rome. Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, preserved the letters of Ignatius and spread them through the Church. Ignatius' letter to the Romans was the most widely known letter of his to the early church. The other six were to fight against Jewish heresy and the heresy of Docetism, which denies the trueness of Christ's humanity. Ignatius focuses heavily on martyrdom, drawing from the book of the Maccabees, which was included in the Septuagint. Ignatius has Gnostic tones, but heavily denies the Docetism that is used in Gnostic teaching. Ignatius attacks the Judaizing of Christianity.

Ignatius' Epistle to the Ephesians

Ignatius looks forward to his martyrdom in Rome for "the name and the Hope we all share". He states, "trusting through your prayers to be granted an encounter with the wild beasts at Rome - a boon that will enable me to become a true disciple" (Early Christian Writings, 61).

He tells the Ephesians that because Jesus Christ has granted such glory to them they must in turn give glory to Christ.

He tells them to be sanctified by submitting to their bishop and clergy. He tells them that this submission is not an order because he does not have the authority. He claims his lack of authority is on account of him being a beginner in being a disciple.

We can have no life apart from Christ.

Christ represents the mind of the Father. The bishops represent the mind of Christ. The bishops are sent by God. Our actions to them are actions to God himself.

He warns them to guard against heresy.

Carnal men are incapable of acting spiritually. Likewise, spiritual men are incapable of acting carnally.

We must pray for mankind unceasingly so that repentance can lead them to God.

We can show the unbelieving crowd their error by repaying malice with kindness. They will know our brotherhood by our forbearance.

Corporate faith causes Satan's interference to crumble.

Life begins with faith and ends in love.

We must practice what we profess if we are to instruct others.

The cross offends the unbelievers, but is salvation and eternal life to us.