========================================================================
  I DESIRE TO DIE
  by Ignatius of Antioch
========================================================================

Summary: Ignatius of Antioch desires to die for Christ, embracing
suffering and persecution as a means to attain complete devotion to Him.

Topics: "Martyrdom", "Persecution"
Scripture References: Matthew 16:24, Romans 8:35, Philippians 1:21, 1 Peter 4:16, Revelation 2:10

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ignatius of Antioch passionately expresses his willingness to endure
persecution and suffering for the sake of his faith in Jesus Christ. He
acknowledges the challenges he faces, including being bound by soldiers
and facing wild beasts, but remains steadfast in his commitment to
follow Christ, even if it means enduring extreme hardships and
martyrdom. Ignatius desires to be consumed by the wild beasts as a
sacrifice for his faith, demonstrating his unwavering devotion to Jesus
above all else.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Syria even unto Rome I fight with beasts, both by land and sea,
both by night and day, being bound to ten leopards, I mean a band of
soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves all the
worse. But I am the more instructed by their injuries [to act as a
disciple of Christ]; "yet am I not thereby justified." May I enjoy the
wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray that they may be found
eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me speedily,
and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not
touched.

But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so.
Pardon me [in this] I know what is for my benefit.

Now I begin to be a disciple, and have no desire after anything visible
or invisible, that I may attain to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross;
let the crowds of wild beasts; let breakings, tearings, and separations
of bones; let cutting off of members; let bruising to pieces of the
whole body; and let the very torment of the devil come upon me: only let
me attain to Jesus Christ.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/i-desire-to-die/
========================================================================