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Ignatius of Antioch
Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–c. 107). Born around 35 AD, possibly in Syria, Ignatius was an early Christian bishop of Antioch, one of the Apostolic Fathers, and a disciple of the Apostle John. Little is known of his early life, but he emerged as a key leader in the Antiochene church, emphasizing unity under episcopal authority. Arrested during a persecution, likely under Emperor Trajan, he was sentenced to death in Rome’s Colosseum. While being transported as a prisoner, he wrote seven letters to churches in Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, Smyrna, and to Polycarp, which survive as vital early Christian texts. These letters defend the Incarnation, the Eucharist as Christ’s flesh, and the centrality of bishops, countering heresies like Docetism. Martyred around 107 AD, he was devoured by wild beasts, leaving only a few bones. His fearless embrace of death for Christ’s sake inspired early believers. Ignatius wrote, “I am God’s wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread of Christ.”
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Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and submission within the church, urging believers to respect and work harmoniously with their spiritual leaders. He encourages them to labor, strive, run, suffer, sleep, and awake together as servants of God, highlighting the communal aspect of faith. Ignatius stresses the need to remain faithful, loving, patient, and diligent in their works, promising a worthy reward from God for their efforts.
The Duties of the Christian Flock
Give ye heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbytery, and to the deacons: may I have my portion with them from God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye shall receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may obtain for them a most worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, and God shall be so with you. May I have joy of you for ever!
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Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–c. 107). Born around 35 AD, possibly in Syria, Ignatius was an early Christian bishop of Antioch, one of the Apostolic Fathers, and a disciple of the Apostle John. Little is known of his early life, but he emerged as a key leader in the Antiochene church, emphasizing unity under episcopal authority. Arrested during a persecution, likely under Emperor Trajan, he was sentenced to death in Rome’s Colosseum. While being transported as a prisoner, he wrote seven letters to churches in Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, Smyrna, and to Polycarp, which survive as vital early Christian texts. These letters defend the Incarnation, the Eucharist as Christ’s flesh, and the centrality of bishops, countering heresies like Docetism. Martyred around 107 AD, he was devoured by wild beasts, leaving only a few bones. His fearless embrace of death for Christ’s sake inspired early believers. Ignatius wrote, “I am God’s wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread of Christ.”