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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 expresses gratitude for Philo the deacon, Gaius, and Agathopus, commending their faithful service and testimony. He gives thanks to God for the believers who have received them, assuring that the Lord will also receive them. Ignatius prays for forgiveness for those who dishonored these faithful men, emphasizing the grace of Jesus Christ and His desire for repentance. He conveys greetings from the brethren at Troas and sends well wishes in the Lord Jesus Christ, the common hope, and the Holy Ghost.
Fare Ye Well in the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Common Hope
Now, as to Philo the deacon, a man of Cilicia, of high reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Gaius and Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding his life,-these also bear testimony in your behalf. And I myself give thanks to God for you, because ye have received them: and the Lord will also receive you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ, "who wisheth not the death of the sinner, but his repentance." ` The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnaeans, to show their respect: whom the Lord Jesus Christ will requite, in whom they hope, in flesh, and soul, and spirit, and faith, and love, and concord. Fare ye well in the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, in the Holy Ghost.
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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.”