Let Nothing Be Done Without the Bishop
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of following the bishop's guidance and authority in the Church, as a way to ensure that all activities are done in accordance with God's will.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of following the leadership within the Church hierarchy, comparing it to the relationship between Christ and the Father. He stresses the reverence and obedience towards bishops, presbyters (elders), and deacons, highlighting their roles as appointed by God. Ignatius underscores the necessity of the bishop's presence in Church activities, such as administering the Eucharist, baptizing, offering sacrifices, and leading love-feasts, as everything done under the bishop's authority is pleasing to God.
Text
See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out [through their office] the appointment of God.
Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as where Christ is, there does all the heavenly host stand by, waiting upon Him as the Chief Captain of the Lord's might, and the Governor of every intelligent nature.
It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize, or to offer, or to present sacrifice, or to celebrate a love-feast. But that which seems good to him, is also well-pleasing to God, that everything ye do may be secure and valid.
Sermon Outline
- Follow the Bishop
- Follow the bishop as Christ follows the Father
- Follow the presbytery as the apostles were followed
Key Quotes
“Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as where Christ is, there does all the heavenly host stand by, waiting upon Him as the Chief Captain of the Lord's might, and the Governor of every intelligent nature.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- It is essential to follow the bishop's guidance and instructions to ensure that your actions are valid and pleasing to God.
- Obedience to the bishop's authority is crucial in maintaining the integrity and security of Church activities.
- By following the bishop's guidance, you can ensure that everything you do is in accordance with God's will and purposes.