The Duties of Husbands and Wives
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of marriage, the duties of husbands and wives, and the need for purity in marriage.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of fleeing evil practices while openly discussing them in public. He urges sisters to love the Lord and be content with their husbands both physically and spiritually. Similarly, he exhorts brothers to love their wives as Christ loves the Church. Ignatius stresses the purity and honor in relationships, warning against boasting and seeking undue prominence. He advises that marriages should be approved by the bishop to align with God's will and not personal desires, ultimately emphasizing that all actions should bring glory to God.
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Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church.
If any one can continue in a state of purity, to the honour of the flesh of the Lord, let him so remain without boasting. If he shall boast, he is undone; and if he seeks to be more prominent than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to the Lord, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Marriage
- A. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman
- B. Marriage is a union that should be formed with the approval of the bishop
- II. The Duties of Husbands
- A. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church
- B. Husbands should not seek to be more prominent than the bishop
- III. The Duties of Wives
- A. Wives should love their husbands in the flesh and spirit
- B. Wives should be satisfied with their husbands
- IV. The Importance of Purity
- A. Purity is a virtue that should be honoured in marriage
- B. Boasting about purity is not acceptable
Key Quotes
“If any one can continue in a state of purity, to the honour of the flesh of the Lord, let him so remain without boasting.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“If he shall boast, he is undone; and if he seeks to be more prominent than the bishop, he is ruined.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Let all things be done to the honour of God.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Marriage should be a union formed with the approval of the bishop.
- Husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church.
- Purity is a virtue that should be honoured in marriage, and boasting about it is not acceptable.