Ignatius of Antioch

 Ignatius of Antioch

Born around 35 AD, Ignatius of Antioch (not to be confused with Ignatius of Loyola, who lived in the 16^th century) was the third bishop (the first being Peter) of the important city of Antioch, a position he held for nearly 40 years, in the years 67-106 AD.  Tradition holds that he studied personally under the Apostles Peter and John. 

Ignatius became the model for future ‘Bishops’ within the church – basically, a pastor with authority over a number of churches in a geographical region.  He was one of the most influential members of the church in the years immediately following the Apostles.

In his writings, he bemoaned the divisions within the church that cropped up over doctrinal matters, yet he found himself heavily engaged in doctrinal discussions and debates.  His letters provide a great deal of insight into the early church and helped set the foundation for early doctrinal and organizational development within the church.  He wrote scathingly against a heretical group called the Ebionites, the next generation of the Judaizers who believed essentially that converts to Christianity needed to convert to Judaism before they could convert to Christianity.  His pen aimed at Docetists, a group who believed that Christ was never fully human – only appearing to be such.  He also wrote of the organization of the church, and corresponded with fellow bishops on matters of the church.  In his letters, he was the first of the early church Fathers to use the term ‘catholic’ (in the sense of ‘universal’) in reference to the church.

Because of his prominence within the church, when the Roman Emperor Trajan began his persecution of the church, Ignatius was a natural target.  He was arrested, most likely on the charge of “atheism” (i.e. failure to worship any of the recognized Roman gods) and order deported to Rome.  The trip to Rome was beset with many difficulties and took a great deal of time.  As he was traveling, Ignatius was met by followers of many churches along the way – and he was able to dictate many of his most famous letters during this trip.

Over time, as they traveled, it became apparent to Ignatius that a plan was forming to free him.  This, he discouraged strongly.  He wrote, “I fear your kindness, which may harm me,” he wrote to the church in Rome.  “You may be able to achieve what you plan.  But if you pay no heed to my request, it will be very difficult for me to attain unto God.”  He instead requested of the churches that they pray that he would remain faithful to imitate Jesus Christ in death.  He wrote, “Nearness to the sword is nearness to God; to be among the wild beasts is to be in the arms of God; only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ.  I endure all things that I may suffer together with Him, since He who became perfect man strengthens me.”

It was on October 17^th, the year 107 AD, when Ignatius finally reached Rome.  The arena was about to close, but remained open and Ignatius was hustled into the arena where two lions quickly dispatched him.  He is the first recorded martyr of the church after the time of the New Testament.  His faithfulness in following Christ to martyrdom was a great inspiration to the early church.

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