Timeless Christians

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius was the Bishop of Antioch and one of the best-known men of the early church. Persecuted by locals during the reign of Trajan, he was condemned and sentenced to die in Rome. On the way to the Imperial capital, he wrote thank you letters to seven churches which had sent messengers to him. He also wrote to Polycarp. These letters included exhortations as to how the recipients should live. Forgers later wrote more letters in his name, or added to his genuine letters.

His letter to the Romans is most interesting. He was writing to the place where he expected to suffer and die, and to people who could help or hinder his object. He urged the church at Rome not to attempt to thwart his execution. "I am the wheat of God and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts that I may be found the pure bread of God." His letter shows that he would rather face martyrdom now while his mind is prepared for it, than to get a pass and have to go through the ordeal again.

Ignatius was already an old man and the journey must have been hard for him, chained as he was to a younger soldier. His soldiers took the land route. Along the way, he preached to Christians and spoke with bishops concerning the state of their churches. He was deeply concerned for the unity of the church and mentioned it in several letters, urging Christians to obey their bishops. He was also the first person known to have used the words "Catholic church," meaning "one universal church." He denounced a certain heresy --a mixture of Judaism with Gnosticism. All his exhortations have one burden and object: closer union with Christ.

His disregard for death or suffering and his concern for the unity of the church and union with Christ made him one of the most famous men of the early church.

by Dan Graves