Ignatius of Antioch

The following quote is worthy of serious reflection, “It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one.” Ignatius of Antioch (35-110) wrote these words in a letter addressed to fellow believers on the way to his execution. Ignatius was a prominent leader of the early church in the period following the 12 Apostles. He was a second-generation disciple likely taught by John the Apostle. During the tyrannical reign of Trajan, Christians were required to pay homage to the emperor as deity. Any who refused were thrown to the lions. Why Ignatius was transported to Rome is unclear since most Christians were punished locally. Perhaps Trajan wanted Ignatius’ death to serve as a warning to Christians. Ignatius was escorted in chains to Rome accompanied by ten soldiers. He wrote seven letters during his journey: five to various churches, one to a fellow bishop named Polycarp who was later martyred and one to Christians in Rome not to interfere with his execution. Three impressions stand out to me from his seven letters. First, his stress on Jesus’ humanity counteracts factions like the Docetists, who accepted Jesus’ divinity but rejected his humanity. One reason why Ignatius stressed the importance of the Eucharist was to remind Christians that Jesus appeared in the flesh and not merely in spirit form. Second, his stress in honoring those in authority, namely local bishops. Ignatius was troubled by the rise in splinter groups who espoused autonomy and resisted spiritual oversight. Third, his courage in facing death. Ignatius acknowledged in his letters that he would likely be thrown to the beasts. His goal was to emulate “our God Jesus Christ” in death. I would be hard pressed to say the same. My life is far too important to me. The following request for prayer was included in Ignatius’ letter to believers in Rome: