"(6) For there are some vain talkers(8) and deceivers, not Christians, but Christ-betrayers,(9) bearing about the name of Christ in deceit, and "corrupting the word"(10) of the Gospel; while they intermix the poison of their deceit with their persuasive talk,(12) as if they mingled aconite with sweet wine, that so he who drinks, being deceived in his taste by the very great sweetness of the draught, may incautiously meet with his death. Ignatius was already famous among early Christians because Jesus Himself had embraced him. In his writings, he merely attempted to clarify what he regarded to be the fundamental truths of Christianity. The same is true for those who repent and join together in the unity of the Church. Sailing then into the Roman harbour, and the unhallowed sports being just about to close, the soldiers began to be annoyed at our slowness, but the bishop rejoicingly yielded to their urgency. CHAP. Be thou, after the Lord, their protector s and friend. For even those Churches which were not(7) near to me in the way, I mean according to the flesh,(8) have gone before me,(9) city by city, [to meet me.]. Please pray to Christ on my behalf so that the animals will be the way by which I will be offered up as a sacrifice to God. Nothing is better than that peace which is according to Christ, by which all war, both of arial and terrestrial spirits, is brought to an end. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Having therefore received through him the testimony of your good-will according to God, I gloried to find that you were the followers of Jesus Christ the Saviour. (10) Do not despise either male or female slaves, yet neither let them be puffed up with conceit, but rather let them submit themselves(11) the more, for the glory of God, that they may obtain from God a better liberty. For those(7) [that are given to this] mix(11) up Jesus Christ with their own poison, speaking things which are unworthy of credit, like those who administer a deadly drug in sweet wine, which he who is ignorant of does greedily(13) take, with a fatal pleasure(14) leading to his own death. He was also truly raised from the dead, His Father quickening Him, even as after the same manner His Father will so raise up us who believe in Him by Christ Jesus, apart from whom we do not possess the true life. At the Turning of the Tide: The Catholic Moment? And says the Lord, "Let every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted be rooted up. I glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by Him has given you such wisdom. My one and only desire is to be with Him who died for our sakes. "(10) For our God, Jesus Christ, Bow that He is with(11) the Father, is all the more revealed [in His glory]. The beginning of life is faith, and the end is love. (12) Now that received a beginning which was perfected by God. (2) It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn(3) council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;(4) and to bestow on him this honour that he may go into Syria, and glorify your ever active love to the praise of Christ. He was stopped at Smyrna (modern-day Zmir, Turkey) for unexplained reasons and was greeted cordially by the local Christians as well as their bishop, St. Polycarp received no response. XI. For it is better to hearken to Christian doctrine from a man who has been circumcised, than to Judaism from one uncircumcised. VI. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THEIR KINDNESS. However, if you allow yourself to be persuaded by the affection with which you grasp my body, I will be reduced to nothing more than a human voice once more. We only know that Ignatius sincerely want to die, and that is about all we know about his martyrdom. The Ephesians from Smyrna (whence I also write to you), who are here for the glory of God, as ye also are, who have in all things refreshed me, salute you, as does also Polycarp. I received, therefore,[8] your whole multitude in the name of God, through Onesimus, a man of inexpressible love,[9] and your bishop in the flesh, whom I pray you by Jesus Christ to love, and that you would all seek to be like him. Wherefore he rejoiced over the tranquil state of the Church when the persecution ceased for a little time, but was grieved as to himself that he had not yet attained to a true love to Christ, nor reached the perfect rank of a disciple. "[6] Wherefore also, ye appear to me to live not after the manner of men, but according to Jesus Christ, who died for us, in order that, by believing in His death, ye may by baptism be made partakers of His resurrection. "(8) "For a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. "(9) And He says to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger into the print of the nails, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side;"(10) and immediately they believed that He was Christ. He that is within the altar is pure, wherefore also he is obedient to the bishop and presbyters: but he that is without is one that does anything apart from the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons. Well then, said Trajan, be whoever you want to be. Remember in your prayers the Church which is in Syria, from which also I am not worthy to receive my appellation, being the last(1) of them. Since, according to your prayers, and the compassion which ye feel in Christ Jesus, it is reported to me that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria possesses peace, it will become you, as a Church of God, to elect a deacon to act as the ambassador of God[for you] to[the brethren there], that he may rejoice along with them when they are met together, and glorify the name[of God], Blessed is he in Jesus Christ, who shall be deemed worthy of such a ministry; and ye too shall be glorified. And I would that all may imitate him, as being a pattern of a minister(1) of God. THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE SMYRNAEANS SHORTER AND LONGER VERSIONS. I thank God, through Jesus Christ, that I have a good conscience in respect to you, and that no one has it in his power to boast, either privately or publicly, that I have burdened any one either in much or in little. III. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out[through their office] the appointment of God. Two days later, on December 20th, it was the turn of the Lion of Antioch, who, according to one account, was savagely crushed,torn . EXHORTATION TO MEET TOGETHER FREQUENTLY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. For I stand in need of your united prayer in God, and of your love, that the Church which is in Syria may be deemed worthy, by your good order, of being edified[1] in Christ. CHAP. "(8) And immediately they touched Him, and believed, being convinced both by His flesh and spirit. For "the righteous man who avoids them is saved for ever; but the destruction of the ungodly is sudden, and a subject of rejoicing. Wherefore, clothing(11) yourselves with meekness, be ye renewed(12) in faith, that is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, that is the blood of Jesus Christ. I glorify God, even Jesus Christ, who has given you such wisdom. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. Do not err, my brethren. 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IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, ST. Bishop, primitive Church theologian, and martyr; b. Syria; d. Rome c. 110. It was on this journey that he wrote the seven letters that have become famous. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to [show forth(1)] the unity of His blood; one altar; as there is one bishop, along with the presbytery and deacons, my fellow-servants: that so, whatsoever ye do, ye may do it according to [the will of] God. Having been informed of your godly(1) love, so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly, and determined to commune with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. It is fitting also that the deacons, as being [the ministers] of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, should in every respect be pleasing to all. None of these things shall be lost to you. Ignatius was believed that Christian baptism resulted in the birth of a new life in Christ, and that this life was eternal unless it was hindered by the sin of the believer. In the. The tree is made manifest by its fruit;(15) so those that profess themselves to be Christians shall be recognised by their conduct. And pray ye without ceasing in behalf of other men. Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For says[the Scripture], "He Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. CHAP. "(8) Let no one be anointed with the bad odour of the doctrine of [the prince of] this world; let not the holy Church of God be led captive by his subtlety, as was the first woman. Given that Ignatius lived so many centuries ago, we know relatively little about his early years. For though some would nave deceived me according to the flesh, yet my spirit is not deceived; for I have received it from God. Only until I go there will I be able to function completely as a human being. III. "The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. I salute Attalus, my beloved. (He was also the first person outside of the New Testament to refer to Jesus virgin birth as a historical fact.) XI. In like manner, every one that has received from God the power of distinguishing, and yet follows an unskilful shepherd, and receives a false opinion for the truth, shall be punished. When, for instance, He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, "Lay hold, handle Me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit. For "no man," says He, "cometh to the Father but by Me. Now, as to Philo the deacon, a man of Cilicia, of high reputation, who still ministers to me in the word of God, along with Gaius and Agathopus, an elect man, who has followed me from Syria, not regarding(4) his life, these also bear testimony in your behalf. "[4] And He says of Himself to the Father, "I have," says He, "glorified Thee upon the earth; I have finished the work which, Thou gavest Me; I have manifested Thy name to men. CHAP. I no longer wish to live after the manner of men, and my desire shall be fulfilled if ye consent. T/F, 3. See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution(17) of God. Apparently of Syrian origin and a convert from paganism, he was one of the earliest bishops of . But be ye all joined together(3) with an undivided heart and a willing mind, "being of one accord and of one judgment,"(9) being always of the same opinion about the same things, both when you are at ease and in danger, both in sorrow and in joy. It is therefore fitting that you should, after no hypocritical fashion, obey [your bishop], in honour of Him who has wired us [so to do], since he that does not so deceives not [by such conduct] the bishop that is visible, but seeks to mock Him that is invisible. The unbelieving bear the image of the prince of wickedness. The time he had was put to good use by him, who sent seven letters of encouragement, teaching, and inspiration to the Christians in those towns and villages. I am Theophorus, the one who has Christ within his breast.I was told you were Ignatius. Ignatius is well known for the seven letters he composed while traveling from Antioch to Rome, which are still in existence today. My authentic archives are His cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which bears on these things, by which I desire, through your prayers, to be justified. To the Ephesians, 2. The love of the Smymaeans and Ephesians salutes you. (7) For I pray that, being found worthy of God, I may be found at their feet in the kingdom, as at the feet of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; as of Joseph, and Isaiah, and the rest of the prophets; as of Peter, and Paul, and the rest of the apostles, that were married men. Let not then any one deceive you, as indeed ye are not deceived; for ye are wholly devoted to God. Keep yourselves, then, from those evil planes which Jesus Christ does not tend, bat that wild beast, the destroyer of men, because they are not the planting of the Father, but the seed of the wicked one. Ye have loved me when absent, as well as when present. LET OTHER CHURCHES ALSO SEND TO ANTIOCH. I therefore exhort you in the Lord to receive with all tenderness those that repent and return to the unity of the Church, that through your kindness and forbearance they may recover(4) themselves out of the snare of the devil, and becoming worthy of Jesus Christ, may obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of Christ. May God recompense you, for whose sake, while ye endure all things, ye shall attain unto Him. T/F, 5. Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them. While we take care not to imitate their conduct, let us be found their brethren in all true kindness; and let us seek to be followers of the Lord(who ever more unjustly treated, more destitute, more condemned? I have become acquainted with your greatly-desired name in God, which ye have acquired by the habit of righteousness, according to the faith and love in Christ Jesus our Saviour. (4) If any one confesses the truths mentioned,(5) but calls lawful wedlock, and the procreation of children, destruction and pollution, or deems certain kinds of food abominable, such an one has the apostate dragon dwelling within him. And when He had lived among men for thirty years, He was baptized by John, really and not in appearance; and when He had preached the Gospel three years, and done signs and wonders, He who was Himself the Judge was judged by the Jews, falsely so called, and by Pilate the governor; was scourged, was smitten on the cheek, was spit upon; He wore a crown of thorns and a purple robe; He was condemned: He was crucified in reality, and not in appearance, not in imagination, not in deceit. How Did Jesus Spend the Last Week of His Life? For they are ravening dogs, who bite secretly, against whom ye must be on your guard, inasmuch as they are men who can scarcely be cured. "(15) For they speak of Christ, not that they may preach Christ, but that they may reject Christ; and they speak(16) of the law, not that they may establish the law, but that they may proclaim things contrary to it. Judy Lynne Haye of Antioch, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on Thursday, March 23rd at John Muir Hospital in Concord, the same hospital she was born. Be sober as an athlete of God: the prize set before thee is immortality and eternal life, of which thou art also persuaded. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ! Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, and a witness for Jesus Christ, to Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of the Smyrnans, or rather, who has, as his own bishop, God the Father, and Jesus Christ:[wishes] abundance of happiness. Your email address will not be published. And all the more when I commend you, I know that ye cherish modesty[4] of spirit; as it is written, "The righteous man is his own accuser;"[5] and again, "Declare thou first thine iniquities, that thou mayest be justified;"[6] and again, "When ye shall have done all things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants;"[7] "for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (10) The Christian is not the result (12) of persuasion, but of power. I therefore, yet not I, but the love of Jesus Christ, entreat you that ye use Christian nourishment only, and abstain from herbage of a different kind; I mean heresy. Whosoever, "being waxen fat,"(5) and "become gross," sets at nought His doctrine, shall go into hell. So you are saying you carry within you that Jesus who was crucified. 1. HAVE RESPECT TO THE BISHOP AS TO CHRIST HIMSELF. "[8] Now the way is unerring, namely, Jesus Christ. (11) Timothy the Christ-bearer was young, but hear what his teacher writes to him: "Let no man despise try youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word and in conduct. The love of the brethren at Troas salutes you; whence also I write to you by Burrhus, who was sent along with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnaeans, to show their respect. California Department of Public Health. For what does it profit, if any one commends me, but blasphemes my be preferred. He that despiseth you, despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me, despiseth Him that sent Me.". "Where is the wise man? Trivia Ignatius was the first person to use the term Catholic to designate the entire church. I WRITE THESE THINGS TO WARN YOU. Let not widows be neglected. IX. For the priesthood is the very highest point of all good things among men, against which whosoever is mad enough to strive, dishonours not man, but God, and Christ Jesus, the First-born, and the only High Priest, by nature, of the Father. Let there be one common supplication, one mind, one hope, with faith unblameable in Christ Jesus, than which nothing is more excellent. "(3) The Father, therefore, who raised Him up, will also raise us up through Him, apart from whom no one will attain to true life. Let Christ speak in us, even as He did in Paul. "(11) Wherefore "He makes His sun to rise upon the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust;"(12) of whose kindness the Lord, wishing us also to be imitators, says, "Be ye perfect, even as also your Father that is in heaven is perfect."(13). All such persons are but monuments and sepulchres of the dead, upon which are written only the names of dead men. And thus unity is preserved throughout. No man [truly] making a profession of faith sinneth;(13) nor does he that possesses love hate any one. There were only 8 people in Noahs Ark. Let my spirit be sanctified(2) by yours, not only now, but also when I shall attain to God. Now Im starting to learn how to be a disciple. Virgina Corwins St. Ignatius and Christianity in Antioch (published in 1960) provides an in-depth examination of his life, times and thinking. http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0123.htm, New Order With Ancient Roots for Eternal Truths, We Are Catholic, Clearly, Strongly, Integrally, Ignatian dedication to St. Ignatius of Antioch, Men Ultra-Modern because they are Traditional. Nevertheless, I have heard of some who have passed on from this to you, having false doctrine, whom ye did not suffer to sow among you, but stopped your ears, that ye might not receive those things which were sown by them, as being stones[1] of the temple of the Father, prepared for the building of God the Father, and drawn up on high by the instrument of Jesus Christ, which is the cross,[2] making use of the Holy Spirit as a rope, while your faith was the means by which you ascended, and your love the way which led up to God. For though I am alive while I write to you, yet I am eager to die. I undergo all these things that I may suffer together with Him,(1) He who became a perfect man inwardly strengthening me.(2). But if ye suspect that I spake thus, as having learned beforehand the division caused by some among you, He is my witness, for whose sake I am in bonds, that I learned nothing of it from the mouth of any man. http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0123.htm. Ten thousand gladiators died and eleven thousand wild beasts were slaughtered as Rome's mob looked on and cheered. St. Ignatius of Antioch - Antioch, CA The priests(11) indeed are good, but the High Priest is better; to whom the holy of holies has been committed, and who alone has been trusted with the secrets of God. It was there in Antioch that the people first called them Christians meaning little christs after christos the Greek word for messiah. Both the Hebrew word moshiach (messiah) and the Greek word christos mean anointed one., You mean the Jesus who was crucified under our Procurator Pontius Pilatus?, Ignatius jumped in. Ignatius of Antioch, St. | Encyclopedia.com All along the journey to Rome, Ignatius was greeted by Christians who comforted, encouraged and rendered homage to him. Now, He suffered all these things for our sakes, that we might be saved. (9) Why do we not, as gifted with reason, act wisely? For the beginning is faith, and the end is love. Be ye strong, I pray, in the power of the Holy Ghost. But be ye all joined together(3) with an undivided heart. And why have I also surrendered myself to death, to fire, to the sword, to the wild beasts? For "in Hades there is no one who can confess his sins. For they entered into these marriages not for the sake of appetite, but out of regard for the propagation of mankind. For even I, though I am bound [for Christ], yet am not on that account able to understand heavenly things, and the places(4) of the angels, and their gatherings under their respective princes, things visible and invisible. If, then, those who were conversant with the ancient Scriptures came to newness of hope, expecting the coming of Christ, as the Lord teaches us when He says, "If ye had believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me;"[9] and again, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it, and was glad; for before Abraham was, I am; "[11] how shall we be able to live without Him? While he was in Antioch taking care of this type of local business, he had instructed 80 million cubic yards of earth and rock be removed from Quirinal Hill in Rome in order to construct the Forum of Forums to celebrate this victory. For though I am alive while I write to you, yet I am eager to die for the sake of Christ. Let nothing exist among you which may divide you; but be ye united with your bishop, being through him subject to God in Christ. ''(6) Him I seek, who died for us: Him I desire, who rose again for our sake. And this will be the case with you if you are not puffed up, and continue in intimate union with(17) Jesus Christ our God, and the bishop, and the enactments of the apostles. Since, then, I have had the privilege of seeing you, through Damas your most worthy bishop, and through your worthy presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friendship may I ever enjoy, inasmuch as he is subject to the bishop as to the grace of God, and to the presbytery as to the law of Jesus Christ, [I now write(8) to you]. We have also as a Physician the Lord our God, Jesus the Christ, the only-begotten Son and Word, before time began,[8] but who afterwards became also man, of Mary the virgin. For God says to Samuel, "They have not mocked thee, but Me.