St. Ignatius of Antioch, whose name literally meant “fiery,” was a bishop and martyr of the second generation of Christians whose passion for Christ and the Church burns as a beacon through the ages. He is known for the seven epistles he penned while a prisoner en route to the Roman arena. These epistles have endured as edifying and insightful writings for the church by providing a glimpse not only into Ignatius’ own faith but also into the doctrine of the Church from an early, notable bishop.
Ignatius was born around the year 35 and became a Christian and disciple (alongside Polycarp) of St. John the Apostle. While we know nothing of Ignatius’ conversion, legend tells that he was one of the children Jesus called to himself and blessed (Mark 10:13-16). Regardless of whether this is true, Ignatius grew in wisdom and zeal and was appointed as bishop of Antioch, perhaps even on the recommendation of John.
What we know about Ignatius, however, comes through most clearly in his epistles. During a persecution of the Antioch church, he was taken prisoner and selected for a journey to Rome where he would be killed. Along his journey, however, different churches accompanied him from town to town, witnessing to his tribulations. For an unknown reason, the journey was interrupted at Smyrna where he was welcomed by St. Polycarp. While there, Ignatius met representatives of many of the nearby churches who he later thanked by letter—Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, and Rome. He later wrote also to Philadelphia and Smyrna, including St. Polycarp.
Ignatius revisits several themes in his letters. The first thing that stands out is his eagerness for the martyrdom he has been allotted. He urges that no one should prevent him from this honor and with great zeal also strengthens those whom he visits. Second Ignatius insists upon Christians championing a quality of Christian unity and loyalty to one’s local bishop. For Ignatius, one’s harmony with the bishop was paramount as it represented the idea that the individual was also in harmony with God. In other words, to cut oneself off from the assembly was, for Polycarp, as grave a matter as cutting oneself off from God.
Ignatius’ wish for an uninterrupted death (if it was the will of God), was fulfilled when he reached Rome and was sent to the arena where he met the wild beasts. He died on October 17th in the year 107 under the rule of Trajan. For Ignatius, this was the completion of his journey of becoming a a true disciple of God, a journey which had only begun when he was first taken captive and began his trek to Rome. He writes:
“Now is the moment I am beginning to be a disciple. May nothing seen or unseen begrudge me making my way to Jesus Christ. Come fire, cross, battling with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs, crushing of my whole body, cruel tortures of the devil—only let me get to Jesus Christ!”
Brief History
As mentioned before, Ignatius’ burning passion built up the churches he visited. He wrote letters of instruction and encouragement, but his eagerness to suffer for Christ’s sake was truly inspiring. The Christian church therefore held the tradition of remembering Ignatius’ example as early as the fourth century and has continued commemorating this saint and martyr to this day on October 17th.
His writings continue to be relevant today, especially as he clearly warns against false teachers, maintaining the same faith as we do in our creed that was precious to the earliest of martyrs.
Collect
Have regard for our weakness, Almighty God: and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, let the faithful example of Blessed Ignatius, Thy Bishop and Martyr, direct us to Thy mercy; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons
Resources
Issues, Etc. interview with the Rev. Dr. Bill Weinrich on St. Ignatius of Antioch
Propers found in Daily Divine Service Book: A Lutheran Daily Missal, edited by the Rev. Heath Curtis
References:
1. Pfatteicher, Philip H. Festivals and Commemorations. Augsburg Publishing House. 1980.
2. Walker, Williston. A History of the Christian Church. Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1985.
Images:
1. Ignatius of Antioch is thrown to the lions in the arena, Jan Luyken, Netherlands, 1701.
2. Ignatius eaten by lions, Neapolitan School of Painting, possibly Cesare Fracanzano, Italy, 17th century.
3. An icon of Ignatius of Antioch from the Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000 AD)
