Ignatius of Antioch (Full Script)

Too lazy to read?  Watch the video!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=faWFufg-eo4

Ignatius was a bishop in Antioch and wrote in AD 105.

He was a personal student of the apostle John.  He was an overseer in Antioch--possibly appointed by Peter.

Ignatius was arrested by Roman authorities and appeared before Emperor Trajan in Antioch.  He was condemned to die by wild beasts and sent to Rome.  On the journey, Ignatius wrote seven letters.  The congregations to which he wrote were the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, and Smyrnaeans.  He also wrote to his friend Polycarp.  He pleaded with the churches to stay true to the faith and to stay away from heresies.  Polycarp preserved his letters.  His concern for the churches was greater than the concern for his life, for he showed great, spiritual courage in the face of death.  Ignatius was martyred on December 20, 107.

About Ignatius, Pre-Nicene Christians said,

You have seen before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself, and the rest of the apostles....  They are in their due place in the presence of the Lord, with whom also they suffered.  (Polycarp.  AD 135.  ANF, vol 1, page 35.)

As a certain man of ours [Ignatius] said, when he was condemned to the wild beasts because of his testimony with respect to God: "I am the wheat of Christ, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of God."  (Irenaeus.  AD 180.  ANF, vol 1, page 557.)

Ignatius said about himself,

Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one.  (Ignatius.  AD 105.  ANF, vol 1, page 74.)