Why Read Ignatius of Antioch?

The letters of Ignatius of Antioch, written in the early second century, are an important and unique window into the beliefs and practices of the early Church.

Here are five reasons why you should be reading these letters:

1. They provide insight into early Christian theology

Ignatius was a bishop in the early Church, and his letters offer a glimpse into the theological debates and discussions that were taking place at the time. He wrote about topics such as the nature of Christ, the role of bishops in the Church, and the importance of the Eucharist. By reading his letters, we can gain a better understanding of the early Church's beliefs and practices.

There is only one physician, who is both flesh and spirit, born and unborn, God in man, true life in death, both from Mary and from God, first subject to suffering and then beyond it, Jesus Christ our Lord (Eph. 7.2)

2. They reveal the challenges faced by early Christians

Ignatius wrote his letters while he was being taken to Rome to be executed for his faith. In his letters, Ignatius describes the trials faced by early Christians, including persecution and martyrdom. By reading his words, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

Continue to gather together, each and every one of you, collectively and individually by name, in grace, in one faith and one Jesus Christ, who physically was a descendant of David, who is Son of man and Son of God, in order that you may obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undisturbed mind, breaking one bread, which is the medicine of immortality, the antidote we take in order not to die but to live forever in Jesus Christ. (Eph 20.2)

3. They offer a window into the structures and debates within the early churches.

Ignatius was a bishop, and his letters reveal much about the early Church's organizational structure. He wrote about the importance of bishops, presbyters, and deacons, and their roles within the Church. By studying his letters, we can gain a better understanding of how the early Church was organized. Great for debates between Baptists and Anglicans on ecclesiology!

Therefore as the Lord did nothing without the Father, either by himself or through the apostles (for he was united with him), so you must not do anything without the bishop and the presbyters. Do not attempt to convince yourselves that anything done apart from the others is right, but, gathering together, let there be one prayer, one petition, one mind, one hope, with love and blameless joy, which is Jesus Christ, than whom nothing is better. Let all of you run together as to one temple of God, as to one altar, to one Jesus Christ, who came forth from one Father and remained with the One and returned to the One. (Magn. 7.1-2).

4. They provide a historical perspective on Christianity

The letters of Ignatius were written in the early second century, by reading them, we can gain a historical perspective on Christianity, its tumultuous relationship with Jews and Greeks, and the gradual transition from apostolic to proto-orthodox Christianity.

Do not be deceived by strange doctrines or antiquated myths, since they are worthless. For if we continue to live in accordance with Judaism, we admit that we have not received grace. (Magn. 9.1).

5. They offer inspiration for modern Christians

Finally, the letters of Ignatius offer inspiration for Christians today. His words are a reminder that faith is worth standing up for, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom. By reading the Ignatian letters, we can be inspired to live out our faith with courage and conviction.

Just pray that I will have the strength both outwardly and inwardly so that I may not just talk about it but want to do it, that I might not merely be called a Christian, but actually prove to be one. For if I prove to be one, I can also be called one, and then I will be faithful when I am no longer visible to the world. (3) Nothing that is visible is good. For our God Jesus Christ is more visible now that he is in the Father. The Work is not a matter of persuasive rhetoric; rather, Christianity is greatest when it is hated by the world. (Rom. 3.2-3).

Holmes, M. W. (1999). The Apostolic Fathers: Greek texts and English translations (Updated ed., p. 171). Baker Books.

So yeah, for these reasons and more, the letters of Ignatius and well worth reading and studying.

Holmes, M. W. (1999). The Apostolic Fathers: Greek texts and English translations Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI.

Bird, M. F, and S. Harrower (2022). The Cambridge Companion to the Apostolic Fathers. CUP, Cambridge.