The seven genuine letters of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, were written around AD 110 while he was being transported under guard to Rome for execution. Writing to the churches of Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Philadelphia, and Smyrna, as well as to the Roman church and to Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna, Ignatius passionately urges unity under the bishop, warns against docetism and Judaising tendencies, and expresses his burning desire for martyrdom. The letters are among the most vivid personal documents from early Christianity and provide crucial evidence for the development of the monarchical episcopate. This edition follows the text of Kirsopp Lake (Loeb Classical Library, 1912).
Start ReadingA letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.
A letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.
A letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.
A letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.
A letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.
A letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.
A letter written by Ignatius of Antioch on his journey to martyrdom in Rome, addressing issues of church unity, episcopal authority, and the reality of Christ's suffering.