Meet my new "historical" friend: Ignatius of Antioch
Born sometime around 30 CE, Ignatius is believed to be a disciple of John the Apostle. Tradition states that he became a Christ follower at a very young age, and an unconfirmed legend even names him as the little child that Jesus uses as an example for his disciples in Mark 9:36. He rose to a position of prestige as the bishop (the second after the apostles themselves) in the ancient city of Antioch. As an elderly but tenacious defender against beliefs he deemed heretical, Ignatius was somehow accused, tried and condemned to die in Rome by the imperial authorities in 107 CE. Along that journey to Rome, presumably to die as entertainment for the people, Ignatius passed through Asia Minor and several other regions. He was welcomed by and visited with many people during the trip. Churches from around the region, including Ephesus, Magnesia, and Tralles sent delegations to meet him during stops. His trip included a pass through Philippi as well. He was allowed a scribe to travel along with him, and during the trip he dictated six letters to various churches, and one to his counterpart Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. These were no simple travel journals however, these letters would become some of the most significant writings in understanding Christian theology, ecclesiological beginnings of the church, as well as persecution and martyrdom. Ignatius’ last words, like those of the Apostle Paul’s epistles, have been a formative source of instruction, debate, and reflection for countless people since they were written.
Ignatius, Polycarp, and Clement of Rome are considered three of the most influential figures of the first century church next to Jesus’ original disciples themselves. Ignatius, though there is much debate about his writings, remains an inspirational character in history. There is little understanding of why a beloved bishop from Antioch would be arrested, and transported some seven thousand miles back to Rome simply to be executed, some believe at the claws and jaws of lions. If the Roman emperor Trajan wanted a spectacle to stimulate the senses, he indeed created an incident that endures today as one of the most dramatic displays of sincere Christian faithfulness since Jesus’ crucifixion itself. Nearly two-thousand years later, Ignatius’ words of faithfulness still endure, and they can inspire individuals and churches alike. “When I suffer, I shall be free in Jesus Christ, and with him shall rise again in freedom…”
Ignatius of Antioch is often referred to as “The Bearer of God”. I believe all humans are image bearers of our creator, regardless of our acknowledgement or understanding of that fact. The Old Testament book of Genesis instructs us that God created man in His image. Furthermore, if we are sincere believers in Christ, we are bearers of not only God’s image, but also his Spirit. Ignatius lived in a truly extraordinary time in history. He was born shortly before, or just slightly after Christ’s dramatic crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He lived, and was a young disciple during the most critical years of church development described in the book of Acts. He may have been present when hands were laid upon Paul and Barnabas that fateful day in Antioch, sending them out to spread the good news of Jesus as missionaries. Then, in his own way, he would later encourage and instruct those same churches with his last words. He stands as a faithful example of a passionate and authentic Christ-follower, even unto death as a martyr. We all can aspire to be “bearers of God” like Ignatius of Antioch, living faithfully in our time.
Source: Gonzalez, Justo L., The Story of Christianity, VOL I: The Early Church To the Dawn of The Reformation, HarperCollins Pub, New York, NY, 2010, p.53, p. 51
