Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius, who calls himself 'Theophorus' ('God-bearer'), was bishop of the church at Antioch in Syria. Condemned to death, he was taken under guard to Rome and wrote seven letters on the way, from Smyrna and Troas. The letters urge unity around the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, insist that Christ truly suffered in the flesh, and express his longing for martyrdom.

Dates

d. ca. 110 (disputed)

See or city

Antioch

Region

Syria

Also known as

Ignatius; Ignatius Theophorus; Theophorus; Saint Ignatius

Notes

Eusebius dates his martyrdom to the reign of Trajan (98-117) and lists him as the second bishop of Antioch after Peter (Hist. eccl. 3.22; 3.36). Some modern scholars date the letters later, to the 120s or 130s.

Works

• To the EphesiansAd Ephesios · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)
• To the MagnesiansAd Magnesios · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)
• To the TralliansAd Trallianos · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)
• To the RomansAd Romanos · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)
• To the PhiladelphiansAd Philadelphenses · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)
• To the SmyrnaeansAd Smyrnaeos · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)
• To PolycarpAd Polycarpum · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · CPG 1025 (unverified)