Martyrdom, Sacrificial Libation, and the Eucharist of Ignatius of Antioch

by Frederick C. Klawiter

After showing that sacramental realism exists in neither Ignatius nor in John 6:51b-58, Frederick G. Klawiter argues that Ignatius’ eucharist contained a sacrificial wine libation (poured into a dish on the altar), symbolizing the pouring out of Jesus’ blood in his sacrificial death. Then, by drinking from the libation cup in the eucharist/agape meal, Christians sought unity of agape with one another and the crucified, risen Jesus—while anticipating the possibility of martyrdom.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2022

Reviews

[Drake Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The understanding of martyrdom is critical in the understanding of Ignatius of Antioch. Due to passages in his Letter to the Ephesians 20; Letter to the Smyrnaens 3, and Letter to the Romans 2, 4, and 7, some feel that Ignatius is making himself to be a Eucharist sacrament or adding the significance of his death on to that of Jesus Christ.

Klawiter presents a clear argument for Ignatius's martyrdom being like a sacrificial libation. His view counters the prevailing sentiment of real presence in Ignatius's view of the Eucharist. His volume interacts with the passages from John 6 and their relationship to Ignatius's presentation. Klawiter knows the viewpoint that the elements present transubstantiation yet presents the viewpoint that Ignatius finds a general presence of the Lord at the taking of the elements but not in the elements themselves.

Thus, for his martyrdom, there is a spiritual significance to it. It is not on the same level of the death of Christ.

Well worth the read!