The Epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch: 7 Letters of an Apostolic Father to the Early Churches

by Ignatius of Antioch, Rex Mundi, J.B. Lightfoot (translator)

Genres: Church History, Faith

96 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2024

About the author

"Ignatius of Antioch (Ancient Greek: Ἰγνάτιος Ἀντιοχείας, Ignátios Antiokheías; ad c. 35 or 50 – 98 to 117), also known as Ignatius Theophorus (Ιγνάτιος ὁ Θεοφόρος, Ignátios ho Theophóros, lit. "the God-bearing"), was an Apostolic Father and the third bishop of Antioch. He was reputedly a student of John the Apostle. En route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom by being fed to wild beasts, he wrote a series of letters which have been preserved as an example of very early Christian theology. Important topics addressed in these letters include ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops."

-- Wikipedia

Reviews

[Noah Reagan]

Crazy insightful read. Guy that’s literally discipled by Peter and Paul, feels like reading scripture I never knew about. It’s not a lengthy body of work and was a super light read but was extremely helpful and challenging.

Encouraging to see his theology nearly identical to that of scripture which definitely strengthens my faith in early church orthodoxy, but honestly his views on Episcopal structure and church government got me questioning a lot

He says crazy things about the authority of Bishops in this and I don’t know if I can take it all to be culturally specific. Raises questions and honestly just sadness about how divided the church is today. I mean bro literally said you’re not taking communion if you’re taking it apart from the bishop and the local body. What does that say about our theology of communion?

Got me thinking a lot and put me on a road of reading the church fathers which I can’t thank him enough for. You’re lit Ignatius sorry you got torn apart by wild beasts in the coliseum

[James MacInnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful testimony from St Ignatius, a direct disciple of St John. Martyred in c.110AD for refusing to renounce Christ.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The importance of study of the early church fathers cannot be understated, particularly one who studied under the Apostles. A fantastic read, and fantastic as a guide for spiritual advisement. Though addressed to many different early churches, a reader can take much from the universal, inspired message of St Ignatius.

[Noah Quance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet. As St. ignatius awaits his martyrdom he writes letters to 7 churches. Each letter clearly shows what Ignatius most strongly believed. This information is such a blessing to have for us 2000 years after these events, giving us a better understanding of the Christian message and how the early Christians worshipped and lived. Though not scripture, these letters give great insight and context in what New Testament scripture really taught. This is so, considering St. Ignatius was a direct disciple of the apostles John, Paul, and Peter. In the epistles Ignatius emphasized church unity, submission to church leadership, falseness of docetism, warning against division, prayers of the church, and the real flesh and blood in the Eucharist. He also gives strong warning of those who try to enforce Judaism on the early Christians.

[Sam Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignatius’ epistles must, in all seriousness, be essential reading for the educated Christian.

As an apostolic father (meaning he was trained directly by an apostle, in this case, John), his work is lended credence, meaning the Church should seriously consider Ignatius’ statements for Church wisdom.

In Ignatius’ seven epistles, there are four consistent through lines:
1: The structure of the Church. Bishop > Presbytery > Deacons.
2. The entire gospel (reads similarly to Nicene Creed).
3. Submission to Church Authority.
4. Fear of God over Fear of man.

I highly recommend this read, especially Ignatius’ epistle to Polycarp. It nearly drew me to tears through its honest beauty.

[Abduco Chimpo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The notes written by Ignatius are nothing short of inspiring. The letters presented in this book gives historical context for the time, and I found myself enjoying the letter to the Roman’s the most. Despite Ignatious not writing directly to the reader, you still feel like his message applies to all that truely seek christ. It has definitely helped in my perspective, and I hope the same in all that read this too.

I am eager to read more of his texts as I see how he may have helped many spiritually.

[EP · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Let not those that seem to be plausible and yet teach strange doctrine dismay thee. Stand thou firm, as an anvil when it is smitten. It is the part of a great athlete to receive blows and be victorious. But especially must we for God's sake endure all things, that He also may endure us.”

“For what profit is it [to me], if a man praises me, but blasphemes my Lord, not confessing that He was a bearer of flesh?”

[Jackson Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful on what the early Christians believed, and really affirms Catholic doctrinal teachings. Anyone Catholic should read this to strengthen their faith. Anyone protestant should read this, because it shows where there religions may be lacking in areas, and may help point them to the full truth found only in Catholicism.

[Justin Howser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. A lens into early Christianity. This is the church right after Christ founded it and gives insight to structure, theology, and more! Amazing read and great translation for such an old text!

[Sean Brenon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very difficult to rate. There’s really not much here. But, if nothing else, it’s interesting as a window into the concerns of the earliest era of the post-apostolic Church.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Catholic is very incredibly to see that the disciple of John himself was teaching Catholic things. I’m very excited to keep reading all the fathers of the church