c. AD 35 – c. 107
Ignatius of Antioch
His seven authentic letters, written while under guard on the way to execution, are the earliest clear witness to bishops, presbyters and deacons as distinct ministries.
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- Location
- Antioch in Syria; martyred at Rome
- Role
- Bishop of Antioch; Apostolic Father and martyr
- Major writings
- Letters to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans and to Polycarp
- Teachings
- Unity of the local church around its bishop
- The Eucharist as the true flesh of Christ
- Connection to apostolic Christianity
- Ancient tradition connects him with the circle of the apostles; his letters presuppose structures he treats as already established.
Quotations with references
“Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; even as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”
Sources and References
- Letters of Ignatiusnewadvent.org