Ignatius of Antioch
d. c. 107–110 · Antioch (today Antakya, Turkey) — Rome
Bishop and martyr
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
Bishop of Antioch who, taken under guard to Rome to die, wrote seven letters to the churches on the way.
Why this person matters
His letters are a window into the Church just after the apostles: bishops, presbyters and deacons, the Eucharist at the centre, and the first known use of the expression the Catholic Church.
Arrested in Antioch under the emperor Trajan, he was taken to Rome and martyred there, probably between 107 and 110.
On the journey he wrote to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians and Smyrnaeans, and to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna.
Later tradition says he was a disciple of the apostle John. The sources for this are late, so the link remains uncertain.
Historical context
Antioch was where the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
Key ideas
- Unity around the bishop and the Eucharist
- The reality of Christ's flesh against those who denied it
- Martyrdom as imitation of Christ
Why they still matter
Read today as a key witness to the early structure of the Church and its Eucharistic faith.
Before
- —
Contemporary
- Clement of Romed. c. 99
After
- Justin Martyrc. 100 – c. 165
- Seven letters (Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans, Polycarp)
- Historical context
- Early Christian source
- Tradition
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.