Ignatius of Antioch
Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch and one of the Apostolic Fathers — those who knew or were taught by the apostles directly. Arrested during Trajan's persecution and transported to Rome for execution, he wrote seven letters to churches along his journey. These letters are among the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament and are invaluable for understanding the post-apostolic church. His letters address Christ's full humanity and divinity against early docetism, the unity of the church around the bishop, the Eucharist, and his longing for martyrdom as union with Christ.
On Christ: Fully God and Fully Man
There is one Physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh; true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first passible and then impassible — even Jesus Christ our Lord.
Epistle to the Ephesians, 7.2 (ANF 1) (John 1:14; Phil. 2:6–8)
He is truly of the race of David according to the flesh, and the Son of God according to the will and power of God; truly born of a virgin, was baptized by John, in order that all righteousness might be fulfilled by Him; and was truly, under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch, nailed to the cross for us in His flesh.
Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, 1.1–2 (ANF 1) (Rom. 1:3–4; Matt. 3:15)
For our God, Jesus Christ, was, according to the appointment of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost.
Epistle to the Ephesians, 18.1 (ANF 1) (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35)
On the Church and Unity
Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude of the people also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.
Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, 8.2 (ANF 1) (Matt. 18:20; Eph. 4:4–6)
Be not deceived, my brethren: if any one follows him that makes a schism in the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If any one walks according to a strange opinion, he agrees not with the passion [of Christ].
Epistle to the Philadelphians, 3.3 (ANF 1) (1 Cor. 1:10; John 17:21)
I have found refuge in the Gospel as in the flesh of Jesus, and in the Apostles as in the presbytery of the Church. And let us also love the prophets, because they too have proclaimed the Gospel, and placed their hope in Him, and waited for Him; in whom also believing, they were saved.
Epistle to the Philadelphians, 5.1–2 (ANF 1) (John 5:46; Heb. 11:13)
On the Eucharist
They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again.
Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, 6.2 (ANF 1) (John 6:53–56; 1 Cor. 11:26)
Make certain, therefore, that you all observe one common Eucharist; for there is but one Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and but one cup of union with His Blood, and one single altar of sacrifice — even as there is but one bishop.
Epistle to the Philadelphians, 4.1 (ANF 1) (1 Cor. 10:16–17)
On Martyrdom
I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.
Epistle to the Romans, 4.1 (ANF 1) (Rom. 8:36; Phil. 1:21)
Suffer me to be eaten by the beasts, through whom I can attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of God...I long after the Lord, the Son of the true God and Father, Jesus Christ.
Epistle to the Romans, 4.1–2 (ANF 1) (2 Tim. 4:6; Phil. 3:10–11)