Ignatius of Antioch and his Letter to the Magnesians Ignatius of Antioch was a key figure in the development and defending of orthodox thought in the beginnings of Christianity. Sentenced to death for his Christian beliefs, Ignatius wrote seven letters on his way to Rome to be put to death. These seven letters offered encouragement, instruction, and inspiration to the new Christians in communities he passed through. In his “Letter to the Magnesians”, specifically chapters eight and nine, Ignatius warns of the dangers of false doctrines and fables, but also encourages the people on their Christian journey. Chapter eight opens with a warning to the Magnesian people. Using powerful language, he very clearly sets out limits for his audience.
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He seems to not be able to fathom living without these beliefs. He uses the rhetorical question to encourage the Magnesians. Once again, Ignatius includes himself with his audience. It is almost as if he is writing to himself as well. Beginning in verse two, Ignatius turns from warning the Magnesians into encouraging them on their Christian journey. He lays out the law and reminds the of their goals, but then also reminds them of how great the journey is. He then relates the Magnesians to the prophets themselves. He tells them of how even the prophets had to be patient. He says, “seeing that even the prophets, being His disciples, were expecting Him as their teacher through the Spirit” (Ignatius 9:2). He praises the disciples and the prophets patience and encourages the Magnesians to do the same. He then invigorates by telling the people of the benefits of waiting ad listening for Jesus Christ. Ignatius writes, “And for this cause He whom they rightly awaited, when He came, raised them from the dead” (Ignatius 9:2). He is asking the Magnesian people to emulate the disciples because if they do, Christ will have metaphorically raised them from the dead. Ignatius, in this verse, seems to create a division between himself and the disciples. He is careful not to elevate himself above the people he is writing. Although he does not declare himself a disciple, he encourages the Magnesians to live more like them. He is asking for divine inspiration, so that they too can accept Christ as their
He seems to not be able to fathom living without these beliefs. He uses the rhetorical question to encourage the Magnesians. Once again, Ignatius includes himself with his audience. It is almost as if he is writing to himself as well. Beginning in verse two, Ignatius turns from warning the Magnesians into encouraging them on their Christian journey. He lays out the law and reminds the of their goals, but then also reminds them of how great the journey is. He then relates the Magnesians to the prophets themselves. He tells them of how even the prophets had to be patient. He says, “seeing that even the prophets, being His disciples, were expecting Him as their teacher through the Spirit” (Ignatius 9:2). He praises the disciples and the prophets patience and encourages the Magnesians to do the same. He then invigorates by telling the people of the benefits of waiting ad listening for Jesus Christ. Ignatius writes, “And for this cause He whom they rightly awaited, when He came, raised them from the dead” (Ignatius 9:2). He is asking the Magnesian people to emulate the disciples because if they do, Christ will have metaphorically raised them from the dead. Ignatius, in this verse, seems to create a division between himself and the disciples. He is careful not to elevate himself above the people he is writing. Although he does not declare himself a disciple, he encourages the Magnesians to live more like them. He is asking for divine inspiration, so that they too can accept Christ as their