Letters of Ignatius of Antioch

About this text

Seven letters written by Ignatius while being taken to Rome for execution. Passionate, intense writings about church unity, the Eucharist, and his eagerness for martyrdom.

Significance

Among the most important early church documents. Shows the development of church structure and theology.

Key excerpts

"I am God's wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread of Christ."

"Where Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic church."

Scripture cross-references

• Philippians 1:21 — "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" — Ignatius' eagerness for martyrdom echoes Paul
• John 6:35 — "I am the bread of life" — Ignatius' wheat/bread metaphor

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This text is one of 19 in the Early Christian Writings (Non-Canonical) category, and one of 62 across the entire library.