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Like Clement of Rome, another church father many are unfamiliar with is Ignatius. He was born shortly after Clement, a few years after Christ’s death and resurrection, into a pagan family and raised in a non-Christian home. In some ways Ignatius’ life mirrors that of the Apostle Paul. He set himself against Christianity early in age and even persecuted the church of Jesus Christ. God was merciful to Ignatius, just as He was with Paul, saving him and calling him to serve Him in ministry.
Ignatius was believed to be one of John’s disciples. He became the second pastor of the famous church in Antioch which was responsible for commissioning Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:3), who were used by God to advance God’s kingdom to the Gentiles.
While the church in Antioch made a huge impact for the cause of Christ in the first century, the city as a whole was still wicked. Ignatius faithfully labored there, tirelessly and boldly, until he was removed. He, like Clement in Rome, would suffer under the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan. When Trajan passed through Antioch he summoned Ignatius and pressured him to blaspheme the name of Christ, threatening his life if he refused. Ignatius stood strong. Trajan had Ignatius bound and sent to Rome.
En route to Rome Ignatius continued his ministry, writing letters to the churches in Ephesus, Philadelphia, Smyrna, and Rome. The majority of what we do know about this early church father comes from these letters that still exist today. Ignatius is also mentioned by other Apostolic Fathers in the early church. Polycarp, Irenaeus, and Origen all refer to him in their letters. In their writings we learn that Ignatius was influential in the lives of men like Polycarp. He discipled him and encouraged him to stand strong in the faith, which Polycarp did. Polycarp ministered faithfully into his 80s until he was arrested and put to death.
Ignatius’ letters reveal that he, like Clement, knew his Bible. He had a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the writings of Paul in which
Paul defended the deity and humanity of Jesus, human depravity, and salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ alone. He died a martyr’s death in Rome, circa 110 A.D.
There are a few lessons to be learned from the life of Ignatius. One is the importance of remaining faithful, regardless of life’s circumstances. Ignatius faithfully labored in a wicked city and continued to instruct, encourage, and correct while traveling to Rome to be killed. He did not allow the difficulties in life to stop him from faithfully serving the Lord. May that be said of us.
Like many of the early church fathers, Ignatius was also a champion for truth, speaking out clearly against heresies like Gnosticism and Docetism. We learn, when studying church history, that there are always false beliefs that threaten the truth claims of Christianity. These false belief systems are to be combatted by God’s people with the truth of God’s Word. It is important that we be students of God’s Word so we may faithfully defend the faith against the heretical beliefs and teachings in our world.
Another lesson learned from Ignatius is the power of disciple-making. During Jesus’ post-resurrection ministry He called for His disciples to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). John, in obedience to Christ, discipled Ignatius; Ignatius discipled Polycarp. All three were faithful and fruitful servants of the Lord Jesus. All three suffered persecution. Both Ignatius and Polycarp laid their lives down for the cause of Christ. Faithful Christ followers are obedient to Christ’s command to make disciple-making disciples of Jesus. Are you being discipled? Are you making disciples?
The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
—2 Timothy 2:2, NIV
Graham Hale
Graham Hale is the Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Jacksonville, TX. and is a Womenary Professor. He earned a B.A. (Political Science) from the University of Arkansas in 2001 and a M.Div. (Missiology) from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in 2006. Graham is currently pursuing a D.Min. (Pastoral Leadership) at Southwestern Theological Seminary.
