Ignatius of Antioch
Also: Ignatius Theophorus
Born: the year and the place are not known. Died probably between 105 and 117, probably in Roma (now Rome, Italy).
Bishop of Antioch in Syria. Soldiers took him to Rome to be killed, and on the way he wrote seven letters to churches.
Wrote in Greek. A major author.
Places lived
- 70 to 107Antiochia (now Antakya, Turkey)bishopyears by traditionThe first year is from the Chronicle of Eusebius and is not sure. The last year is his arrest, which can be as late as 117.
Works
7 works, in the order they were written. 7 works can be read here.
- Letter to PolycarpA letter to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, written on his way to death at Rome.1,165 words
- Letter to the EphesiansA letter to the church at Ephesus on unity with the bishop and against false teaching, written on his way to death at Rome.2,685 words
- Letter to the MagnesiansA letter to the church at Magnesia on unity with the bishop and against false teaching, written on his way to death at Rome.1,567 words
- Letter to the PhiladelphiansA letter to the church at Philadelphia, written on his way to death at Rome.1,438 words
- Letter to the RomansA letter that asks the Roman Christians not to save him from death in the arena.1,637 words
- Letter to the SmyrnaeansA letter to the church at Smyrna, written on his way to death at Rome.1,646 words
- Letter to the TralliansA letter to the church at Tralles on unity with the bishop and against false teaching, written on his way to death at Rome.1,393 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not known
- No ancient source gives a year. The date "about 35" in handbooks is a guess.
- Place of birth not known
- No ancient source names a place.
- Died probable
- Eusebius, Chronicle (the tenth year of Trajan, 107/108); Church History 3.36
Most scholars keep the reign of Trajan (98 to 117). Some put the letters as late as 140. - Place of death probable
- Ignatius, Letter to the Romans; Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians 9; Eusebius, Church History 3.36
- Antiochia, years by tradition
- Eusebius, Chronicle and Church History 3.22, 3.36
- Antiochia, place sure
- Eusebius, Chronicle and Church History 3.22, 3.36