In the time of the Emperor Trajan the leader of the churches in Syria was a man called Ignatius. He was called the bishop of Antioch and would become one of the Apostolic Fathers. This article traces his final journey as he inspired the church, faced martyrdom head on and through his letters and life left a lasting legacy.
The exact date is disputed but this occurred sometime between 107-117AD but probably nearer the end of that time. At this point the church in Syria had grown large and was experiencing persecution. This resulted in the leader of the church of Antioch, Ignatius, being arrested by the Romans. Instead of being executed Ignatius would be sent to Rome. The events aren’t clear but like Paul he may have been a Roman citizen. When Pliny was dealing with Christians, if they were Roman citizen’s, he would arrange for them to be sent to Rome to stand trial.
Now it was clear that in Rome Ignatius would be found guilty and executed. In fact Ignatius’ own expectation was that he would be face wild animals in the arena. This suggests that other Christians had already been condemned to death in the Colosseum. We know of two recent martyrs in Ignatius’ time, Zosimus and Rufus, who are mentioned by Polycarp in his letter to the Philippians. Like these Ignatius expected to be martyred publicly for his faith and even desired it. He viewed it that as he had spent his life serving Jesus, now his death would bring greater glory to God and boldness to others.
On his way to Rome Ignatius passed through Asia Minor and Macedonia and was able to see many of the believers there. One could almost say it became a farewell tour which was used to encourage Christians across the empire. On his journey he wrote several letters to the churches encouraging them in the faith and affirming key doctrines. His main concerns were threefold. Firstly he promoted the unity of the church which was to be seen in submission to the bishop. Ignatius was a firm believer in the church structure of a bishop overseeing the elders. Secondly he sought to combat Docetism. Docetism was the belief that Jesus wasn’t fully man but only seemed to be human. Thus Ignatius set about affirming the key doctrines of Christianity especially the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasised the historical Jesus and used the sacrament of Holy Communion to further demonstrate the humanity of Jesus. Thirdly Ignatius argued for the separation of Judaism and Christianity. At this point the Synagogue had rejected Christians yet there were those in the church trying to bring Christians under Jewish law. Ignatius taught that they were disciples of Christ and were not to Judaize.
Ignatius’ journey started from Antioch in Syria. He travelled by both land and sea and was guarded by ten soldiers. Traveling with Ignatius was Rheus Agathopus who followed him from Antioch despite the risk to his life. By associating with a condemned criminal there was the danger that Rheus too might be punished. The first stop was Tarsus in Cilicia. It was here the church there sent Philo a deacon to accompany Ignatius. Philo was sent to support Ignatius on his journey and also served as a representative of the church of Cilicia. From Tarsus Ignatius was taken through the province of Galatia to Philadelphia.
When Ignatius came to Philadelphia he was allowed to speak to the church there. As part of his sermon he spoke of the importance of being united with the bishop and elders. Ignatius was unaware of the recent divisions and his message struck a chord with his hearers. Whilst there He also encountered Jewish influences. Some there were only accepting what was taught from the Old Testament and were disputing the writings of the New. In spite of this Ignatius was mostly well received although we learn some of his companions were dishonoured. From Philadelphia he was then taken to Smyrna.
Now word had gotten out about Ignatius and many churches, from many cities, sought to meet him along the way. When the Ephesian church heard, Onesimus the bishop, along with many of his congregation, travelled ahead of him to Smyrna to see him. In addition to the Ephesians, representatives from the church of Magnesia and Tralles also came to Smyrna. The delegation from Magnesia consisted of the young bishop Damas who was accompanied by the elders Bassus and Apollonius and the deacon Sotio. From Tralles came Polybius the bishop of Tralles. Tralles was a young church but Ignatius greatly respected Polybius.
When Ignatius arrived in Smyrna, he was greeted by church there and received by Polycarp the bishop of Smyrna. The church of Smyrna received Ignatius and his travelling companions seeing to all their needs. During this time Ignatius met the representatives of the churches and in turn ministered to them. Ignatius was able to boldly preach the gospel and greatly encourage all those who came to hear him speak.
Before leaving Smyrna Ignatius wrote letters to the church of Ephesus, Magnesia and Tralles. These letters consisted of thanksgiving along with encouragements and exhortations to the churches. In particular he was greatly stirred up and encouraged by the Ephesians.
Ignatius also wrote a letter to the Romans which was to be sent to them ahead of his coming. This letter was rather different in that he was yet to see them. His main concern was that they wouldn’t attempt to intervene on his behalf with regards to his sentence. Ignatius was ready to die for his faith and looked forward to finishing his race and being united with Christ. Such was his desire to be a martyr that he was concerned that should the Church of Rome intercede for him he might be released. He therefore writes to them asking for their support, and that he would be allowed to receive the crown of martyrdom and follow in the footsteps of Christ and his Apostles. What’s interesting to note is that whereas the bishops of all the other churches Ignatius writes to are named, the bishop of Rome is not. In fact there are no personal names mentioned implying that he knew only of the Roman church by its reputation.
During his time in Smyrna Ignatius was greatly encouraged by the churches and all those who had come to hear him and offer support. Ignatius had great respect for the churches of Ephesus and Smyrna, and in particular for Polycarp the bishop of Smyrna. When it was time for Ignatius to depart the church appointed Burhhus the deacon, as well as Crocus, who they sent to travel with Ignatius in order to assist him. From Smyrna Ignatius was then taken to Troas.
Whilst in Troas Ignatius was received by the church there and took the opportunity to write to the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna who had received him along the way. In addition to this he also wrote a personal letter to Polycarp. Now around this time he had received good news from Syria. Since his departure the persecution had ceased. The church of Antioch was now at peace. Knowing the circumstances of which he was taken from them, he was greatly concerned for his flock and for their wellbeing. Part of his letters to Smyrna and Philadelphia, was a request that they would send representatives from the churches to go to Syria. Chiefly he entrusts this to Polycarp who he also asks to send letters ahead of him to the churches that he will pass on the way to Rome.
From Troas Ignatius would sail to Neapolis and from there onto Philippi. Whilst in Philippi the church there also assisted Ignatius possibly having received letters from Polycarp. After leaving Philippi Ignatius was taken on to Rome although the events are not recorded. In Rome he was likely visited by those of the church before then standing trial. According to transition Ignatius was martyred for his faith in Rome even as he expected and desired. His journey and his martyrdom served to inspire Christians for years to come with his 7 letters preserved and widely circulated. Ignatius would become known as one of the Apostolic Fathers and an integral link between the era of the Apostles and the earliest days of the church.