Quotes from Ignatius of Antioch
I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way... Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God.
- Ignatius of Antioch
I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire.
- Ignatius of Antioch
Even though I be bound in the Name, I have not yet become perfected in Jesus Christ.
- Ignatius of Antioch
A Christian is not his own master, since all his time belongs to God.
- Ignatius of Antioch
For Faith is the beginning and the end is love, and God is the two of them brought into unity. After these comes whatever else makes up a Christian gentleman.
- Ignatius of Antioch
From Syria even to Rome I fight with wild beasts, by land and sea, by night and by day, being bound amidst ten leopards, even a company of soldiers, who only grow worse when they are kindly treated.
- Ignatius of Antioch
You must all follow the lead of the bishop, as Jesus Christ followed that of the Father; follow the presbytery as you would the Apostles; reverence the deacons as you would God's commandment.
- Ignatius of Antioch
Therefore run together as into one temple of God, as to one altar, as to one Jesus Christ, who came forth from one Father, and is with and has gone to one.
- Ignatius of Antioch
I would rather die and come to Jesus Christ than be king over the entire earth. Him I seek who died for us; Him I love who rose again because of us.
- Ignatius of Antioch
Now I begin to be a disciple... Let fire and cross, flocks of beasts, broken bones, dismemberment... come upon me, so long as I attain to Jesus Christ.
- Ignatius of Antioch
There is one Physician, of flesh and of spirit, originate and unoriginate, God in man, true Life in death, son of Mary and son of God, first passible and then impassible: Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Ignatius of Antioch
Let no rank puff up anyone for faith and love are paramount - the greatest blessings in the world.
- Ignatius of Antioch