The writings of the Apostolic FathersClement I, Pope
General
The writings of the Apostolic Fathers
Clement I, Pope
Apostolic Fathers; Christian literature, Early
The following passage is not found in this epistle in the Greek
recensions, but forms, in substance, chaps. iv. and v. of the Epistle
to the Trallians. Diverse views are held by critics as to its proper
place, according to the degree of authority they ascribe to the Syriac
version. Cureton maintains that this passage has been transferred by
the forger of the Epistle to the Trallians, “to give a fair colour to
the fabrication by introducing a part of the genuine writing of
Ignatius;” while Hefele asserts that it is bound by the “closest
connection” to the preceding chapter in the Epistle to the Trallians.
Footnote 1426:
Or, as in the Greek, “Fare ye well, to the end.”
THE MARTYRDOM OF IGNATIUS.
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
The following account of the martyrdom of Ignatius professes, in several
passages, to have been written by those who accompanied him on his
voyage to Rome, and were present on the occasion of his death (chaps. v.
vi. vii.). And if the genuineness of this narrative, as well as of the
Ignatian epistles, be admitted, there can be little doubt that the
persons in question were Philo and Agathopus, with Crocus perhaps, all
of whom are mentioned by Ignatius (_Epist. to Smyr._ chap. x.; _to
Philad._ chap. xi.; _to Rom._ chap. x.) as having attended him on that
journey to Rome which resulted in his martyrdom. But doubts have been
started by Daillé and others as to the date and authorship of this
account. Some of these rest upon internal considerations, but the
weightiest objection is found in the fact that no reference to this
narrative is to be traced during the first six centuries of our era.
This is certainly a very suspicious circumstance, and may well give rise
to some hesitation in ascribing the authorship to the immediate
companions and friends of Ignatius. On the other hand, however, this
account of the death of Ignatius is in perfect harmony with the
particulars recounted by Eusebius and Chrysostom regarding him. Its
comparative simplicity, too, is greatly in its favour. It makes no
reference to the legends which by and by connected themselves with the
name of Ignatius. As is well known, he came in course of time to be
identified with the child whom Christ (Matt. xviii. 2) set before His
disciples as a pattern of humility. It was said that the Saviour took
him up in His arms, and that hence Ignatius derived his name of
_Theophorus_; that is, according to the explanation which this legend
gives of the word, _one carried by God_. But in chap. ii. of the
following narrative we find the term explained to mean, “one who has
Christ in his breast;” and this simple explanation, with the entire
silence preserved as to the marvels afterwards connected with the name
of Ignatius, is certainly a strong argument in favour of the early date
and probable genuineness of the account. Some critics, such as Usher and
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account