Christianity · Saints · 1st–2nd century · Antioch / Rome

Ignatius of Antioch

Theophorus

The bishop of Antioch whose letters, written on his way to be martyred in Rome, are among the earliest witnesses to the structure and faith of the early church.

Life

Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–108), a bishop of the apostolic generation, was condemned and taken under guard to Rome to die in the arena. Along the way he wrote seven letters to churches that are precious sources for early Christianity — urging unity around the bishop, warning against heresy, and expressing his longing to imitate Christ in martyrdom. He was, by tradition, killed by wild beasts in the Colosseum.