Seven Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch
According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, the seven epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch are considered authentic and are highly valued as a link to the early Church and its apostolic traditions. These letters are to the churches of Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna, along with a final letter to Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna. They contain early Christian theology on the Eucharist, church hierarchy, and unity, and are a crucial part of the Apostolic Fathers' writings.
Authenticity: The seven letters are considered genuine by the Orthodox Church. Other letters attributed to St. Ignatius are considered forgeries.
Content: The letters emphasize themes such as: The Eucharist and its central role in Christian life.
The importance of church unity and obedience to bishops.
The nature of martyrdom and fidelity to Christ.
The developing structure of the church hierarchy, with the bishop at its head.
Historical Context: The letters were written around 106-107 AD while St. Ignatius was being transported to Rome to be martyred.
Significance: As a direct disciple of the apostles, St. Ignatius's letters provide invaluable insight into the faith, traditions, and teachings of the very early Church
Title - Thesis | Scroll | Short Description | Synthesis 2nd Temple | Antithesis | Synthesis Apostolic | Synthesis Amoraim | Continent Origin | Southern Worldview | Northern Worldview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seven Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch | Scroll 113 | Eucharist and Hierarchy | Ignatius the God-bearer | Epistolḗ Pros Polykarpon, Ephesious, etc | Martyrology | NA | Asia | Epistle | Epistle |
Category Reference Guide
Title/Thesis - The name of the book in American English
Synthesis 2nd Temple - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from 2nd temple Judaism up to the 1st century
Antithesis - The name of the book in another language
Synthesis Apostolic - The identity of the book in order of its presentation according to Tradition in the church after the 3rd century
Synthesis Amoraim - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from Tannaim up to the 5th century
Continent Origin - Continent from where the Text Type Source comes from
Southern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. South means Africa or Egypt (Alexandrian) such as LXX. South of Palestine.
Northern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. North means Asia or Persia (Babylonian) such as Masoretic. North of Palestine.
Here are additional resources for those who want to continue learning and exploring:
Link to some reference to an explanation of the Eucharist as understood by Council of Jerusalem 1672 as contrasted against the (Reformed) Westminster Confession of Faith