Regarding Ignatius of Antioch and the deity of Christ...?

Question

Is it reasonable to conclude that an actual disciple of the apostle John would be in contradiction with his mentor's view on the deity of Christ ?

Ignatius' GENUINE writings indicate he believed that Christ was God.

Where did he get his doctrine from ? John, perhaps ? Are Ignatius' writings extra-biblical proof that John did indeed believe that Jesus Christ was God incarnate ?

http://www.ondoctrine.com/2jwh0003.htm

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Josie -

Interesting reply.

Are you quoting from the genuine or spurious epistles of Ignatius, and can you supply scholarly evidence to back up your claim, please ? Perhaps a web link ?

Thanks for your reply.

Josie -

Ignatius' comments in his letter to the Smyrnaeans (and also to the Philadelphians) regarding the Eucharist may be somewhat mystical in tone, but they hardly constitute a doctrinal statement affirming the validity of transubstantiation.

"..to have but one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to (show forth) the unity of His blood" - Epistle to the Philadelphians.

Judge for yourself.

In regard to the use of the term "catholic" -

I'm sure that you are aware that the basic meaning of the word is "universal". In the context of church matters, it pertains to the one, universal church of blood-bought believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, Rome in her customary arrogance hi-jacked the term and it is now (more often than not) associated with the many errors of the apostate Roman "church". This was NOT the context in which Ignatius used the word, the Roman Catholic church proper not being formed until centuries later.

So, Josie, to my original point.

What are your thoughts concerning that ?

Answer 1

Ignatius of Antioch often spoke of "our God, Jesus Christ".

A few years ago they discovered in Megiddo, the oldest Christian church dating back to the 2nd century. There they found a mosaic dedication that reads, "dedicated to the God Jesus Christ". This belief was confirmed by the 2nd century writings of Ignatius as well as Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenius and Clement of Alexandria.

Perhaps they missed the memo from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Archeology and early writings are providing more evidence that the trinity is a teaching dating back to the lifetime of the apostle John.

Answer 2

Ignatius also believed that the Eucharist is the literal Body, and Blood of Jesus, and praying for the dead, he also stated wherever a Jesus is there is the Catholic Church. Do you agree with him on that?

Eucharist:

"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. . . . They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes" (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6:2–7:1 [A.D. 110]).

Wherever Jesus is there is the Catholic Church:

"Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains [i.e., a presbyter]. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

JUST CHECK THE LETTER YOURSELF: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-hoole.html

and it's the Letter to the Smyrnaeans so it's not spurious.

I can't find the one for praying for the dead I think I mistaken him with Polycarp on that one.

Answer 3

That is interesting because Antioch was where believers were first called Christian and it's where the Textus Receptus, the source for the King James bible, came from.

Seems like only good comes out of Antioch.

Answer 4

The Apostolic Period would find Bible Alone strange
Ig of Antioch is evidence of the right (Nicene) interpetation of the Gospel of John. "The Word was GOD"