Bishop of Antioch and Apostolic Father • Early Church
Ignatius was an early bishop of Antioch and one of the Apostolic Fathers. While being transported under guard to Rome for execution, he wrote letters to Christian communities and leaders including the churches at Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna, as well as to Polycarp. His writings strongly emphasize the reality of Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection, the unity of the church, faithfulness under persecution, and ordered church leadership.
Related: Polycarp of Smyrna