IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH & POLYCARP OF SMYRNA 1ST EDITION PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Kenneth J Howell | --- | --- | --- | 9781617508219 | --- | --- St. Polycarp Of Smyrna | The Wanderer Newspaper Traveling the few remaining miles to the Aegean coast, the company rested at Smyrna for a time. The captive bishop found many close friends in the church, including the bishop, Polycarp. There, Christian delegates from Ephesus visited him, along with those from Magnesia and Tralles, near Ephesus. So Ignatius wrote to these cities before traveling north to Troas, where an Ephesian brother who had joined the group took dictation for two more letters, to Philadelphia and Smyrna. Ignatius then sailed from Troas, as Paul had done earlier, landing at Neapolis and then moving ten miles inland to Philippi, where Christians assisted him before he traveled across northern Greece on his way to a willing martyrdom in Rome. Scholars accept seven fairly long letters of Ignatius, which otherwise show him an intelligent person totally dedicated to the Christian cause. Why, then, was he so for martyrdom? He does not even discuss the possibility that the faithful saints will perpetuate the church on earth. If that had been a real option, then Ignatius should have hoped for continued life to extend Christianity further. Instead, he thought that his best choice was death for Christ, which exactly fits the apostolic prophecies. Obedience to the priesthood is the last hope of the faithful, according to Ignatius, but he stresses that he is only giving advice. He asks the churches to send delegates to his own church in Antioch, left bishopless without him. The churches on his way also send their delegates to visit him. There is no central direction, only grass-roots cooperation. It seems an interim organization, a temporary adjustment. It is obvious from his warnings that he fears the worst. In a way, he did. See 1 Jn. As an aged man, he visited Rome and differed with the Roman bishop on the proper date to celebrate Easter; the two parted peaceably by agreeing to disagree. Marcion, a leading Gnostic at that time, was excommunicated at Rome, where he radically revised both the scriptures and their interpretation. The only preserved writing of Polycarp is his letter to the Philippians, sent shortly after they had assisted Ignatius on his route to Rome and execution. He evidently is saying, as Ignatius had very shortly before, that he is not an apostle and therefore cannot exercise his authority beyond the local sphere of his bishopric. Some scholars use Polycarp to prove doctrinal continuity from the apostles to the second century; but since he claims no apostolic authority, he is far more a question mark than a proof. Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp present a united picture of three great bishops dedicated to morality, seasoned in love, and vigorously alert against factions. But they all notably lack the quality that enabled the apostles to establish the church and teach the world by the vitality of their writings. This dynamic quality is revelation, manifesting itself in the dramatic new programs that swept Christianity through the ancient world. These are quoters of apostles, not apostles and prophets themselves. All communication has a context in which it is expressed, and the closing books of the New Testament disclose conditions and concepts that dominated the apostolic bishops. Obviously John had been imprisoned or was otherwise unavailable when these bishops struggled against factions in the cities of Greece and Asia, but they could not be unaware of his plain teachings. In fact, he was only the last of many prophets who foresaw total apostasy, and the writings of the earliest Christian bishops reveal events that brought about fulfillment of that prophecy. The Shepherd, an apocalypse named after the angel appearing as a shepherd. Stresses the need for righteousness in the face of apostasy and emphasizes baptism for the living—and for the dead. Presents Christ as second God, Christianity as lawful; discloses early doctrines and worship. Opposes Gnostic rationalizations of Christ; an independent bishop and leading theologian of his time. Opposes popular paganism but heavily utilizes Greek philosophy to explain Christian theology. Criticizes pagan and Christian society; left church and supported groups seeking primitive purity and gifts. Concerning First Principles plus enormous apologetic and doctrinal output. Most influential theologian of his day, though not a priest or bishop; author of first systematic theology, heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. Attempts to show apostolic continuity, giving invaluable quotations from early pre-Nicene literature. August To a Daughter Dawn Baker Brimley. Bruce R. Griffin and Victor B. How can I deal with the loneliness and isolation I feel as a widow? Ione J. Should we spend time discussing speculative matters? Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Other editions. Enlarge cover. Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Details if other :. Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. Howell ,. Ignatius of Antioch ,. Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna were two of the greatest leaders of Christianity in the first half of the second century. Both suffered martyrdom: Ignatius in Rome during the reign of Trajan, and Polycarp in Smyrna some time in the mid-century. The letters of Ignatius advance the teachings of Christ and the apostles on such important subjects as church unity, Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna were two of the greatest leaders of Christianity in the first half of the second century. The letters of Ignatius advance the teachings of Christ and the apostles on such important subjects as church unity, the Eucharist, and the governmental structure of the church. The Martyrdom of Polycarp represents one of the earliest and most inspiring accounts of a Christian martyr that we possess. Their combined writings provide a unique window on the faith, life and practice of Christians in the second century. Careful reading of these writings demonstrates the unique place that the early fathers of the church hold in establishing the foundations of historic Christianity. Their relevance for contemporary ecumenical discussions is beyond dispute. Get A Copy. Paperback , pages. More Details Original Title. Other Editions 1. Friend Reviews. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Community Reviews. Showing Average rating 3. Rating details. More filters. Sort order. Mar 24, Genni rated it really liked it Shelves: religion. Ignatius draws heavily on the genius of Paul. So much so that at times it seems to be almost a paraphrase. Not that I Blame him, but to the casual reader, they may dismiss his writings as irrelevant, seeming so similar. In reading carefully though, it seems to this amateur reader that there are a couple of focuses in Ignatius that differentiate him from Paul. The first is a fascinating focus on the bishops and the presbytery. Ignatius is almost constantly exhorting the church to obey the bishop Ignatius draws heavily on the genius of Paul. Ignatius is almost constantly exhorting the church to obey the bishop and clergy. The reason this is so interesting to me is because I grew up in an evangelical home. To read this writing that dates years after Jerusalem fell, it strikes me that there is a heavy focus on church hierarchy, as is found in the Catholic church. What does this assumed position mean, so close after the NT writings? The second focus is an almost obsession with martyrdom. Ignatius would probably say that I am reading him incorrectly and that his focus is on gaining Jesus Christ. Although Paul was certainly willing to die, and did, Paul's maryrdom talk is mostly metaphorical for the "death" he experiences in this life. Ignatius is intense in his talk about physically going to Rome to die. Almost as though he were talking himself into it. The entire letter to the Romans is occupied thus. Other than these, one thing that occurred to me was a curious lack of references to the "end times". Seriously, there was almost nothing. I found one and it went as follows: "So, since I have seen the entire congregation in the aforementioned persons, I exhort you to be diligent to practice everything in harmony with God, as the bishop leads in the place of God and the presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles and of the deacons-those sweetest to me-who have been entrusted with the service of Jesus Christ who was with the Father before all ages and has appeared at the end [of the world]. For Ignatius, The end of the world, or ages, was when Christ came, past tense. Something to file away for future reference concerning preterism. Concerning this specific edition, Kenneth Howell provides a few short essays at the beginning on the book that are useful in providing context for the letters. For anyine interested in the early church fathers and their view of Scriptures. Oct 17, Mina rated it it was ok. Ignatius and St. Polycarp's writings are truly important to the understanding of early Christianity. It is sad however, that the author took every chance he got at proclaiming the supremacy of the Roman Catholic Church in his commentaries. Bauer--Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna It was made up of the seven letters written by Ignatius whilst on his way to Rome; These letters were addressed to the Christians. We find these seven mentioned not only by Eusebius "Hist. Jerome De viris illust. Of later collections of Ignatian letters which have been preserved, the oldest is known as the "long recension".