I spent a good part of my limited scholarly career studying the letters of Ignatius, the Bishop of Antioch in Syria at the beginning of the second century. His seven letters were written around 107 as he was being transported by soldiers to Rome where he was martyred.

Ignatius gives us a glimpse of early Christianity from the point of view of a Gentile convert who rose to lead one of the most important Christian communities. He argued that Christians worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) rather than Saturday. He made it clear that churches were led by Bishops, Elders, and Deacons. He defended the reality of Christ’s sufferings as opposed to those who thought Christ only “appeared” to suffer. He insisted that Eucharist was the body and blood of Christ. Sometimes Ignatius seems to be over enthusiastic such as when he dwells on what it will be like to be fed to the wild animals or when he demands people obey their bishop.

I am intrigued by these memories of early Christians preserved across the centuries. Most Christians sadly have little knowledge of them. That’s a loss. We lose sight of those brothers and sisters in the faith who made great sacrifices for their Lord. I am grateful for the many witness who have shared the faith across 2,000 years and am challenged to do my part to see that it is passed on to the generations yet to come. May we be inspired by those who gave their lives to spread the Gospel.

Read 2 Timothy 1:8-10 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne