People

Ignatius of Antioch

c. 35–c. 108 · Bishop and martyr

Let me be food for the wild beasts, through whom I can reach God.

Life

Bishop of Antioch, arrested under Trajan and taken to Rome to die in the arena. On the way he wrote seven letters to churches.

Why it matters

His letters are a window on the church a generation after the apostles: the deity and true humanity of Christ, the unity of the church, joy in martyrdom.

Works

• Letters to the Ephesians, Romans, Smyrnaeans and others (c. 107)