Ignatius' letter to the Magnesians
The letter of Ignatius to the Magnesians is a reminder and encyclicals of the Apostolic Father Ignatius of Antioch to the Church in Magnesia on the Meander . He probably wrote it in the first decade of the 2nd century in the city of Smyrna in Asia Minor (cf. Chapter 15).
occasion
In the first chapter of the letter, Ignatius himself describes the reason for his letter:
Since I learned of your love that was well ordered in God, I joyfully resolved to address a few words to you in faith in Jesus Christ. Since I have been honored by the name most pleasing to God, I praise the churches in the chains that I wear and wish them unity with the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, our everlasting life, the unity of faith and love, through them nothing works, and more importantly, unity with Jesus and the Father. For if in him we endure and avoid all the arrogance of the prince of this world, we will partake of God. (Chap. 1)
As can be seen from the entire letter, there were other specific reasons. For example, the disagreements in the congregation about its structure and leadership, as well as the widespread disobedience to the ministers to whom Ignatius ascribes authority and dignity.
Structure of the letter
- introduction
- Chapter 1 - Induction for this letter
- 2nd chap. - Joy of the Magnesians' emissaries
- 3rd chap. - Respect for the young bishop
- 4th chap. - It is not right to disregard the bishop
- 5th chap. - Death and life are presented to us
- 6. Chap. - Reminder to unity
- 7th chap. - Remain in unity with the bishop!
- 8. Chap. - Beware of false teachings!
- 9. Chap. - Life in Christ guarantees resurrection, following the example of the prophets
- 10. Chapter - Warning against Judaism
- 11. Chapter These words are not intended to strike the guilty party, but rather warn everyone to be careful
- 12. Chap. - Praise the Magnesians
- 13. Chap. - Repeated admonition for firm belief and a unified life
- 14th chap. - Ignatius asks for prayer for himself and for the Church in Syria
- 15. Chap. - Greetings and that's it
content
In the letter, Ignatius particularly emphasizes the role of the bishop and the importance of the episcopate. So he describes z. B. the bishop as the person who presides over the congregation in place of God (cf. 6, 1), but also attaches importance to other offices: the presbyters , who take the place of the apostolic college , and the deacons , who take the place Exercise their office of Christ (cf. 6, 1). Since some parishioners refused to submit to the bishop of the Church of Magnesia , Damas (2), and would do everything without him (4), Ignatius repeatedly called for obedience and loyalty to him. Conversely, he praises some presbyters and deacons who are subject to the bishop (cf. 2). Furthermore, Ignatius urges the unity of the church (cf. 6) and with the bishop and presbyters, without whom they should do nothing (7, 1). In addition to weighty words about ecclesiastical offices, Ignatius warns against false doctrines and calls for them to be combated. At the end of the letter, Ignatius asks for prayer for himself and the Church in Syria and in the closing greetings also mentions Polycarp , who was bishop of Smyrna in his day .