Letter from Ignatius to the Philadelphians

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The letter of Ignatius to the Philadelphians is a reminder and encyclicals of the Apostolic Father Ignatius of Antioch to the Church in Philadelphia . He probably wrote it in the first decade of the 2nd century in the city of Troy in Asia Minor (see Chapter 11, 2). The letter is one of the seven letters of Ignatius : these in turn form part of the collection of early Christian writings that bears the name " Apostolic Fathers ".

occasion

The occasion of the letter is primarily the joy of the parishioners, who live in particularly great piety and obey the ministers appointed according to Christ's will (introduction). However, there are far more admonitions and warnings than praise. The admonitions to combat false doctrines and divisions, however, are not to be interpreted in such a way that there were already such abuses in the church: Beware of the bad plants that Jesus Christ does not grow because they are not the Father's planting; not because I found a division in you, but rather I found purification. (3, 1)

Structure of the letter

  • introduction
  • 1st chap. Praise from the bishop.
  • 2nd chap. Warning of division and heresy.
  • 3rd chap. Heresies are poisonous plants.
  • 4th chap. Keep only one Eucharist!
  • 5th chap. Ignatius' love for the Philadelphians; Recognition of the prophets.
  • 6. Chap. Warning against Judaism.
  • 7th chap. I used to urge unity.
  • 8. Chap. The real documents of faith.
  • 9. Chap. The peculiarity of the gospel.
  • 10. Chapter The Philadelphians are to send an embassy to the Church of Antioch.
  • 11. Chapter Ignatius thanks the Philadelphians for the friendly reception of his companions; Regards.

content

General

As in numerous other letters to Ignatius , the words on the role of ministers, especially that of the bishop, are striking . According to Ignatius, the bishop deserves absolute obedience, who was instituted according to Christ's will (introduction). In connection with the admonition to unity and fight against divisions, he only designates those belonging to God who follow the bishop (cf. 3, 2). Consequently, a harmonious and godly life in the church is only possible when / where the bishop works. The words relating to the Eucharist are significant, especially for the Church of today , according to which it should only be carried out in ecclesiastical unity: Make an effort to celebrate only one Eucharist; for it is only one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ and only one cup for union with his blood, only an altar, as only a bishop is in connection with the presbytery and (the) deacons, my fellow servants, that whatever you do , you are doing according to the will of God. (4) In addition to the words on the importance of the episcopate, Ignatius warns against Judaistic teachings (6, 1) and calls for unity and distance from divisions in many different places.

According to CK Barrett , this letter is the most sensible starting point for an examination of all seven of Ignatius' letters.

Quotes

To the episcopate

  • (...) the Church of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, which is located in Philadelphia in Asia, pardoned and consolidated in unity with God, which exults without ceasing in the suffering of our Lord and which is completed in his resurrection in every mercy , whom I greet in the blood of Jesus Christ, who is my eternal and lasting joy, especially when she is one with her bishop and his presbyters and the deacons appointed according to Jesus Christ's will, whom he has strengthened in firmness through his saint according to his own will Ghost. (Introduction)
  • (...) all who belong to God and Jesus Christ are on the side of the bishop (...) (3, 2)
  • (...) Keep to the bishop, the presbytery and the deacons. (...) (7, 1)
  • (...) Without a bishop nothing does (...) (7, 2)
  • (...) However, the Lord forgives all repentant people who are converted to unity with God and to union with the bishop. (...) (8, 1)

literature

  • Jakob Speigl : Ignatius in Philadelphia: Events and concerns in the Ignatius letters . In: Vigiliae Christianae . tape 41 , no. 4 , December 1987, pp. 360-376 , JSTOR : 1583740 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Jakob Speigl : Ignatius in Philadelphia: Events and concerns in the Ignatius letters . In: Vigiliae Christianae . tape 41 , no. 4 , December 1987, pp. 360–376 , JSTOR : 1583740 : "CK Barrett expressed most clearly that for the investigation of the Ignatius letters it makes sense to start with a letter to Philadelphia, and it has also been seen elsewhere."