St. Ignatius of Antioch

The epistles of St. Ignatius are presented here in their entirety, offering valuable historical insight through an accessible English translation.

St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of the earliest and most significant Christian leaders, became Bishop of Antioch around 67 A.D. During his ministry, he wrote several letters to Christian communities and individuals, many of which survive as some of the earliest Christian texts. Known for his extensive travels and missionary zeal, Ignatius also gave us the first recorded use of the term “Catholic Church.”

This edition includes the seven letters widely regarded as authentic, referenced by the historian Eusebius in the 4th century:

• Epistle to the Ephesians

• Epistle to the Magnesians

• Epistle to the Trallians

• Epistle to the Romans

• Epistle to the Philadelphians

• Epistle to the Smyrnaeans

• Epistle to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna

For completeness, this edition also includes a collection of epistles traditionally attributed to Ignatius but whose authenticity is disputed:

• Epistle to the Tarsians

• Epistle to the Antiochians

• Epistle to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch

• Epistle to the Philippians

• Epistle of Maria the Proselyte to Ignatius

• Epistle to Mary at Neapolis, Zarbus

• First and Second Epistles to St. John

• The Epistle of Ignatius to the Virgin Mary

A valuable resource for those interested in early Christianity, these letters shed light on the beliefs, struggles, and hopes of the Church in its formative decades.