The Letter to the Philadelphians continues Ignatius’s insistence of the role of the Church hierarchy. He does not do this because of his own interest for retaining power in the Church. The Church at this time was still an underground venture and at the time that Ignatius was writing these letters he was on the way to his death in Rome. Let us examine his letter to the Philadelphians.
Those, indeed, who belong to God and to Jesus Christ- they are with the Bishop. And those who repent and come to the unity of the Church- they too shall be of God, and will be living according to Jesus Christ. Do not err, my brethren: if anyone follow a schismatic, he will not inherit the Kingdom of God. If any man walk about with strange doctrine, he cannot lie down with the passion. Take care, then, to use on Eucharist, so that whatever you do, you do according to God: for there is one Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup in the union of his Blood; one altar, as there is one bishop with the presbytery and my fellow servants, the deacons.[3,2-4-1]
My brethren, I am overflowing with love for you, and exceedingly joyful in watching over you. Yet, not I, but Jesus Christ; and in chains for His sake, I am the more fearful because I am not perfected. Your prayer, however, will make me perfect for God, so that I may win the lot which has mercifully fallen to me. I make the gospel my refuge, as it were the flesh of Jesus, and the Apostles as the presbytery of the Church. The prophets also do we love, because they too have announced the gospel; and they hoped in Him and awaited Him. In Him and by their faith in Him they were saved, being united to Jesus Christ. They are saints worthy of love and worthy of admiration, approved by Jesus Christ and numbered together in the gospel of the common hope. [5,1]
St. Ignatius’ forceful proclamation that unity with the bishop is a requirement to inherit the Kingdom of God may cause the modern day protestant and even some Catholics to cringe when they hear it. Protestantism is largely is an individualistic version of Christianity. It’s foundation is based on the idea that the individuals interpretation of scripture is paramount to any authoritative Church interpretation. Protestantism was largely founded on schism and has continually led to schism. Ignatius wouldn’t give many Protestants the time of day as you can see in his writings. He detested schism as many of the Early Church Fathers did.
In these passages one also can see the doctrines of the Eucharist being taught by Ignatius. There is also an early example of intercessory prayer being used to help in ones sanctification and perfection in Christ. Protestants cringe when Catholics pray for the dead and while Ignatius was still living many who die may not be perfected yet in Christ and do need our prayers because they do help others in their journey to perfection in Christ. Let us continue to examine the letter to the Philadelphians.
Do nothing without the bishop, keep your body as the temple of God, love unity, flee from divisions, be imitators of Jesus Christ, as He was imitator of the Father.
I did my best as a man devoted to unity. But there is division and anger, God does not dwell. The Lord, however, forgives all who repent, if their repentance leads to the unity of God and to the council of the bishop. I have faith in the grace of Jesus Christ; and He will remove from you every Chain. [8,1]
I beseech you, therefore, do nothing in a spirit of division, but act according to Christian teaching. Indeed, I heard some men saying: “If you do not find it in the official records in the gospel I do not believe.” And when I made answer to them, “It is written!” they replied, “That is the point at issue.” But to me, the official record is Jesus Christ; the inviolable record is His cross, His death, and His resurrection, and the faith which He brings about:- in these I desire to be justified by your prayers.
These passages continue the theme of the authoritative role of the bishop. Ignatius is adamant that unity must be a unity under the bishop(s) of the Church. Remember this was written in the early second century. This is not a play for power for a man that is on his journey to his death in Rome. We also see an early refutation to Bible alone theology. It is an early rebuke of the idea that every doctrine must be written to be true. I find it interesting that early on this doctrine was rebuked by the Bishop of the Catholic Church in Antioch.
To be continued…
