Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who was born around 35 A.D., was a direct disciple of the Apostles Peter and John, who taught him the faith and later ordained him to be the third bishop of Antioch according to Saint John Chrisostom. Like many early Christians, Saint Ignatius underwent persecution at the hands of the Roman Emperor; eventually, he was arrested and condemned to death in the arena in Rome.
During his final journey to the capital, Saint Ignatius wrote letters to various Christian communities in Asia Minor and Rome within which he extolls the importance of obedience to the local bishop, participation in the Eucharist, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. While there are several spurious letters attributed to the Bishop, the seven extant, authentic letters, which are here presented, demonstrate a clear articulation of the divinely revealed theological tenets; additionally, they showcase the Church's transition from a loose collection of communities to a more structured ecclesiastical organization As a true shepherd, Saint Ignatius stresses the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist – a reality made more poignant by the fact that he was instructed by the Apostle John, who wrote, in John 6, that the bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ.
While not shying away from the fear and pain that awaited him, the bishop expressed his eagerness to unite with Christ fully, even if it meant facing a gruesome death. Ignatius's unshakeable faith in the face of severe persecution has since become an inspirational example for countless Christians throughout history.
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