Epistles

EPISTLES

St. Ignatius of Antioch

The shorter versions of the seven epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch, considered by scholars to be the authentic texts. The so-called longer versions are thought to be 4th century forgeries. In these electronic versions the footnotes, unfortunately, were not provided.

  To the Ephesians
  To the Magnesians
  To the Trallians
  To the Romans
  To the Philadelphians
  To the Smyrnaeans
  To Polycarp

St. Ignatius of Antioch (?-107 AD), called Theophorus (God-bearer), the third bishop of Antioch (after St. Peter and Evodius), was brought to Rome in 107 AD under Emperor Trajan (98-117) and exposed to the wild beasts. On the way to Rome he wrote seven letters to the Christians of Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Smyrna, Philadelphia, and to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. The authenticity of the seven letters is guaranteed by Polycarp and Eusebius, who give the content and order of the letters. [From: Patrick J. Hamell, Handbook of Patrology (NY: Alba House, 1968)]