God's Generals - Ignatius
In this series, we will be taking a look at the development of Christianity through the input of some great men of God I call “God’s Generals”.
Today, we will start with one of the earliest martyrs of faith, Ignatius.
IGNATIUS of Antioch (died July 6 108)
Ignatius Theophorus (the God bearer) was born 35 years after the death of Christ. He was known to be one of the disciples of Apostle John. Ignatius was one of the earliest Bishops of Antioch(where the term ‘Christians was first used).
Ignatius himself was the first to use the term ‘Catholic Church’ in his Apostolic writings. He was also the first to use the term ‘Christianity’. Ignatius is believed to be ordained Bishop by Apostle Peter himself.
Ignatius was a major influence on the progress of the early church through several letters he wrote to the church in Rome, Ephesus among others. In his letters, he attack several false doctrines that were being spread at that time.
Ignatius lived in a period where it was very difficult being a Christian. Many Christians were killed during that period. The church suffered a great persecution but Ignatius continued preaching the gospel until he was arrested on his way to Rome.
He was sent to the Roman emperor where he refused to deny Christ. For him, "the nearer the sword, the nearer God". He would rather die than deny his faith. He was taken to the Roman Colosseum(a 50,000 seating capacity ground where the Romans sat to watch death games)where he was fed to hungry lions who fed on his flesh until he was reduced to bones. His followers took up his bones and buried him. That was how this God’s General achieved martyrdom.
Source: "70 GREAT CHRISTIANS" - Geoffrey Hanks