Ignatius of Antioch

The bishop who invented the word "Catholic" on his way to be eaten by lions.

Bishop of Antioch (one of the earliest and most important Christian communities), Ignatius was arrested and transported to Rome under armed guard to be executed in the arena. During the journey, he wrote seven passionate letters to various churches that became foundational documents of early Christianity.

Verified Facts

• His letters contain the earliest known use of the term "Catholic Church" (καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία), meaning the "universal" church, to distinguish the mainstream Christian community from heretical splinter groups.
• He is the earliest writer to strongly insist on a hierarchical church structure with a single bishop (monarchical episcopacy) at the top of each community—a model that became standard for all of Christianity.
• His letters passionately argue against Docetism (the belief that Jesus only appeared to have a physical body), insisting that Jesus truly suffered and truly died—a theological battle that would rage for centuries.
• He wrote to the Roman church begging them NOT to intervene to save him from execution, writing: "Let me be food for the wild beasts... I am God's wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts to become pure bread of Christ."

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading

• Wikipedia: Ignatius of Antioch
• Early Christian Writings: Ignatius

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