How does Ignatius describe the church in Ephesus in the Salutation? What does this reveal about Ignatius’ theology? What does it reveal about the Early Church’s understanding of salvation?

	

From where, according to Ignatius in paragraph 1:1, did the church in Ephesus get its virtuous nature? How does this flow out of St. Paul’s letter to the same congregation written about 55 years earlier? See Ephesians 5:1-2. 

		

		

		

		

	

Why does Ignatius, a bishop, hope to become a disciple by martyrdom? What does he mean by this? See paragraphs 1:2, 3:1.

		

		

		

		

	

What does Ignatius say about the Ephesians’ bishop Onesimus? What does he encourage the congregation toward in paragraph 2:2? 

		

		

		

		

	

In paragraphs 4-6, What is Ignatius theology regarding the relationships between bishop, elders and people in the Church? Why do you think he makes such a big point about this? 

		

		

		

		

	

How does he view the office of the ministry in relation to Christ? Is his view right? (See I Luke 10:16; Titus 1:7; Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 4:1) 

		

		

		

		

	

What would it mean if one were at odds with the bishop and broke the unity?

		

		

		

		

		

		

	

Pr. David A. Kind

	

April 9, 2003