What description does Ignatius give of the Church in Rome in the salutation? How does this apply to all true Christians and orthodox congregations?

		

		

		

		

	

What things cause Ignatius to seek martyrdom?

		

		

		

		

	

Does Ignatius put the hope of salvation in his impending martyrdom? Is this some kind of works righteousness he is pursuing?

		

		

		

		

	

Why does Ignatius speak of his impending martyrdom as the completion of his becoming a Christian?

		

		

		

		

	

Note in paragraph 6 how Ignatius speaks to the Romans about dying and living. Why does he ask the Romans “do not keep me from living” when previously he had asked them not to interfere in his death?

		

		

		

		

	

How has suffering been beneficial to Ignatius in terms of his maturation as a Christian?

		

		

		

		

	

What is Ignatius’ desire now as he approaches the end of life? Is this our desire?

		

		

		

		

		

		

	

Pr. David A. Kind

	

May 21, 2003