Ignatius says of Polycarp that he is one who has God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as his bishop. What does this say about the office of the ministry and the structure and/or hierarchy of the church?

	

What sorts of things is the bishop to be about? 

		

		

		

		

	

In what ways are these tasks difficult at times?

		

		

		

		

	

What is Ignatius speaking about when he says that “Not all wounds are healed by the same plaster”? What are the different remedies available to the bishop?

		

		

		

		

	

Where is the bishop to find the strength, wisdom and patience to accomplish his work?

	

In what ways is the bishop to encourage the Christians under his care?

	

In what ways is the congregation to encourage the bishop?

		

		

		

		

	

Ignatius says: “Your works are deposits so that you may receive the full sum due you” Is this statement contrary to the Gospel?

		

		

		

		

	

What do you make of this statement? “A Christian has no authority of his own but spends his time for God.” 

		

		

	

Pr. David A. Kind

	

July 30, 2003