It is with great pleasure I present to you: The Ignatius Project

In 1998, as a freshman at Cal-State Fullerton, I began to study the Scriptures and Christian history in-depth. Soon I became aware of an Early Church Father by the name of Ignatius of Antioch. He had been a student of John the Apostle, and was a leader in the second generation Church.

Around AD 110 Ignatius was arrested and transported from Syrian Antioch to Rome, where he was destined to die a martyr's death. On his way to Rome, Ignatius penned these seven letters as his farewell and dying testament to six churches and his dear friend, Polycarp.

I was deeply touched by these letters then, and they still resonate with me today. To me they are a valuable tool in understanding the pitfalls so often encountered by second-generation Christians. I believe these letters contain much needed advice and address many of the concerns faced by the modern Church.

The following edition of the Seven Letters of Ignatius is based on the 1693 translation work of William Wake, and has been revised by myself since 2002. However, in the Letter to Smyrna this is only true for the first 7 1/2 verses; the majority has been taken from Cyril Richardson's 1935 translation. Such is the case for now, until I can revise it myself.

I pray these letters are a blessing to your life as they were to mine.

Pastor Mike
January 2013

1 Ignatius: The Letter to the Church at Ephesus

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius, also known as Theophorus, to the church at Ephesus, in Asia Minor, deservingly joyful, as you are blessed through the greatness and fullness of God the Father; predestined before the world began to be ever moving towards an enduring and unchangeable glory; united and chosen through His death, according to the will of the Father and Jesus Christ our God-- all joy in Jesus Christ and His undefiled grace.

     2 I have heard of your name, so beloved in God; which you have ...
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2 Ignatius: The Letter to the Church at Magnesia

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius, also known as Theophorus; to the blessed church near the Meander river in Magnesia, whom I greet by the grace of God the Father in our Savior Jesus Christ. I wish joy to all of you.

    2  When I heard of your well ordered love and compassion in God, I greatly desired in all joy to speak to you concerning the Faith of Jesus Christ.  3  Having been found worthy to obtain a divine name because of my chains, I commend the churches; wishing them a union of the body and Spir...
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3 Ignatius: The Letter to the Church at Tralles

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius. also known as Theophorus, to the holy Church of Tralles, in Asia: which is beloved of God, the Father of Jesus Christ; you are elect and worthy of our God, as you have received peace through the flesh, blood, and passion of Jesus Christ-- whose resurrection is our hope. I greet you in all your fullness, as you have continued in apostolic character, and I wish you all joy and happiness.

    2  I have heard of your blameless, patient, and inseparable mind; which is not on...
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4 Ignatius: The Letter to the Church at Rome

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius, also known as Theophorus, to the church which has obtained mercy in the majesty of the Most High Father, and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; to you who are beloved and illuminated in the will of Him who wills all things, according to the love of Jesus Christ our God.

    In His Name I greet you who reside in the regions of the city of Rome, as you are united in flesh and Spirit to all of His commands, and filled with the grace of God; may you have all joy in our Go...
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5 Ignatius: The Letter to the Church at Philadelphia

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius, also known as Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, which is located at Philadelphia in Asia; which being steadfast in unity, has obtained mercy in God; rejoicing always in the passion of our Lord, and fulfilled in His resurrection.

   2 I greet you in the blood of Jesus Christ, which is our pure and eternal joy; especially if you remain in unity with your bishop and presbytery, along with your deacons who are appointed according to the ...
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6 Ignatius: The Letter to the Church at Smyrna

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius, also known as Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father and the Beloved Jesus Christ, which God has mercifully blessed with every good gift; as indeed you are continually filled with faith and love to the point that you come short in no spiritual gift. The Church at Smyrna, in Asia, is most worthy of God and fruitful in saints, and may all joy come to you through His perfect Spirit, and the Word of God.

    2  I praise God, even Jesus Christ, who has granted you such ...
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7 Ignatius: The Letter To Polycarp

Posted by Michael La Framboise on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chapter 1
FROM Ignatius, also known as Theophorus, to Polycarp, the bishop of the church at Smyrna; although their overseer, he is overseen by God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  All joy to you.

  2  I know that your mind is set upon God as it were set upon an immovable rock; and I am so grateful that I have been thought worthy to know you, and for this privilege I continually rejoice in God.

  3  Considering this, I exhort you by the grace of God in which you have been clothed, to pr...
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