“Just as we become aware of a meteor only when, after traveling silently through space for untold millions of miles, it blazes briefly through the atmosphere before dying in a shower of fire, so it is with Ignatius, bishop of Antioch in Syria,” writes Michael Holmes.

The only time we meet Ignatius is in the final few weeks of his life as he journeys towards martyrdom in Rome, sometime between 98-117 AD. Along the way he wrote a series of seven letters full of interest to historians and pastors alike. Historians get a unique glimpse into the church’s history at that pivotal time and see an early church leader’s teaching on a variety of important matters. Pastors should enjoy these letters because they are short and overflowing with pithy prose on church ministry and church life.

I recently worked through Ignatius’ letters for a doctoral seminar at The Institution and here are a collection of quotes of unique service to ordinary pastors.

Ignatius’ Top Ten

1. “When you (the church) meet together frequently, the powers of Satan are overthrown and his destructiveness is nullified by the unanimity of your faith.” (Ephesians, 13.1)
2. “It is better to be silent and be real than to talk and not be real. It is good to teach, if one does what one says.” (Ephesians 15.1)
3. “It is right, therefore, that we not just be called Christians, but that we actually be Christians.” (Magnesians, 4.1)
4. “I am guarding you in advance because you are very dear to me and I foresee the snares of the devil. You, therefore, must arm yourselves with gentleness and regain your strength in faith and in love.” (Trallians, 8.1)
5. “Where the shepherd is, there follow the sheep.” (Philadelphians, 2.1)
6. “Flee from divisions as the beginning of evils.” (Smyrnaeans, 8.1)
7. “Focus on unity, for there is nothing better.” (Polycarp, 1.2)
8. “Devote yourself to unceasing prayers; ask for greater understanding than you have. Keep alert with an unresting spirit.” (Polycarp, 1.3)
9. “If you love good disciples, it is of no credit to you; rather with gentleness bring the more troublesome ones into submission.” (Polycarp, 2.1)
10. “Stand firm, like an anvil being struck with a hammer. It is the mark of a great athlete to be bruised, yet still conquer.” (Polycarp, 3.1)