I am writing to all the Churches and I enjoin all, that I am dying willingly for God's sake, if only you do not prevent it. I beg you, do not do me an untimely kindness. Allow me to be eaten by the beasts, which are my way of reaching to God. I am God's wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ.
Ignatius of AntiochPray without ceasing on behalf of other men...For cannot he that falls rise again?
Ignatius of AntiochFor Faith is the beginning and the end is love, and God is the two of them brought into unity. After these comes whatever else makes up a Christian gentleman.
Ignatius of AntiochIt is better for me to die in behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth.
Ignatius of AntiochFor some are in the habit of carrying about the name in wicked guile, while they still practice things unworthy of God. You must flee these as you would wild beasts. For they are ravening dogs, who bite secretly, against whom you must be on your guard, since they are men who can scarcely be cured.
Ignatius of Antioch