Letter 4

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans Greeting. Ignatius, also called Theophorus, addresses the Church in Rome, which he describes as "worthy of God, worthy of honour, worthy of the highest happiness, worthy of praise." He wishes abundance of happiness to those "united, both according to the flesh and spirit, to every one of His commandments." Chapter 1. As a prisoner, I hope to see you. Through prayer, Ignatius has obtained the privilege of seeing the Romans' faces. He hopes, "as a prisoner in Christ Jesus" to greet them, if God deems him worthy of attaining the end. He expresses fear that their love might spare him from his intended fate. Chapter 2. Do not save me from martyrdom. Ignatius beseeches the Romans not to interfere with his martyrdom. He states: "if you show your love to my flesh, I shall again have to run my race." He requests that they allow him to be "sacrificed to God while the altar is still prepared," so that through his death he may "set from the world unto God." Chapter 3. Pray rather that I may attain to martyrdom. He asks the Romans to pray for his spiritual strength, requesting that he "not only speak, but truly will" and be "really found to be" a Christian. He emphasizes that "nothing visible is eternal," and that Christianity requires both speech and manifest greatness. Chapter 4. Allow me to fall a prey to the wild beasts. Ignatius declares: "I shall willingly die for God, unless you hinder me." He requests to "become food for the wild beasts" so that he may "attain to God." Using vivid imagery, he describes himself as "the wheat of God," asking to be "ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ." Chapter 5. I desire to die. From Syria to Rome, Ignatius reports fighting with beasts, "bound to ten leopards, I mean a band of soldiers." He prays the beasts will rush upon him eagerly. He declares: "Now I begin to be a disciple," and requests that neither visible nor invisible things prevent him from attaining Christ. Chapter 6. By death I shall attain true life. Ignatius asserts that worldly pleasures and kingdoms "shall profit me nothing." He emphasizes that it is "better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth." He seeks Christ, "who died for us," and requests the Romans "do not hinder me from living" in spiritual terms. Chapter 7. Reason of desiring to die. The prince of this world seeks to corrupt him, he warns. His "love has been crucified," and within him is "a water that lives and speaks." He desires "the bread of God, the heavenly bread," which is Christ's flesh and His blood as "incorruptible love and eternal life." Chapter 8. Be favourable to me. Ignatius requests that the Romans "give credit to me," assuring them that "Jesus Christ will reveal these things to you." He concludes: "If I shall suffer, you have wished well to me; but if I am rejected, you have hated me." Chapter 9. Pray for the church in Syria. He requests prayers for the Syrian Church, which now has God as its shepherd. Though unworthy, he has "obtained mercy to be somebody, if I shall attain to God." Other churches have preceded him "city by city" to meet him. Chapter 10. Conclusion. Written from Smyrna by the Ephesians, Ignatius mentions Crocus among those with him. Regarding those who preceded him from Syria to Rome, he requests the Romans refresh them and make known his arrival. The letter concludes with a date and a final exhortation: "Fare well to the end, in the patience of Jesus Christ."