Catholic Saints – St. Ignatius of Antioch

Podcast: Catholic Saints (Augustine Institute)
Episode: St. Ignatius of Antioch
Date: October 17, 2025
Hosts: Taylor Kemp & Dr. Ben Akers

Episode Overview

This episode of the Catholic Saints podcast, hosted by Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers of the Augustine Institute, brings listeners into the life and legacy of St. Ignatius of Antioch. The discussion delves into his role as an early bishop, martyr, and key figure in the formation of Christian theology, unity, and ecclesial structure. Through insights into Ignatius’s letters—written on his way to martyrdom—the hosts highlight his profound teachings on Church authority, unity in Christ, and the Eucharist, while drawing out practical spiritual lessons for today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Brief Biography & Historical Context

• St. Ignatius of Antioch lived roughly from 30–107 AD, making him one of the earliest post-apostolic church leaders ([00:58]).
• According to St. John Chrysostom and Eusebius, Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch, after St. Peter and Evodius ([01:25] – [01:35]).
• Antioch is notably the place where followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" and, through Ignatius, also the first place the term "Catholic" is used for the Church ([01:45] – [02:14]).

Sources & Letters of Ignatius

• All we know about Ignatius comes from early historians like Eusebius and, crucially, from seven authentic letters he wrote en route to his martyrdom in Rome ([02:18] – [03:11]).
  • These letters are accessible via newadvent.org and are considered foundational texts for early Christian theology.
  • John Henry Newman: “All of Christian theology in outline form can be found in [Ignatius’s] seven letters.” ([03:14])

Major Theological Themes

Unity in Christ and the Church

• "Doctor of Unity": Pope Benedict XVI referred to Ignatius as the doctor of unity, meaning both union with Christ and amongst believers ([04:09]).
• Ignatius develops the Pauline image of Church as a body into the metaphor of a musical chorus or orchestra—each member plays a vital, unique part in harmonic unity ([05:00]).

Church Hierarchy

• He is the earliest explicit source describing the threefold hierarchy of bishop, priest, and deacon as established and vital for Church unity ([06:12], [08:48]).
  • Quote: “He’ll actually say, ‘Where the bishop is, there is the Catholic Church.’” (Dr. Ben Akers, [06:12])
  • The structure is a safeguard for unity against schism or doctrinal error.

Eucharist and Real Presence

• Ignatius is emphatic about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, describing a longing “to eat the flesh of Christ … to drink his blood,” giving early evidence of Catholic Eucharistic belief ([09:28]).
• He ties the Eucharist closely to martyrdom and Christian life, making both acts of union with Christ’s sacrifice ([11:41]).

Martyrdom as Witness

• Ignatius’s journey to death becomes a “manual for martyrdom”—he interprets his suffering as becoming Eucharistic bread for Christ, paralleling the Passion ([11:41], [13:09]).
  • Quote: “I am Christ’s wheat, ground fine by the lion’s teeth to be made purest Bread for Christ.” (Dr. Ben Akers quoting Ignatius, [11:42])
  • His letter to the Romans pleads: “Let every horrid and diabolical torment come upon me, provided only that I can win my way to Jesus Christ.” ([13:46])
  • Rather than escaping death, he asks Roman Christians not to intervene, viewing martyrdom as his ultimate witness.

Historical Connections & Legacy

• Polycarp: Ignatius writes to Polycarp, who himself knew St. John the Evangelist, showing the remarkable continuity and connection among early church leaders ([10:21]).
• Nickname: “Theophoros” (God-bearer); a later legend identifies him as the child taken up by Jesus in Mark 9 ([10:22]).
• Veneration and Relics: Ignatius’s relics were venerated in Antioch, later moved to St. Clement’s in Rome ([15:54] – [16:40]).
  • The presence of martyrs’ relics in church altars draws on his Eucharistic-martyrdom theology.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Importance of the Bishop:

  • “Where the bishop is, there is the Catholic Church.”
    — Dr. Ben Akers (paraphrasing Ignatius, [06:12])

• On the Universal Church:

  • “He’s the first one to use the word Catholic for Church. So Antioch is famous for that.”
    — Dr. Ben Akers ([01:47])

• On Martyrdom:

  • “I am Christ’s wheat, ground fine by the lion’s teeth to be made purest Bread for Christ.”
    — St. Ignatius (quoted by Dr. Ben Akers, [11:41])
  • “When there’s no trace of my body left for the world to see, then I shall truly be Jesus Christ’s disciple.”
    — St. Ignatius (quoted by Dr. Ben Akers, [13:19])
  • “Please don’t do what you think is charity towards me is not charity at all ... Let every horrid and diabolical torment come upon me, provided only that I can win my way to Jesus Christ.”
    — St. Ignatius (quoted by Dr. Ben Akers, [13:46])

• Spiritual Lesson:

  • “The closer we are to Christ, the closer we are to others that are also Christ’s disciples ... like a triangle—the closer we are to the apex, the closer we start to get to one another.”
    — Dr. Ben Akers ([16:44])

• Personal Reflection:

  • “Whenever I read ... about embracing of the cross ... you’re just like, oh, my goodness, like, I’m not there. I always have to remind myself like, this is a supernatural thing ... the Lord will provide the grace.”
    — Taylor Kemp ([14:36])

Suggested Spiritual Takeaways

• Unity in the Church: Closeness to Christ brings about authentic unity among all believers.
• Witness in Daily Life: Like Ignatius, Christians are called to give faithful witness—whether through quiet living or, if called, through sacrifice.
• Read the Letters: The hosts recommend reading Ignatius’s short letters (available at newadvent.org), describing them as “great spiritual reading” ([18:21]).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Biography and Early Church Context: [00:36] – [02:14]
• Ignatius's Letters and Theological Legacy: [03:11] – [04:00]
• Unity, Church Structure, and Hierarchy: [04:09] – [08:44]
• Eucharist and Martyrdom: [08:48] – [13:46]
• Ignatius’s Martyrdom and Veneration: [15:30] – [16:40]
• Practical Lessons and Closing Thoughts: [16:44] – [18:21]

Conclusion

St. Ignatius of Antioch stands as a profound model of unity, sacrificial love, and fidelity to Christ and his Church. Listeners are encouraged to explore his seven letters and to draw strength from his example—whether living ordinary lives or facing great trials—in the relentless pursuit of unity in Christ.

Feast Day: October 17
Iconography: Typically shown with lions, referencing his martyrdom.

Further Reading: Ignatius’s letters on newadvent.org