BIO:Ignatius 35-107 A.D. Bishop of Antioch, where disciples were first
called Chris- tians in Acts 11. Ignatius was a native Syrian and a
contem- porary of John the Apostle and Polycarp. He was the first man
to use the term "catholic," but he never used it in any let- ter as
referring to anything more than the body of born-again believers who
were in Christ by the Holy Spirit. At no time does he suggest that such
a term applies to anything Roman, or connected with Rome. Nor does he
ever connect it with any- one who thinks that water baptism is a part
of salvation. The attitude of Ignatius was, "I would rather die for
Christ than rule the whole earth. Leave me to the beasts, that I may by
them be a partaker of God. Welcome, nails and cross! Welcome, broken
bones, bruised body! Welcome, all diabolic torture, if I may but obtain
the Lord Jesus Christ!" Ignatius was thrown to the lions and eaten
alive in 107 A.D.
ARTIST'S NOTE: The colors and composition are self-explana- tory.
The expression of the lion is in deliberate contrast to Ignatius, who
has been given a look of perfect peace and relaxation.
Ruckman '66

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Christian Biographies