gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-ignatius-t-f63e

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: Ignatius to the Ephesians XXI

# Ignatius to the Ephesians, Chapter XXI ## The Text In this closing chapter, Ignatius writes: *"As for my fellow-servant Burrhus, your deacon in regard to God and blessed in all things, I beg that he may continue longer, both for your honour and that of your bishop. And Crocus also, worthy both of God and you, whom I have received as the manifestation of your love, hath in all things refreshed me, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ shall also refresh him; together with Onesimus, and Burrhus, and Euplus, and Fronto, by means of whom, I have, as to love, beheld all of you. May I always have joy of you, if indeed I be worthy of it. It is meet, therefore, that you should in every way glorify Jesus Christ, who hath glorified you, that by a unanimous obedience you may be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment, and may all speak the same thing concerning the same thing, and that, being subject to the bishop and the presbytery, ye may in all respects be sanctified."* ## Key Themes ### 1. **Honor for Faithful Ministers** Ignatius commends **Burrhus** (his deacon) and **Crocus** (a messenger from Ephesus) as examples of faithful service. This reflects the biblical principle of honoring those who serve well: - **1 Timothy 5:17** - "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." - **Philippians 2:29** - "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem." ### 2. **The Unity of Love** Ignatius sees these delegates as a "manifestation" of the Ephesians' love—their physical presence represents the church's affection. This echoes: - **2 Corinthians 8:23-24** - Titus and companions as "messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ" - **Philemon 1:7** - "For we have great joy and consolation in your love" ### 3. **Mutual Refreshment** The phrase "hath in all things refreshed me" recalls: - **Philemon 1:7** - "the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother" - **1 Corinthians 16:18** - "For they have refreshed my spirit and yours" ### 4. **Unity in Submission to Church Leadership** Ignatius's persistent theme appears again: unity comes through submission to the **bishop and presbytery**. He echoes Paul's language: - **1 Corinthians 1:10** - "that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" - **Ephesians 4:3-6** - maintaining "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" ## Historical Context This chapter reveals **early 2nd-century church practice**: - Deacons like Burrhus traveled with bishops - Churches sent representatives to encourage imprisoned leaders - The three-fold ministry (bishop, presbyters, deacons) was already established in Asia Minor ## Application Ignatius teaches us to: 1. **Honor faithful servants** publicly and specifically 2. **See Christian messengers** as embodiments of the churches that send them 3. **Pursue unity** through both doctrinal agreement and structural order 4. **Refresh one another** in Christian fellowship The chapter beautifully blends personal warmth with ecclesiastical structure—showing that order and affection are not opposed but complementary in church life.