Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 29:2 (Summer 2025)
Article: The Biblical Christology Of Ignatius Of Antioch: A Case For Scriptural Authority
Author: Ryan G. McGaha

The Biblical Christology Of Ignatius Of Antioch: A Case For Scriptural Authority

Ryan G. McGaha

Ryan G. McGaha is a current PhD student of Historical and Theological Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary and currently works as an Academic Support Teacher at his church’s private Christian school, Virginia Academy. He also serves as an Assistant Professor for Northpoint University at their Falls Church, Virginia campus. He has a forthcoming book review on Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation. He and his wife Marie are members of Community Church, Ashburn, Virginia and are currently expecting their first child.

During the year 110 AD,1 a pastor from the city of Antioch in Syria was enroute toward his inevitable martyrdom. It was during this journey from Antioch to Rome that he visited multiple local churches along the way. Through the seven letters written to Ephesus, Tralles, Magnesia, Rome, Smyrna, Philadelphia, and Polycarp,2 we can surmise that Ignatius of Antioch articulated some of the earliest and most coherent Christological statements following the turn of the first century. In this article, I will argue that Ignatius referenced Old and New Testament Scriptures to articulate his Christology. I will first discuss how Ignatius referenced Scripture in three forms, direct citation, allusion, and imagery.3 I will then show how Ignatius utilized these three forms to discuss the names of Christ, Christ’s unity in the Godhead, and the incarnational narrative.

Ignatius’ Use Of Scripture

Much work has been done concerning Ignatius and his use of Scripture.4 However, it is difficult to tell how well a canon of Scripture was developed

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during his time of writing.5 That said, there are many identifiable references to Scripture throughout the writings of Ignatius in various forms.6 This discussion is helpful in understanding how early Christian articulation of Christology was not conducted in a vacuum, but rather early Christians were embedded in a reading culture centered in Old and New Testament writings which they used as the source for their theological articulation.7 Given how prominent Scripture is referenced throughout his writings, it is clear that Ignatius held Scripture to an authoritative standard, particularly in regard to his Christology. One of the...